Devils Vs. Rangers, Game 1: New York Uses Strong Third Period To Grab 1-0 Series Lead

John Tortorella Doesn't Know What You're Talking About

Devils Vs. Rangers: Despite Game 1 Victory, Rangers Must Make Adjustments

Even though the Rangers won the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final, the club needs to make adjustments going into Game 2.

Devils Vs. Rangers, Game 1: Ryan McDonagh Impressive In New York Win

Ryan McDonagh has turned heads with the New York Rangers, grabbing top-unit minutes alongside Dan Girardi for most of the season. McDonagh's strong play has been vital for the club all season long, especially in the early going when Marc Staal remained sidelined with a concussion, and his fine play has continued into the playoffs.

In Game 1 against the Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals, McDonagh was perhaps the most impressive Ranger on the ice. Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter explained:

McDonagh played like an absolute beast [Monday night]. He was a monster on the backcheck, and made a great play on Zach Parise to break up a partial breakaway. He had another play later in the second period, where he caught up to Ilya Kovalchuk on another partial break, and gave him no room to shoot. McDonagh is getting better, game by game, and he just continues to impress.

Stick with our StoryStream for full coverage of Devils vs. Rangers Game 1. For coverage from the New Jersey perspective, check in with Devils blog In Lou We Trust and for coverage from the New York perspective, check in with Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.

Devils Vs. Rangers: Despite 3-0 Loss, New Jersey Must Stick With Game Plan

The New Jersey Devils have experienced their best stretch of postseason success in some time with a furious forechecking game and aggressive penalty kill, but that went by the wayside in Monday night's third period.

Devils Vs. Rangers, Game 1: New York's Shot Blocking Key To Victory

The Devils dominated the Rangers offensively for most of Monday night's Game 1, but in the end, Henrik Lundqvist wasn't forced to see all that many pucks thanks to a stifling New York defense that kept New Jersey to the outside. Defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi each had five blocks apiece, and in total the Rangers blocked 26 shots. That's compared to the 21 shots the Devils were able to get on goal.

Devils blog In Lou We Trust felt this was a key in their team's 3-0 Game 1 defeat.

What was remarkable was that every defenseman not named Michael Del Zotto got at least one block, and four had at least three each. For a team that was thought to be tired and definitely looked that (way) in the second period, they were more than willing to put themselves in harm's way. I suspect it's going to continue. The Devils need to adjust either by shooting much quicker to allow less time for the Rangers to get in their way, or to move the puck much faster to get away from Rangers pressing on them almost man-to-man.

Stick with our StoryStream for full coverage of Devils vs. Rangers Game 1. For coverage from the New Jersey perspective, check in with Devils blog In Lou We Trust and for coverage from the New York perspective, check in with Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.

POLL: Is The New York Rangers Goal Song The Worst In Hockey?

Rangers Vs. Devils, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 1: Rangers Win 3-0

After playing a scoreless first two periods, the New York Rangers scored three times in the third period to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Dan Girardi got the scoring underway with a goal just 53 seconds into the third period. Chris Kreider scored his third goal of the playoffs with 8:00 minutes play before Artem Anisimov capped the scoring off with an empty-net goal with 1:27 left in the game.

New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist finished with 21 saves for his second shutout of the postseason. The Rangers finished the game with a 28-21 advantage in shots on goal including a 10-4 advantage in the third period.

The series will continue with Game 2 on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET.

SB Nation New York will have coverage from both sides throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. For all news and information regarding the New York Rangers, please visit Blueshirt Banter. For updates and perspective on the New Jersey Devils, head on over to In Lou We Trust. For complete coverage of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

New York Rangers Outlast New Jersey Devils In Game 1

The Rangers may have won Game 1, but it certainly feels like they did so in spite of their overall performance. They dominated the third period against the New Jersey Devils, but in the first 40 minutes, N.J. was clearly the better of the two teams. They controlled possession and outplayed the Rangers in just about all facets of the game.

Give credit to New York for hanging in and putting themselves in a position to take over the game in the third period, sure. Give them credit for outlasting the Devils in the game. Give them credit for blocking more shots (26) than the Devils were able to put on goal (21).

But despite the win, there are plenty of things for the Rangers to work on as they prepare for Game 2, just as there are plenty of bright spots for the Devils as they look to go for the split at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

VIDEO: Chris Kreider Goal Gives Rangers 2-0 Lead

Martin Brodeur saved the Devils with a huge save at the 9:43 mark of the third. At the 12:00 mark, he gave up this goal on a Chris Kreider snap shot. It gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead.

It certainly looked like the fast release on the shot fooled Brodeur a bit, didn't it? The power-play goal came thanks to a pretty little dish from Artem Anisimov, but it's all just symbolic of how the Rangers have run over New Jersey in the third period. It all started with a seeing-eye point blast early in the period, and from there, it all snowballed into utter domination by New York.

Even a penalty minutes later on Kreider couldn't keep the Rangers down. They killed off the hooking minor with ease, generating the same number of shot attempts with a man down as the Devils did while a man up. Now, New Jersey needs two goals in about three and a half minutes. On Henrik Lundqvist.

Martin Brodeur Makes Unreal Third Period Save

The Rangers have taken over the third period since their early goal, and that Devils attack that persisted through the first two periods has yet to be seen late in this one. That's awful news for New Jersey as New York continues to pour on the pressure, but they at least have Martin Brodeur in their crease saving them with stops like this.

He's 40 years old, by the way. Did you guys know that?

VIDEO: Dan Girardi Blast Gives New York 1-0 Lead

The way this Game 1 has played out, it seemed like the Rangers were going to have to score one of these types of goals. They hadn't been able to establish much offensive zone time of their own, and with the Devils defense set up so well positionally, it was going to take something like a blast from the point with traffic in front of Martin Brodeur.

Yep. There ya go, Madison Square Garden. Dan Girardi's goal just 53 seconds into the third. Chris Kreider and Michael Del Zotto earned the assists. Derek Stepan probably earned one there too with the big time screen.

It's a rough break for the Devils after controlling much of the game offensively, and with the way the Rangers have kept most New Jersey chances to the perimeter with solid defensive positioning and a ton of shot blocks, the Devils are going to have to rely on a mistake from Henrik Lundqvist. That ... might not happen.

Rangers Vs. Devils, 2012 NHL Playoffs Game 1: Still Tied 0-0 At Second Intermission

The Rangers and Devils have played two periods of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but neither team has broken through on the scoreboard and the game remains tied 0-0.

The Rangers hold a slight 18-17 lead on total shots, but were unable to convert either of their two power-play opportunities in the second period. New York is 0-3 on power plays in this game. Michael Del Zotto leads the Rangers with five shots on goal.

New Jersey had one power-play opportunity in the second period, thanks to a Brandon Prust penalty for roughing, but were unable to capitalize. Martin Brodeur has been solid in goal for the Devils and Zach Parise leads New Jersey with four shots on goal.

SB Nation New York will have coverage from both sides throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. For all news and information regarding the New York Rangers, please visit Blueshirt Banter. For updates and perspective on the New Jersey Devils, head on over to In Lou We Trust. For complete coverage of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

The Devils' Forecheck In Moving Picture Form

We've talked about the Devils' aggressive, successful forecheck quite a bit in Game 1. We can write all the words we want about it, but you'd much rather just see it in action, right? Here's just one example, but Adam Henrique makes this play happen with some great initial pressure on a puck race versus Anton Stralman.

Devils' Penalty Kill Dominant Through 2 Periods

New Jersey’s penalty kill was among the best in the NHL during the regular season, but in their first round series against the Panthers, it was an absolute mess. You could argue that the weakness of the PK — and thus the strength of the Florida power play — was one of the reasons the series stretched to seven games.

The Devils returned to superiority in the PK department against Philly in Round 2, and in Game 1, it’s certainly looking like more of the same. Through two periods, the Devils have killed off three penalties and they’ve allowed only five New York shots in those three chances. Meanwhile, they’ve taken five shorthanded shots on goal.

New Jersey’s forecheck has been great at even strength, so they’re basically limiting New York to chances at 5-on-4. The Rangers haven’t been able to do much of anything there, either.

New Jersey Establishing Strong Forecheck In Second Period

Oh, wait? You mean you were expecting a series between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers to feature goals? Silly you.

In all seriousness, the Rangers called timeout with 6:46 left in the second period after a long stretch of the Devils doing what they do best: Establishing a strong, relentless forecheck that’s tough for even the best defenses to stop. New Jersey’s wearing down the Rangers in their own end, and just as Philadelphia found out in Round 2, it’s really tough to stop New Jersey once they get deep in your zone.

The Rangers need to halt the Devils before they’re able to get in on the forecheck, and that means winning the initial puck battle. New York’s blocking a ton of shots and that’s been a solid formula for them all year, but if they’re going to play the entire game in their own end, they’re probably not going to win a seven-game series.

Dainius Zubrus Penalty Shifts Second-Period Momentum

The Devils certainly began to get their feet moving late in the first period, and when they came out to start the second, they grabbed the territorial advantage early.

Oh, but then Dainius Zubrus took a minor penalty for hooking Ryan McDonagh, negating a long New Jersey shift in the Rangers end and putting New York on the power play. Since that turning point at the 2:54 mark of the second, it’s been all Rangers: Shots on goal 5-2 in favor of New York, and a number of really strong shifts from the home team.

Don Cherry Celebrates His Greek Heritage

Via Sean Leahy, here's a look at Don Cherry's get-up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Had no idea the old coach had some Greek in him.

Patrick Elias Takes Puck To The Face: Here Are Bloody Images

Let the record show that Patrik Elias never left the bench after taking this puck to the mouth. Hockey player cliche goes here. Just an unfortunate bounce off what appeared to be his own stick.

Ice Quality Affecting Devils' Aggressive Forecheck?

The ice quality at Madison Square Garden in the first period of Game 1 is pretty awful. The puck is bouncing all over the place and it’s definitely hurting New Jersey’s ultra-aggressive forecheck a bit.

The Devils were able to dispatch Philadelphia so quickly in the Conference Semifinals by dominating and controlling the puck on the forecheck, but in the first period against the Rangers, they haven’t been able to control things with the same kind of tenacity. Some of that can certainly be credited to their opponent, as the Rangers are faster on the backend than the Flyers, but part of it has to do with the ice, as well.

This is what happens when you put an ice rink over a train station, New York City.

Ryan McDonagh: Pretty Good At This Defense Thing, Part II

First he stopped Zach Parise. Now, Ilya Kovalchuk. Ryan McDonagh could stop a speeding car with his backchecking skills. But hey, at least Kovalchuk got a shot off this time. Progress for the Devils.

Ryan McDonagh: Pretty Good At This Defense Thing

Zach Parise had a clear breakaway on the Rangers goal, but Ryan McDonagh came out of nowhere and chased him down, making a phenomenal defensive play to stop him before he ever reached the net. Sort of like how McDonagh came out of nowhere after joining the Rangers in early 2011, right? [Scott Gomez trade joke]

Wait, Is That Mark Messier?

Bald white dude with a Rangers jersey in really expensive seats with a C on the chest? Could've fooled me.

Ottawa's Lasting 2012 Stanley Cup Playoff Legacy

And the “[insert opposing star player] sucks!” have reached round three. It all started with Ottawa’s serenade of Daniel Alfredsson at the 11:11 mark of each period at Scotiabank Place, a chant of respect for their long-time captain.

But in New York, they didn’t like that chant, and against the Senators in Round 1, they turned it into “Alfie sucks!” When they advanced to Round 2 against the Capitals, they turned it into “Ovi sucks!” at the 8:08 mark for Alex Ovechkin. Washington fans responded in kind with “Ovi!’ Ovi!” chants during games at Verizon Center.

The target of the Madison Square Garden faithful in the Conference Finals? Ilya Kovalchuk. Rangers fans are chanting “Kovy sucks!” at the 17:17 mark of each period, and we’d expect Devils fans to respond when this series shifts back across the river for Games 3, 4 and 6.

Yes, Stephane Matteau Is At The Garden For Game 1

They're not messing around in New York. It's the first trip to the Eastern Conference Final since 1997 for the Rangers, and it's a rematch of the phenomenal 1994 Conference Final against these same Devils. In that series, Stephane Matteau gave the Rangers the victory in double overtime of Game 7 to send them to the Cup Final and an eventual Stanley Cup victory.

And this year, as they prep for the rematch before Game 1? Yep, Matteau.

Stephane Matteau was just on the Jumbotron. They're bringing out the heavy artillery.

— Sean Gentille (@seangentille) May 14, 2012

True story: If this series reaches a Game 7, it'll be on the anniversary of Matteau's Game 7 goal.

Devils Vs. Rangers, Game 1 Lineups: No Changes For Either Team

And we’re ready for Game 1. The Devils and Rangers are on the ice for warmups in New York City, and with that, here’s a look at lineups. Both lineups come via the Bergen Record -- the Devils via writer Tom Gulitti and the Rangers via Andrew Gross. First, the Rangers:

Carl Hagelin – Brad Richards – Marian Gaborik
Chris Kreider – Derek Stepan – Ryan Callahan
Artem Anisimov – Brian Boyle – Ruslan Fedotenko
Mike Rupp – John Mitchell – Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh – Dan Girardi
Marc Staal – Anton Stralman
Michael Del Zotto – Stu Bickel

And for the Devils:

Alexei Ponikarovsky – Travis Zajac – Ilya Kovalchuk
Zach Parise – Patrik Elias – David Clarkson
Petr Sykora – Adam Henrique – Dainius Zubrus
Ryan Carter – Stephen Gionta – Steve Bernier

Andy Greene – Mark Fayne
Bryce Salvador – Marek Zidlicky
Anton Volchenkov – Adam Larsson

No changes here for either team. In goal, as you’d expect, it’s Martin Brodeur against Henrik Lundqvist.

John Tortorella Gets Through Pre-Game 1 Press Conference With 31 Words

John Tortorella doesn't talk unless John Tortorella wants to talk, and that was never more evident than prior to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. According to the NHL's transcript of his morning press conference, Torts used just 31 total words to answer six questions that came his way.

Courtesy of the league, the full transcript is below. Torts doesn't like to use his words.

Q. I can’t remember in which series you said before, but you were asked if you looked for something in the team and you weren't going to say what it was, but you had seen it. Is that still the case?

COACH TORTORELLA: We're fine.

Q. And you've seen what you need to see?

COACH TORTORELLA: We're fine.

Q. Is there a challenge emotionally with the quick turnaround from one series to the next?

COACH TORTORELLA: No, none.

Q. You alluded yesterday to you're glad the team had the experience of two Game 7s. So when other people are suggesting maybe 14 games isn't the best way to start out...

COACH TORTORELLA: It's a bunch of crap.

Q. What does Ottawa or the Capitals or the Devils - does it really come down to what your team does? Is that what your focus and preparation is?

COACH TORTORELLA: We don't spend too much time on the other team. We're worried about our team.

Q. You said home ice doesn't matter until you get to a Game 7. Why is it different in Game 7 as opposed to any other home game?

COACH TORTORELLA: I just feel that way.

NHL Playoffs 2012, Devils Vs. Rangers Game 1: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils will start the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.