The Death of the Rivalry proved prematurely proclaimed by Jacques Lemaire. Still, last night’s decent imitation only added to the one-sided tilt of recent Rangers-Devils history.
The fast and fierce battle, the match between the two great goalies, ended as these showdowns have 16 times in their last 23 meetings since the start of the 2007-08 season, with the Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist once more triumphant over Martin Brodeur and the Devils.
Lundqvist made 43 saves, matching the fourth highest total of his career, for the 3-1 triumph over New Jersey in Newark last night.
“When you play a team like that, that’s struggling, they’ll try to create [offense] by throwing the puck at the net from everywhere,” Lundqvist said of the barrage. He now stands 19-4-5 against Brodeur in his career.
For their part, the league-doormat Devils turned in their best game in weeks, yet still managed just one goal, their product in each of six straight losses. They have lost 11 of 12 and have gained only two points this month.
Patrik Elias admitted the rivalry Lemaire had dissed on Tuesday helped spur their better, yet still losing effort.
“At this point, it’s more about ourselves, but at the same time, [the rivalry] is there. We can’t hide that,” Elias said.
The Devils grabbed their first lead in six games when Travis Zajac jabbed home his second in the three games of Lemaire’s latest reign 6:31 into play. But for the 19th time in their 36 games this season, they would not manage a second in regulation time.
Brian Boyle answered 1:05 later by embarrassing Brodeur with a stoppable left slot wrister that went under Brodeur’s glove.
New Jersey ran out to a 32-10 shot advantage, but Michal Rozsival put the Rangers in front on their 11th shot at 13:22 of the second, his right circle quickie going in off the arm of defenseman Andy Greene. Brandon Dubinsky finished the night off with the empty-netter with 5.5 seconds left.
“We had a lot of chances to put goals on the board, and it didn’t happen,” said Brodeur, now 5-18-1 this season. “It’s all about our offense right now.
“If we play the way we played today, we’ll get back to winning.”
But it’s too late for the Devils this season.
*
Erik Christensen was ushered into the post by Greene during the second and left the game with a sprained right knee.
Brian Rolston is likely to be claimed on re-entry waivers today, put up for half-price grabs by the Devils yesterday. Jersey would have to pay half his remaining salary ($5 million) this season and next, and absorb half his remaining cap hit. . . . The Rangers sent Todd White to the minors, and John Tortorella said, “We never really gave him an opportunity. Honestly, he’s 35. We’re trying to build our team with youth, and that hurt his opportunity.”
*
Fans holding used or unused tickets for the Devils’ Dec. 26 blizzard game against Toronto can obtain free tickets for one of three upcoming games by using the form on newjerseydevils.com, before Dec. 31.