Who is Saying the Rangers Will Be Tired Now?

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After playing 14 games, including four overtime ones, and having to win both series so far in must-win Game 7s, everyone thought the New York Rangers would come out tired. After all, no team who has played that many games has ever gone on to win the Stanley Cup. None of this matters to the Rangers. They knew they were ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils. The Devils came into the series well-rested, coming off five days off following their defeat of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The first two periods of Game 1 felt like a heavyweight bout. Both teams had their chances, but neither one conceded a goal. With two of the best netminders in the league in this series, it came as no surprise. Long-time Devils goaltender Marty Brodeur is one of the all-time greats, and the hometown crowd at Madison Square Garden let him have it, like they always do. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is a Vezina Trophy nominee once again. He is certainly one of the best in the game today. With play basically level through the first two periods, one of the teams needed to come out and make a statement in the third period.

That team turned out to be the Rangers right away. Less than a minute into the period, rookie Chris Kreider set up defenseman Dan Girardi for the nice goal. Girardi has struggled some defensively in the playoffs, so hopefully the goal will help boost his confidence. Midway through the period, Kreider found the net himself on a beautiful power-play goal. Less than a month ago, Kreider was a college student. In his thirteen games in the playoffs so far, he has clearly showcased his talent for all to see. The Devils tried to battle back, but Lundqvist would have none of that. Lundqvist finished with 21 saves and his fifth career playoff shutout. Center Artem Anisimov's goal late in the period sealed the win for the Rangers.

The Rangers confidence is booming following such a decisive Game 1 victory. They dominated the third period, so all momentum heading into Game 2 belongs to them. The Devils will look to find answers before the next game begins. In particular, they will need to figure out ways to try and beat Lundqvist, which is easier said than done. The Devils did show some rust in Game 1, so that should be gone the rest of the series. I expect them to play better in Game 2, and a win would be huge heading home. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at 8:00 PM EST on NBCSN.