The New York Rangers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period, and never looked back as they defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2 this afternoon. Ryan Strome, Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey, Pavel Buchnevich and Mika Zibanejad all registered two points on the afternoon, including the game-winning goal from Kreider late in the first period.
Despite both teams icing skeleton lineups due to the upcoming trade deadline, the Rangers came out absolutely flying early in this game. Their fast start led to Jimmy Vesey’s early goal just 4:48 into the game as he slammed home a loose puck during a net-front scramble.