Rangers-Devils score: New Jersey dominates New York in Game 7, advances to second round

It's the Devils' first playoff series win since 2012

For the first time in the series, Akira Schmid looked human when he surrendered five goals in a 5-2 Game 6 loss against the New York Rangers. However, the New Jersey Devils goaltender was tremendous when his team needed him the most in Game 7 as the Devils defeated the Rangers, 4-0.

Schmid stopped all 31 shots that he faced and recorded just his second career shutout. When the dust settled in the series, Schmid recorded an impressive 1.72 goals-against-average after replacing Vitek Vanecek in Game 3.

With Monday's victory, the Devils won their first playoff series since defeating -- you guessed it -- the Rangers in Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Final. It also marked New Jersey's sixth win in their last eight Game 7s, including winning four of their last five.

After a scoreless first period, forward Michael McLeod opened the scoring at the 9:53 mark of the second period. The Rangers were attempting to milk the clock during a four-on-four scenario, but veteran forward Ondrej Palat stole the puck. He then got it over to McLeod, who tucked the puck around Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin for the shorthanded tally.

Nearly six minutes later, Devils defenseman John Marino completely missed the net as he had a scoring chance in front. Still, Marino managed to come up with the loose puck and found Tomas Tatar, who happened to be at the right place at the right time. Tatar tapped the puck into the back of the net and extended the Devils' lead to 2-0.

The Devils added third period goals from Eric Haula and Jesper Bratt to put the game on ice. New Jersey ended up outscoring New York 13-2 in their four wins throughout the series.

Following their triumph over the Rangers, the Devils will face their Metropolitan Division rivals in the Carolina Hurricanes. That series will begin on Wednesday night.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:31 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

Eric Haula deposits one home on a one-timer off of a terrific feed from Jack Hughes. The Devils lead the Rangers with 5:25 left in Game 7.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:27 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

The Rangers are swarming right now, but Akira Schmid isn't phased by any of it. Schmid stops a Filip Chytil shot and freezes the puck with 7:09 left.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:24 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

Vincent Trocheck lines up a beautiful shot, but Akira Schmid flashes the leather yet again. Schmid has been sensational tonight with 23 saves.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:16 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

Patrick Kane tried to hit Artemi Panarin going to the net, but Akira Schmid snags it out of the air. Devils still lead 2-0 with 12:23 left in the third period.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:13 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

Jacob Trouba absolutely demolished Timo Meier near the Devils blue line. Meier never saw the freight train that was Trouba coming and got blasted right in the head.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:11 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

K'Andre Miller will head to the penalty box for roughing after he shoved Nico Hischier into Igor Shesterkin. The Devils have a chance to put the nail in the Rangers' coffin here.

[May 1, 2023 at 10:10 pm ET · Chris Bengel]

Jacob Trouba uncorks a drive off a pass from Patrick Kane, but Akira Schmid is up to the task. One of New York's best chances of the night.