Rangers vs. Devils Game 6: Biggest Keys to Blueshirts Avoiding Elimination

Despite a dramatic comeback from a three-goal deficit in Game 5, the New York Rangers fell to the New Jersey Devils and now trail them 3-2 in their Eastern Conference finals series. The Rangers' backs are officially against the wall as a loss in Game 6 will send them home for good. If New York can pull off a victory, though, it will get to play Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers played with fire in their first two series as they went to a Game 7 in both, but they are praying to make it that far against the Devils. New Jersey has beaten New York at its own game to this point as it has gotten great goaltending from Martin Brodeur and stellar defensive play as well.

This series isn't over by a long shot, though, as the Rangers have proven to be a resilient bunch. Here are the three biggest keys to the Blueshirts avoiding elimination and forcing a decisive Game 7.

Get Off to a Quick Start

New York's effort was certainly a valiant one in Game 5 as it battled back to tie the game early in the third period, but the Rangers simply can't afford to go down 3-0 in Game 6.

The Devils have dominated the first period in this series, and that was the case on Wednesday as they outscored the Rangers 3-1 in the opening stanza. New York expended so much energy making a comeback that by the time the latter stages of the game rolled around, New Jersey was the fresher team.

The Devils played like the more desperate team early in Game 5, but the Rangers are most definitely going to have to be more desperate throughout Game 6. A good start can set the tone for the entire game, so it is incumbent upon the Rangers to score first on Friday.

New York is a defensively-oriented team so it isn't easy to come from behind, and after nearly doing it on Wednesday, they may not be able to make another run.

Keep Traffic Away From Henrik Lundqvist

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been dominant all season long, and that hasn't stopped in the playoffs. King Henrik sports a 1.77 goals against average and .933 save percentage during the postseason, but things haven't always gone particularly well against the Devils.

Lundqvist does have two shutouts against New Jersey, but he has given up at least three goals in each of the three other contests against the Devils in the series.

Game 5 was especially troubling since the Devils only threw 16 shots Lundqvist's way, yet he still allowed four goals. The biggest issue has been the Devils getting big forwards like David Clarkson, Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier in front of the net to set screens. Lundqvist has often looked uncomfortable and hasn't seen many of the shots he has let in.

The Rangers have a strong defensive corps with the likes of Dan Girardi and Marc Staal, and they need to make sure the front of the net is clear.

Continue to Block Shots

One of the bigger stories over the course of the playoffs has been the Rangers' penchant for blocking shots. They have frustrated their opponents in a big way as a high percentage of shots haven't even gotten through to Lundqvist.

New York has continued to do a nice job of that against the Devils, and although it hasn't helped produce a series lead, the Rangers need to keep the shot blocking up. Lundqvist allowing four goals on 16 shots was an anomaly, and if he faces only 16 shots again in Game 6, the Rangers are going to win.

The Devils have a lot of skilled players in the form of Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, Adam Henrique and others, and stepping in front of their shots is going to be beneficial to Lundqvist. When teams can't get shots to the net it often upsets them and forces them outside their normal comfort zone. New York has been very difficult to play against all year long, and its shot-blocking prowess has been a big reason for that. It has gotten the Rangers this far and simply can't elude them in Game 6.

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