The New York Rangers are off to a solid start, opening the season 2-1-0 with wins over Ottawa and the hated New Jersey Devils. On Monday night, it looked as if the Devils were going to run away with the game early, as they came out flying and scored their first goal just over a minute in. Coach John Tortorella called his timeout almost immediately and ripped into his team, who responded by scoring 2 goals to keep the game tied at the end of the first, and battling hard to win a tough game 3-2.
After Rob Niedermayer’s first goal in a Devils uniform, the Rangers answered with a powerplay goal from rookie sensation Michael Del Zotto. The youngster was not expected to make the team out of training camp, but impressed the coaching staff in preseason, and has already scored 3 points. The Devils went back ahead 2-1 on a powerplay goal from Travis Zajac, but the Rangers answered right back with a goal from newcomer Ales Kotalik, also scored with the man advantage. Del Zotto added an assist on the marker.
In the 2nd period, last year’s NCAA Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy scored his first NHL goal, assisted by new Rangers Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal. Overall, the Rangers played the Devils pretty evenly, as the shots ended up being 27-26 in favor of New Jersey. New York fans have to be happy with the way their young corps of defensemen appears to be developing. With Gilroy and Del Zotto now in the fold, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi will be able to take on a bit more of a leadership role. Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival will be expected to provide veteran guidance for this young bunch of potential blueline blue chip players.