Devils Lose Game, Fight to Rangers at MSG

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New Jersey Devils have dominated their cross-Hudson-rival New York Rangers for much of the past two seasons. But the Rangers finally punched back Tuesday, both literally and metaphorically. The Rangers dominated from the game’s outset, then Igor Shesterkin delivered a knockout blow to both Jacob Markstrom and the Devils by winning the much-ballyhooed goalie fight and the game 4-1 at MSG.

The Devils fell for the second time in three games, with both losses coming against a Metropolitan Division rival. Their tragic number, where they will be eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention, is six. The Devils Were Flat At MSG Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Rangers have been one of the worst teams at home all season, and the Devils have skated circles around them over the past two seasons there.

But in a game the Devils needed to keep their ever-so-faint playoff hopes alive, they were not ready to play. New Jersey gave up nine high-danger chances in the first period and two goals, including a power-play goal to J. T.

Miller, which was just his second at the Garden all season. “I thought they were really good tonight, and we weren’t nearly as good,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Defensively, we weren’t nearly strong enough when it was time to defend.