Markstrom, Shesterkin Clash in Rangers’ Victory Over Devils
The New York Rangers beat the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden in the season finale. The loss closed New Jersey’s chance at bragging rights in the rivalry.
First period
The Devils pressured Igor Shesterkin early with four shots eight minutes in. But the Rangers scored first on their opening shot.
Connor Sheary buried a point shot through traffic at 8:14 of the first. New York then maintained steady possession for the remainder of the period.
Just over five minutes later Adam Fox fed Alexis Lafreniere along the wall. Lafreniere sent a slap-pass to the crease and J.T. Miller redirected it past Jacob Markstrom for a 2-0 lead.
Second period
Gabe Perreault was called for tripping Dougie Hamilton 45 seconds into the second. The Devils went on the power play.
Six seconds into the advantage Connor Brown scored at the 0:51 mark of the period. The goal cut the deficit to 2-1.
New York regained control soon after. At 11:12 Jaroslav Chmelar shoveled a loose puck over Markstrom’s crease to make it 3-1.
Third period and altercation
Mika Zibanejad extended the lead four minutes into the third. His goal pushed the score to 4-1.
At 9:24 Paul Cotter drove the net and knocked Shesterkin down in the crease. A scrum followed, and tensions rose between players.
The Markstrom, Shesterkin clash highlighted the game’s physical edge. Both goalies skated together and dropped the pads to fight.
The final portion of the third featured low-event hockey. The buzzer confirmed the Rangers’ victory and ended the Devils’ comeback hopes.
Goaltending and final notes
Jacob Markstrom took the loss, his 18th of the season. He stopped 19 of 23 shots in net.
Igor Shesterkin entered the game under early pressure but finished with the win. Report by James Nichols, New Jersey Devils beat reporter for Filmogaz.com.
- First period — Connor Sheary, 8:14 (NYR)
- First period — J.T. Miller, redirected goal (NYR)
- Second period — Connor Brown, 0:51 (NJD, power play)
- Second period — Jaroslav Chmelar, 11:12 (NYR)
- Third period — Mika Zibanejad, 4:00 (NYR)
