The Devils dominated the Rangers offensively for most of Monday night's Game 1, but in the end, Henrik Lundqvist wasn't forced to see all that many pucks thanks to a stifling New York defense that kept New Jersey to the outside. Defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi each had five blocks apiece, and in total the Rangers blocked 26 shots. That's compared to the 21 shots the Devils were able to get on goal.
Devils Vs. Rangers, Game 1: New York’s Shot Blocking Key To Victory
Devils blog In Lou We Trust felt this was a key in their team’s 3-0 Game 1 defeat.
What was remarkable was that every defenseman not named Michael Del Zotto got at least one block, and four had at least three each. For a team that was thought to be tired and definitely looked that (way) in the second period, they were more than willing to put themselves in harm's way. I suspect it's going to continue. The Devils need to adjust either by shooting much quicker to allow less time for the Rangers to get in their way, or to move the puck much faster to get away from Rangers pressing on them almost man-to-man.
Stick with our StoryStream for full coverage of Devils vs. Rangers Game 1. For coverage from the New Jersey perspective, check in with Devils blog In Lou We Trust and for coverage from the New York perspective, check in with Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.
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