Devils vs. Rangers: Game 2 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The New York Rangers took Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night with two third period goals before adding an empty netter to take a 1-0 series lead over the rival New Jersey Devils.

The two teams played very strong defensively in the series opener and the goaltending was fantastic. You can expect more of the same in Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist deservedly received the first star of Game 1, and if the Devils offense cannot find a way to counter the Rangers shot blocking and make life difficult for Lundqvist, then they will lose Game 2.

Let's look at everything you need to know about Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Watch: NBC Sports Network, CBC

Live Stream: NHL GameCenter Premium

When: Wednesday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Betting Odds (via BetOnline.com): Rangers by 1.5

Most Important Player to Watch: Zach Parise

Devils captain, Zach Parise was a minus-2 in Game 1 and wasn't able to be a major factor offensively. Parise is one of the Devils' best offensive players and they will need his goal scoring if they want to defeat Lundqvist and the Rangers in this series.

Look for Parise to come into Game 2 with a ton of energy and something to prove after a disappointing performance in the series opener.

Key Matchup: Devils forwards vs. the Dan Girardi/Ryan McDonagh defensive pairing

Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh both had very strong games on Monday night, and will be key to the Rangers' chances of taking a 2-0 series lead to New Jersey.

Girardi opened the scoring early in the third period and McDonagh was a force at both ends of the ice with his energy and physical play. Both players were also very eager to block shots and help frustrate the Devils in the offensive zone.

If the Devils can't find success against this pairing, they will find it difficult to tie the series.

What They're Saying

The Rangers defensemen are some of the best at shot blocking, but Devils captain Zach Parise doesn't seem to think it's that big of a deal, saying via Tom Gulitti of the The Record:

"

Parise: “I feel like everyone is obsessed with this shot blocking because that’s what they’re doing....

— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) May 15, 2012"

In another classic John Tortorella press conference, the Rangers head coach dismissed the idea of fatigue being an issue with his team, saying via NHL.com's Dave Lozo:

"

“I don’t know where you guys get all this stuff being tired. If we’re tired this time of the year, there’s something the matter,” Tortorella said. “We still have a month to play. You might as well not even ask me questions about being tired. We’re not a tired hockey club. We are ready to play.”

"

Prediction: Devils win 3-1 

The Devils rebounded from a Game 1 defeat in the second round to eliminate the Philadelphia Flyers in five games, so they won't be discouraged after losing a series opener on the road.

Through two periods in Game 1, these teams were very even. The Devils forwards, especially Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk, will come to play in Game 2 and lead New Jersey to a 3-1 win with an empty netter at the end.

Follow @NicholasGoss35

Nicholas Goss is an NHL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston.