N.Y. Rangers: Igor Shesterkin Blanks Devils at the Rock

From the desks: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS & THE BRICK CITY STYX

BATTLE OF THE HUDSON

Rangers lead Devils; 3-2

I - NJD 4; NYR 3

II - NJD 5; NYR 2

III - NYR 6; NJD 1

IV - NYR 6; NJD 3

V - NYR 3; NJD 0

Fists Fly in the Battle Between Two Rebuilding Locals

Igor Shesterkin earns his first career NHL shutout as the Rangers blanked the punchless Devils at Prudential Center.  Newark was both plus-seven in faceoffs and shots on goal and even the beneficiaries of two power-play opportunities.  But the Rangers' 25-year old goalie faced 27 shots and stopped them all, including four on special teams.

It's worth noting the Devils were playing without Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac's services - traded to the Isles - and centerman and team Captain Nico Hischier finally made his reappearance on the ice.

Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring at 7:02 of the first period on a breakaway set up by Pavel Buchnevich and Adam Fox feeds.  After a scoreless second session, Artemi Panarin scored at 7:50 of the third on Filip Chytil and Fox assists.  Pavel Buchnevich then closed out the scoring on an unassisted short-handed goal into an empty net with just 0:28 seconds left in regulation.   

Mackenzie Blackwood has enjoyed better days.  His defensemen offered zero help on Zibanejad's goal.  Otherwise, he faced just 19 shots, stopping all but two.

With two more assists, Adam Fox has 34 points in 41 games.  Mike Zibanejad now has four goals and six points in his last seven games and 30 points in his last 27 games.

Damon Severson and Chris Kreider wasted little time exchanging pleasantries and punches just 1:27 into the game.  Later in the second period, Brendan Smith and Michael McCleod also decided a tussle was in order.

Hostilities resume Thursday.  The Rangers and Devils play three more times over the next five days.