For an objective recap of the game action, I refer you to the Associated Press article.
This was a tremendous game to watch, lots of hitting, lots of aggressive plays. Although the final score does not indicate a close game, it was in fact a one goal affair until very late. Sean Avery scored a monumental insurance goal with about three minutes left to play, which was set up nicely by Scott Gomez (who by the way had three assists against his former team). The fourth and final goal was an empty netter by Nigel Dawes in the final seconds.
OTHER NOTES
- The Devils played a very physical game. They are gonna make the Rangers earn every goal in this series.
- The post was not anyone’s friend tonight. The Devils hit the post on at least three shots. It also denied Jaromir Jagr on a pretty scoring chance in the first period.
- Ryan Callahan deserves an “Avis” award tonight- because he tried harder than anyone during a shift mid way through the third period. He threw a couple of hits on a penalty kill, followed the puck around the net, and caught Marty Brodeur napping waiting to make a pass. He banked the puck under Brodeur to take a 2-1 lead.
- Brodeur’s counterpart Henrik Lundqvist was DY-NO-MITE!!! He made two saves within 15 seconds of each other in the third period that were just outstanding. The second of which, a diving pad stop on Patrick Elias at point blank range, will be shown frequently on TV highlight shows until Game 2. It was that good.
- Rangers showed urgency in this game, as they should have. With the 1-0 series lead they put the pressure on the Devils to even things before losing home ice advantage. It’s now time for the Devils to respond, or face an 0-2 hole at Madison Square Garden.
- Game 2 is Friday night at 7:00.
Filed under: NHL - Devils, NHL - Rangers, Writer - Tim Sharobem
