The Rangers just gained two points in the Hummer Metro Ice challenge by defeating the New Jersey Devils for the sixth time this season in a thriller of a shoot out. Hockey purest out there hate the gimmicky shootout and the three point game but tonight it was the Ranger’s salvation.

Mad props to the Rangers for hanging in and getting these two point. The Rangers first period lethargy turned into a dominating but fruitless second period and a persistent and fruitful third period. Renney and his team could have thrown caution to the wind in the third but they patiently stuck to their game plan and tied the game.

The Rangers defense looked light years different then they did over the weekend in Florida. Turnovers were kept to a minimum and positionally they all played well, even Backman. Malik managed the puck well in his own end and was moving and engaged in the play. Kudos to the penalty kill for keeping the Devils off the board in 4 out of their five opportunities.

Conversely, the Devils had no problem from keeping the Rangers off the board on their powerplays. The Ranger never got anything going as they shot themselves in the foot in all five of their chances. Perry Pearn has a lot to answer for if he is the “architect” of their Godawful powerplay.

The youth are leading this team. Ryan Callahan plays a perfectly positioned patient pass to Drury for the tying goal in regulation. Nigel Dawes is our “money man” on the shootout. Henrik Lundqvist has beaten Martin Brodeur six times this season. Six Times!

After watching the first fifty minutes of this game, I was convinced the Rangers were going to be on the losing side of this tilt. Once Drury tied the score, I was sure we had a shot at stealing the two points from the Division and Conference leading Devils. 

The Rangers are back on track after their lost weekend in Florida. They played an inspired game against the Crosby-less Penguins last night and edged the Devils tonight. Now on to Philadelphia for another playoff style game against the Broad Street Bullies on Good Friday. One game at a time, one day at a time.

PS. Kudos to Coach Renney for astutely calling that time out against the Penguins Tuesday night!

PPS. Thank you, St. Joseph.