- On Wednesday Lindy Ruff was talking about the special attributes it takes to be a net-front presence on a power play, the fearlessness with shots coming in your direction at different velocities. Well, that's where Erik Haula was parked tonight and he benefited from the role, redirecting a Dawson Mercer shot through the slot, taking away Shesterkin's eyes and sending the puck past the Rangers netminder.
"I heard him yelling there," Mercer said of Haula on the goal, "I knew I was in the middle, usually guys get at your pretty quick and I turned as quick as I could to get it on net, and Haulsy had a good tip."
The goal counts as a power play goal, with just one second left on the Devils power play.
- Even-strength, power-power play and then shorthanded, the Devils scored all the ways tonight. Mercer and Haula connected a second time in the second period this time on a shorthanded 2-on-1 to put the Devils up 3-0.
- After 40 minutes of play the Devils had blocked 18 shots in front of Akira Schmid, who was rock solid himself. One of his best saves of the night came in the second period when Kaapo Kakko, at Schmid's glove-side, batted a puck out of the air which Schmid caught sliding to his left to stymie any Rangers offensive.
Schmid posted his first career post-season shut out making 23 saves, including four on the Rangers power play and another one shorthanded.
- The Devils had over 40 shots on goal with 43, including 20 shots in the third period, compared to the Rangers 2.
"We knew it was going to be important not to step back," Lindy Ruff said of his teams third period, "We had to continue to play with pace and speed, we couldn't give them time or opportunity because you give those guys time and opportunity, they'll create their own chances."
