These games don’t usually end without a little bit of drama. The New York Rangers (33-13-5) took on the smoking red hot New Jersey Devils (31-19-3) Tuesday night, at home on the Garden ice.
The first 2 seconds of the game saw 2 fights immediately after the puck was dropped. Mike Rupp exchanged blows with Cam Janssen while Brandon Prust took on Eric Boulton. Later in the first, AHH David Clarkson tacked on to his his career high goal total with his 21st of the season, thanks to a beautiful Zach Parise assist.
The game was dominated by the goaltenders as Henrik Lundqvist kept the Rangers in this game, and Martin Brodeur, apparently, found the fountain of youth as he looked like the dominating goaltender of old. The Rangers were 0-3 on the power play extending their “powerless” streak to 1 goal in their last 34 power play opportunities.
As was the case last week, this game would not end without a little controversy in the 3rd period. With under 15 ticks left in the game, and the score still at 1-0 in favor of the Devils, Zach Parise skates down the wing with an empty net. After MDZ blocks his open net attempt, Brad Richards finds the lose puck, plays it ahead to Callahan who skates into the Devils zone on a 3-2 with time running down. Marion Gaborik breaks to the net while Artem Anisimov trails. The puck finds the stick of Gaborik who can do little with it, as he is trying to stop while being pushed from behind by the Devils’ Anton Volchenkov. The trailing Anisimov buries the puck in the back of the net quickly sending MSG into a frenzy. The goal was to be waived off as Goaltender Interference was called.
The controversy:
“Incidental contact with a goalkeeper will be permitted, and resulting goals allowed, when such contact is initiated outside of the goal crease, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact.” (Source: nhl.com rule book)
Replays do show Gaborik stopping and spraying “snow” well before entering the crease. To me, reasonable effort was shown to avoid contact. Perhaps Marty went down too easily, maybe the referees didn’t see the “love tap” made by Volchenkov, whatever the case, the call was not made, the Devils walk away with 2 points, and the Rangers are left with some problems to address. Mainly, what is the kryptonite is killing the Rangers power play?
Best of the Best Reviews
Rangers Take | Martin Brodeur shuts out NY Rangers 1-0 at Madison Square Garden, curious interference call on Marian Gaborik costs Blueshirts
Game MVP
Gotta give credit, where credit is due. Martin Brodeur played an unbelievable game and really looked like the Hall of Fame goalie he eventually will be. He made big saves all game for the Devils and in a defensive-minded 3rd period, he stood on his head and brought home the shutout for the resurging New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur is your FanFeedr Game MVP.
Video Highlights
NHL.com’s highlights package | Devils-Rangers
FanFeedr’s Hot Take
Rangers Hot Take| Post Game Notes and Quotes
Status/Tweet of the Night
The Broadway Hat has spoken.
What’s your reaction to the game? Who was your game MVP? Post up in the comments section below!
