
“We were the team that didn’t have quote unquote much experience last year,” Adam Fox, who had four assists on the night and became the quickest Rangers defenseman to reach 20 playoff assists(Now has 22 in 24 games), said. “They’re a hungry team. They’re young. It’s a long series. It’s one game, but obviously, we have a lot of guys who have been through it before. But it’s just game one. You’ve still got to win three more.”
“Game 2 is the hardest one to win after you win Game 1”, echoed Chris Kreider. “We’re happy with how the first game went. We’ll be happy for 10, 15 minutes, then get ready for Game 2.” “The next game is in two days(Thursday),” Vladimir Tarasenko said. “There are some guys in here with some playoff experience, and it’s very important to take lessons from this game and move on. Don’t think about how we’re up 1-0. Just step by step, game by game.”
MARV’S 3 STARS:
Honorable Star: Barclay Goodrow (1 hit, 3 blocks, 63.6 face-offs winning percentage, “Sasquatch Score” of 4, in 13:13 of ice time, )
3. Chris Kreider (2 goals, 1 hit, 1 block, 100% face-off winning percentage, “Sasquatch Score” of 4, in 19:40 of ice time)
2. Igor Shesterkin (27 saves on 28 shots, +1.69 Goals Saved Above Expected)
1. Adam Fox ( 4 Assists, +2 rating, 3 hits, 4 blocks, 1 takeaway, “Sasquatch Score” of 11, in 20:20 of ice time)
What is “Sasquatch score?”: While researching this series, I studied “Pucks and Pitchforks,” the New Jersey Devils’ FanSided site, and found the exciting stat. It’s a stat birthed by contributor Joseph Stanislau, combining a player’s points, hits, and blocked shots.
BLS COMMENT OF THE NIGHT: “GREAT WIN. The Rangers did what they had to do for this win. They put the pressure on. Shesterkin was amazing. The third line kept the puck in the Devils’ zone, and Kreider looked like the Keider we love. PP was fantastic, and the home ice advantage for the Devils has now been taken away. “-Dlagura
WHAT THEY SAID: “The inexperience argument that many people have thrown out there was scoffed at by Devils fans. It is time for Devils fans to realize it is a very real thing. The Devils and their fans were humbled by the Rangers tonight. It is okay for people to admit that their team has flaws. If Ruff and the Devils do not correct those flaws, this series may be over even before game five.”-Charlie Borges JR, Pucks, and Pitchforks