NEW YORK -- New Jersey Devils rookie goaltender Akira Schmid had never appeared in an NHL playoff game before Saturday night's Game 3 victory over the New York Rangers.
He entered an absolutely desperate situation for his team: Down 2-0 in their opening-round Eastern Conference playoff series, having been routed in two losses across the Hudson River in New Jersey; and making his postseason debut in front of over 18,000 frenzied New York fans at Madison Square Garden.
But Schmid made 35 saves, infusing the Devils with confidence until defenseman Dougie Hamilton's game-winner at 11:36 of overtime gave them a 2-1 win and cut the Rangers' series lead in half.