Devils in Disguise

05/02/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Devils Shut Out Rangers (4-0) in Game 7 for First Playoff Series Win Since 2012

The Rangers made trade deadline moves a few months ago to go all in for 2023, and it looked like it might pay off. They led the Devils 2-0 in the opening-round series before New Jersey reeled off three straight. New York fired back in Game 6 before last night’s Game 7 — the third Game 7 of the NHL’s first round — and it was all Devils. A 0-0 first period heightened the tension before Michael McLeod and Tomas Tatar scored in a five-minute span. With the Rangers backed up against the wall, the Devils added two more late goals to seal the deal. Akira Schmid made 31 saves for New Jersey, and the Devils — disguised as a first-round exit candidate — won four out of five to earn their first playoff series victory in more than a decade (2012) and set up a date with the Hurricanes. And just like that, Round 2 is set.

 

1st-Round Series Highlights

Gm 7: Devils def. Rangers (4-0) | NJD Wins (4-3)

 

Conference Semifinals Schedule (Game 1s)

Gm 1: Panthers at Maple Leafs (Tonight, 7:00 pm ET)

Gm 1: Kraken at Stars (Tonight, 9:30 pm ET)

Gm 1: Devils at Hurricanes (Tomorrow, 7:00 pm ET)

Gm 1: Oilers at Golden Knights (Tomorrow, 9:30 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

USA Today: Devils Down Rangers in Game 7 to Reach 2nd Round

SI: Updated Stanley Cup Odds: New Favorites With Bruins Eliminated

 

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images