I watched both games but due to two reasons (work for one game, and the loss of the internet due to a miscue from my provider that wiped out an entire post on game one), I couldn't get anything posted.
Besides, two 5-1 losses at home, the Devils played well in only one period (period one of game two) and didn't lend itself to a massive amount of analysis- happy or otherwise.
With the series moving to the Garden for games three and four, it was fair to consider that the Devils with so many young stars and trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier still working on chemistry if this series could be one that the Devils need for the experience of playing in the postseason and will be building off the series for the future.
Instead, the Devils switched goaltenders for game three as they moved to Akira Schmid from Vitek Vanicek, received a great effort from their young netminder with thirty-five saves, forced overtime when Jack Hughes tied the game at one in the second period with a power play goal (2), and then leaped back into the series with Dougie Hamilton's goal at 11: 36 over overtime for a 2-1 victory that silenced the Blueshirt fans that assumed that their coronation as the series victor was a foregone conclusion.
Hamilton's goal cut the Devils deficit in the series to two games to one and guaranteed at least one more game will be played in Newark for game five but before that will be game four at MSG on Monday night with the Devils attempting to give the road team a victory in each of the first four games and tie the series at two.
Hell Raisers
1) Again my apologies for not writing for the first two games, my work schedule has turned my life upside down and while I have yet to have an issue seeing the games (or the Cavaliers or boxing) yet, finding the time to write has been difficult.
I want to though and the will is half the battle!
2) I didn't think Vitek Vanicek played that terribly in the losses as his defense didn't help him much, and especially in game two when the game became more than chippy, it can be hard to keep focus.
Still, give Lindy Ruff credit for gambling and giving a try to Akira Schmid.
Coaches will mix things up a bit in the playoffs when things aren't swinging in their direction and predictably the results are mixed but this risk paid off for this evening and give Ruff credit for trying.
3) Akira Schmid was tremendous with 35 saves and had Dougie Hamilton not finished with the game-winner with the assist on the Jack Hughes goal, Schmid would have been an easy choice for the star of the game.
In my opinion, Schmid still would have been given my vote, and his performance should keep him in goal for the remainder of the series unless he would be completely shelled in a game that would force his removal.
4) I would stick with Schmid for more than just this win and would have done so even if the Rangers had won.
Schmid is an unknown factor to the Rangers for the most part and without a book on him, the Devils have a small advantage.
Goalies with a limited amount of ice time against teams (or period) have experienced strong playoff runs before and hey, I can dream right?
5) The penalty kill finally played well after the Rangers' success with their power play in the first two games as the Devils killed off all five Ranger power play chances.
A major problem solved for one game at least.
6) Oddball fact, this is the Devils 45th playoff series and the 45th that they have won at least one game.
Only NHL newcomers Las Vegas and Seattle can make a claim of never losing four straight.
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