Devils vs. Rangers: Game 1 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The New York Rangers scored all of their goals in the third period to beat the New Jersey Devils 3-0 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden.

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was a brick wall on the night, rejecting all 21 shots he saw. His confidence is soaring at the perfect time against a team that came into the series averaging exactly three goals per game.

The Devils seemed a bit fatigued in the third, and the Rangers took full advantage with goals by Dan Girardi and Chris Kreider to really force the Devils' hand. Artem Anisimov added an empty-netter at the 18:33 mark to put the icing on the cake.

As expected, the Hudson River rivalry was incredibly physical for the majority of the game. The Devils showed little signs of rust, and the Rangers did not appear too tired after their Game 7 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night.

Everything changed in the third period, however, and now the Rangers have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Tweets of the Night

The Rangers are no stranger to close games. Before Monday night’s win, they had an incredible streak going for them, as ESPN Stats & Info reminds us:

"

ELIAS: Rangers can be first NHL team to play 15 straight playoff games in same year each settled by no more than two goals.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 14, 2012"

So much for that one.

For two full periods, this game was all about defense. The terrific play of both sides had Sports Illustrated’s Joe Posnanski wondering if he’d ever see a goal:

"

It's watching games like this Rangers-Devils game that you wonder how anyone ever scores a hockey goal.

— Joe Posnanski (@JPosnanski) May 15, 2012"

While Lundqvist will grab all of the headlines for the Game 1 win, you can’t discount the performance of Martin Brodeur, especially at his age as Bleacher Report’s own Nick Goss reminds us:

"

Amazing save by Martin Brodeur. 40 years old and still getting it done. #Devils

"

"— Nicholas W. Goss (@NicholasGoss35) May 15, 2012"

Andrew Gross of The Record (NJ) gives us a few fun facts about Lundqvist’s impressive night:

"

Rangers win Game 1 3-0 as Lundqvist earns his fifth career postseason shutout and his second of these playoffs. Game 2 is Wednesday.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) May 15, 2012"

Must-See Highlights

There were plenty of memorable saves from Lundqvist, but this rejection in the first period really stood out.

The reaction time is simply off the chart.

The Rangers' second goal of the game courtesy of top prospect Chris Kreider on a great shot that froze Brodeur up like the ice he was standing on.

Grades for Key Devils Players

Martin Brodeur: C+

The first goal was a great play by the Rangers, but the second one was rather curious. He seemed to be completely caught off guard and was leaning the wrong way.

A rare mental error by one of the all-time greats.

He had 25 saves, including some brilliant ones he needed to dive for, but the hesitation on the second goal may have been a 40-year-old brain cramp.

He did, however, make the save of the game roughly halfway through the third on an incredible diving play to get in front of Marc Staal’s rebound attempt.

Zach Parise: D

Five shot attempts, including two questionable ones, gives Parise an 0-for-9 line in his previous two games.

His accuracy has to improve if he plans on sneaking one by Lundqvist.

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Henrik Lundqvist: A+

He is red hot of late, and that spells trouble for a Devils team that came into the Eastern Conference finals as the most prolific offensive team still breathing in the postseason.

Chris Kreider: A+

He caught Brodeur leading the wrong way on a breakaway and drilled a slap shot past the 40-year-old great at the 12:00 mark in the third. That was an incredible play, but it may have only been his second-best of the night.

He set up the first goal by scooping up a bouncing puck in stride and firing a pinpoint pass to Dan Girardi for the goal just 53 seconds into the third period.

Daniel Girardi: A

While a lot of the credit should go to Kreider for his pass, when you score the only goal of the game you deserve an “A”.

Deciding Factor: Hits

The Rangers were the more physical team plain and simple.

They had a 35-21 advantage in the hits category and were able to make life much easier for their goalie because of it. 

The physical pounding seemed to really take a toll on New Jersey in the third period. 

Game MVP: Henrik Lundqvist

The Rangers will go as far as their goalie takes them, and if Monday night was a strong indicator…that’s all the way to the 2012 Stanley Cup.

What’s Next?

The Devils will only have 48 hours to figure out how to sneak one past King Henrik, as the two teams will be back in action for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m ET.

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