All logic said the New Jersey Devils should’ve rolled over and let the New York Rangers trample them on Tuesday.
NHL scores 2017: Devils shine as contenders take the night off
Where did everyone go?
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
New Jersey is coming off one of the worst months in franchise history, swirling the drain on another lost season. New York is playoff-bound for the umpteenth time and hungry to lock up a playoff berth soon.
One team with everything on the line this spring. One team with nothing to play for this season. Except each other, apparently.
The Devils put on quite a show, riding a strong Cory Schneider start and a wave of emotion to a thrilling overtime win over their rivals. And trust me, it’s still a rivalry. The second period ended with hard hits, terrific goals, and a line brawl.
More on that in a bit.
Anyway, the win means nothing for the Devils. But they avoided a season sweep against their neighboring rivals, and did it by getting knocked down a few times and answering with punches of their own. That’ll linger in that room for the summer. Something to hang onto in a season short of them.
Scores
Hurricanes 4, Panthers 3
Devils 3, Rangers 2 (OT)
Canucks 5, Blackhawks 4 (OT)
Sign-up for our NHL newsletter!
Morning Skate sends you the NHL news you need to know every morning.
Three things we learned
1. Playoff contenders take Tuesdays off
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
The Blackhawks lost to the Canucks. Arizona beat Tampa Bay. New Jersey beat New York. San Jose lost to the slumping Wild. Detroit beat Montreal.
Bizarre.
2. Sidney Crosby is not of this world
3. But he is a jerk
Impact Moment
It’s nice to see a few things here:
- Miles Wood is okay!
- The rookie isn’t afraid to stand up for himself.
- Nick Holden is willing to throw down and answer for hits, too.
- The stanchions are safe again.
- And it doesn’t take a severe injury for a bad team (the Devils) to come to their rookie’s defense. Just a transgression against them. Still something they’re fighting for.
Stat of the night:
The Penguins are quietly making a run at Detroit’s playoff streak.
But they have a long way to go.
See More:
