Boy, that escalated quickly.
In a series many thought could go six or seven games with all of them being close, the Rangers have absolutely dominated the Devils thus far, winning both of the first two games by the same 5-1 margin.
Teams have come back from down 2-0 many times before, but are these Rangers just too good for this young Devils team?
To break down the 2-0 Blueshirts series’ lead and what to expect in Game 3 at MSG Saturday, we bring you a new episode of the “Up in The Blue Seats” podcast with Mollie Walker, Larry Brooks and me.
Up In The Blue Seats Podcast with Mollie Walker, Jake Brown & Larry Brooks:
- DOMINATION OF THE DEVILS: Rangers’ power play is dazzling. Surprised at how dominant they were in both games over a high-scoring Devils team, holding them to just a goal each game. If they are peaking now, they are peaking at the right time.
- MAKE IT KANE + WHO’S YOUR VLADDY: It was only a matter of time for Patrick Kane to get it going, which Larry wrote about. Kane was maybe getting a bit frustrated. He spoke with coach Gerard Gallant before the game about being more aggressive. Kane was more assertive in Game 2. Vladimir Tarasenko materializes out of nowhere. He plays an efficient game without being flashy.
- COMING HOME: Devils have no pressure on them going to MSG. Rangers have to be careful coming home to not worry about putting on a show and just keep playing the way they have been. Devils should switch goalies for Game 3 to Akira Schmid.
- CHRIS KREIDER: His two goals in Game 2 true to his “moneyball” style scoring. He’s the Rangers all-time leading playoff goal scorer. He’s becoming an all-time Ranger.
- ATMOSPHERE: Devils fans showed up. It was probably around 60-40 Rangers to Devils fans. When the third period came it sounded like MSG though when the Rangers ran away with both games. MSG should be buzzing on Saturday and Monday.
- IS IT OVER?: Rangers have command of the series, but teams have come back from 2-0 many times before, including the Rangers doing it last year against the Hurricanes. They have to keep playing their game and not let the Devils get back in it. They can and will have to play better than this potentially going up against better teams in this playoff run.
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Catch up on all episodes of “Up In The Blue Seats,” a New York Rangers podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the crew on Twitter @MollieeWalkerr, @JakeBrownRadio & @NYP_Brooksie.