Devils vs. Rangers: Game 2 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The New Jersey Devils evened up their Eastern Conference finals series at one game apiece with their 3-2 win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. 

This was a back-and-forth game as the teams traded goals through the first two periods. Finally, the Devils went ahead for good with a goal by David Clarkson early in the third period. 

This wasn't the crispest hockey game you'll ever see, but it was definitely entertaining, and it sets up what should be a terrific series. 

Tweets of the Night

I don't know what is more impressive: that the Hockey Rodent knows the nuances of hockey, or that he can type with those little mouse hands. Either way, this was an astute point, and it highlights one of the few head-scratching moments by the Rangers.

"

Yikes!3 Rangers go behind the Ranger goal line versus two Devils.Terrible decisions.Rangers STUPID in their own end tonight.

— The Hockey Rodent (@HockeyRodent) May 17, 2012"

Despite some of the questionable play, the Rangers did buck one negative trend, and that came on power plays. 

Happy Gilmore knows the score when the Rangers go on the power play. 

"

The Rangers power play is about as reliable as letting Lindsay Lohan be your designated driver.

— Happy Gilmore (@_Happy_Gilmore) May 17, 2012"

And speaking of that anemic power play, the Daily Gazette's Mike MacAdam knows this factored into one of the odder things you will see during a hockey game.

In the second period, play was stopped for over five minutes when no one could get the door open to the penalty box. MacAdam knows that was not as much a malfunction as a tactical maneuver.

"

Rangers scored PP goal tonight, but still leery enough of man up to lock Devils out of penalty box. Well played, Rangers.

— Mike MacAdam (@Mike_MacAdam) May 17, 2012"

Must-See Highlight of the Night

Typically, the highlight of the night comes from a goal, or maybe a spectacular fight or hit. Not this game. This highlight revolves around a door. 

It's not every day you see a game delayed because the door to the penalty box will not open. But here it was happening in the playoffs. 

Someone needs to make a video of this in fast-motion with the "Benny Hill" music playing. 

Grades for Key Devils Players

Martin Brodeur: B

Brodeur's play left something to be desired—to put it nicely—but he did enough. 

He didn't face a lot of shots, just 25 of them, but still let two of them find the net. They were both on power plays, but seeing as how this came against the Rangers, I don't know if that works for or against him. 

To his credit, he put a lock on the net in the pivotal third period.

Zach Parise: C

Parise managed to get an assist, but really couldn't get himself going. He was not overly active and only fired off one shot on goal. 

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Henrik Lundqvist: C+

Lundqvist clearly didn't have his best game. It certainly didn't help that he faced multiple power plays, but he has to be better than this if the Rangers are going to advance.  

He ended with 24 saves on 27 shots. 

Chris Kreider: B+

Kreider had a strong game. He scored the Rangers' second goal and stayed busy throughout. He had three shots on goal for the game. 

Deciding Factor: Third Period 

This game was fairly evenly played, and the stat sheet certainly reflects that. There is not a lot separating these two in any statistical category. 

The biggest difference came in the final period. The Devils stepped up their game and tightened their attack, while the Rangers did not. 

Game MVP: Bryce Salvador 

Salvador was all over the ice in this game. He made his impact felt from beginning to end. He didn't have a goal, but he had two assists and two shots on goal. 

What's Next? 

These two teams will make the short trek to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, for Game 3 on Saturday, May 19, at 1 p.m. ET.