Schlemko’s PP Goal in Third Lifts Devils Past Rival Rangers 3-2

EAST HANOVER, NJ – Defenseman David Schlemko scored his fifth goal of the season and this first on the power-play at the 11:14 mark of the third period. It was a big one as the New Jersey Devils held on, behind a 31 save performance by Corey Schneider, to defeat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Tuesday night at the Prudential Center.

The Devils (26-20-5) moved the puck well on their second power-play of the game when the score was tied 2-2 midway through the final frame. Schlemko took a deflected pass in the right slot and buried the puck in the top right corner, past the glove of Ranger’s (27-18-5) goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

Adam Henrique and Lee Stempniak, the latter who scored the first goal for the Devil’s in the second period, were credited with assists on the eventual game-winner.

Schneider was strong all game long, including being the best penalty killer on all four of the Ranger’s chances on the man advantage. He made a key stop late in the third when Ranger’s defenseman Dan Boyle tried to sneak back door for a tap in shot. Schneider and his glove had other ideas to preserve the one goal lead.

Down 1-0, Stempniak got the Devils on the board at the beginning of the middle period. Eric Gelinas took a shot from the point that was initially saved, but then Stempniak jammed home the rebound to knot the score at one a piece.

It was the first of two power-play goals for New Jersey and a play that was challenged by Ranger’s Head Coach Alain Vigneault, but the goal was upheld.

After J.T. MIller scored his second of the contest for New York, the Devils found themselves trailing for the second time of the contest at 2-1. Just over a minute later, Joseph Blandisi once again tied the score for his team to set up a thrilling final 16:47.

Special teams was, no doubt, the deciding factor in this game. The Devils were 2-2 on the man advantage and the Ranger were 0-4.

With the win, the Devils now trail the Rangers by only two points for second place in the Metropolitan Division and are only one point behind the New York Islanders (26-16-6) for third place.

New Jersey has now won four of its last five and move into the top spot in the Eastern Conference Wild Card slot.

They will next travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs (18-22-9), this Thursday at 7 p.m.