In the ice hockey league NHL, the New Jersey Devils took a clear victory over the New York Rangers. In the meeting between Vegas and Winnipeg, the home team was clearly stronger and advanced after 4–1 in games.
This year, the New Jersey Devils have been responsible for perhaps the most dramatic turnaround in the NHL playoffs, as the team won three of the last games against the New York Rangers. In the night’s meeting, the Rangers had nothing to say as the Devils were clearly stronger and won 4–0.
Top scorer in the match was Finn Erik Haula. The Finnish striker accounted for the Devils’ 2–0 goal in numerical superiority at the start of the second period. Haula was also noted for the last goal of the match which he scored in an empty net. In addition, he played until Dawson Mercer’s 3–0 goal in numerical disadvantage.
Haula highlighted the team’s progress during the playoffs.
– We have grown as a team. Even during the playoffs, we have managed to take steps forward. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the younger players, they have really understood what it takes to win, Haula said after the game.
Rangers goalkeeper Igor Shererkin’s 38 saves best explain the constant pressure the home team created on goal. New Jersey goalkeeper Akira Schmid, in turn, kept a clean sheet for the first time in the playoffs, making 23 saves.
Rangers coach Gerard Gallant drew attention to the fine goalkeeping play.
– The Devils played a fantastic match, their best so far. They created constant pressure and their goalkeeper Schmid played excellently. Obviously, Sherestekin also played great, but Schmid was really sharp.
The Rangers are pressed up against the wall. The team took two clear victories in the first meetings of the match series and looked to play through the playoff series, but instead they have lost the upper hand completely. In the last four games, they have conceded nine goals, but only managed to score two themselves, and are now in danger of missing out on promotion.
The Devils lead the match series 3–2 and have a chance to advance overnight on Sunday.
Tampa Bay extended the game streak
For Tampa Bay, it was win or lose in the night’s meeting. The team did what was required and won 4–2.
On the other hand, Toronto opened the scoring with Morgan Riley’s goal, but the lead lasted only 26 seconds when Anthony Cirellis quickly equalized.
Michael Eyssimont, absent due to injury, added to Tampa’s lead in the second period and also played until the 3-1 goal.
Michael Eyssimont was injured during the first meeting of the playoffs.
Bild: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto pressed right to the end and Auston Matthews managed to reduce the score to 3-2 with just over three minutes left in the game. But Tampa held on and could instead finish the match 4–2 in an empty net.
For Toronto, the match was the 11th in a row where they had a chance to advance. But instead, Tampa gets the chance to tie the game series on home ice on Saturday.
Toronto leads the series 3–2 in games.
Vegas advanced
Just like Tampa Bay, the Winnipeg Jets needed a win to keep their hopes of promotion alive. But on the contrary, the Jets suffered a stinging 1-4 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Already after the second period, the home team Vegas had pulled away with four goals. In the third period, Winnipeg managed to reduce the score to 1–4 and also scored another goal, but after closer inspection it was disallowed.
Vegas forwards Mark Stone and Chandler Stephensen were noted for 1+2 and 2+0.
Vegas advanced to the quarterfinals after going 4–1 in games.
Video images: Viaplay
NHL result
Toronto–Tampa Bay 2–4
Toronto leads the series 3–2 in games.
New Jersey–NY Rangers 4–0
Erik Haula, NJD: 2+1, +3, 18.32
Niko Mikkola, NYR: 0+0, +/-0, 15.05
Kaapo Kakko, NYR: 0+0, +/-0, 13.28
New Jersey leads the series 3–2 in games.
Vegas–Winnipeg 4–1
Saku Mäenalanen WPG: 0+0, 7.41
Vegas advances after 4–1 in games.
