If the Devils are a bunch of rebels, as their head coach Lindy Ruff described them, the Rangers are the mercenaries hired to squash the rebellion.
A minimum of, that was the case throughout the Rangers’ convincing 5-1 win over the Devils in Game 1 of the 2023 playoff chapter within the Battle of the Hudson on Tuesday night on the Prudential Center.
The Rangers kept their opponents in check and assumed control, while the Devils were a bit erratic at times with 4 players making their postseason debut.
Chris Kreider scored two goals on the facility play, one in the primary and the opposite within the third, in the very same fashion.
Goalie Igor Shesterkin was heroic in his role because the last line of defense, stopping every shot he faced during regular play before Jack Hughes’ penalty shot late within the third period ended his shutout bid.
