The Rangers may have won Game 1, but it certainly feels like they did so in spite of their overall performance. They dominated the third period against the New Jersey Devils, but in the first 40 minutes, N.J. was clearly the better of the two teams. They controlled possession and outplayed the Rangers in just about all facets of the game.
New York Rangers Outlast New Jersey Devils In Game 1
Give credit to New York for hanging in and putting themselves in a position to take over the game in the third period, sure. Give them credit for outlasting the Devils in the game. Give them credit for blocking more shots (26) than the Devils were able to put on goal (21).
But despite the win, there are plenty of things for the Rangers to work on as they prepare for Game 2, just as there are plenty of bright spots for the Devils as they look to go for the split at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
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