Second and third periods

7:01 I didn't really think Scott Gomez would play for the Rangers tonight, but he is. I have to believe his ribs will hamper his ability to shoot and skate though. The Devils are really starting to control this game. The Rangers have not had a power play opportunity yet and the Devils are on their second. Brian Gionta had a good shot, but doinked it off the crossbar.

7:05 The Rangers power play will go to work now. After struggling so much over the last 20 games, it's time for them to convert... And they do! At 5:21 of the second, Gomez finds Brendan Shanahan, who goes to the front of the net and lifts the puck over Brodeur's shoulder. The PP works! Career goal #650 for Shanahan. 1-0 Rangers.

7:09 Lundqvist stones the Devils on a 2-on-1. 12:21 left.

7:16 Elias scores. 1-1.

7:29 Tight game, as usually happens when these two play each other. Of course, sopcast has crapped out on me so all I have is the radio... Backman sucks. Stop passing the puck into the middle. 2-1 New Jersey.

7:55 Wow, Backman gives the puck away to Parise leading to a Devils goal, and then early in the third, the Rangers score another power play goal! And who did it? Backman! Unbelievable. Gomez and Chris Drury with two power play assists apiece. And the energy is picking up. The Garden is alive. A little scuffling in front of the net...

8:06 Rangers on the PP again. 12 minutes left. Backman drew the penalty! No luck this time.

8:11 Back and forth both teams go. Eight minutes are left and I don't see this game ending in 60 minutes of regulation. And since I only have the radio, I can't see it either.

8:16 Oh man! Ryan Callahan, my favorite Ranger, gets stopped on a breakaway!

8:21 NIGEL! NIGEL! NIGEL! Dawes crashes into Brodeur and it was a close call, but he scores! After further review, it counts! Yes! 3:06 left. Play some defense Blueshirts!

8:27 1:44 left, Devils take a time out and the Rangers are looking to make it 7-0 against New Jersey this year. New Jersey does not score a lot of goals, the Rangers d has to show they can hold off an opponent in a big spot. Championship caliber teams will do this.

8:31 Game over! Rangers win 3-2 and tie New Jersey for fifth place in the East. Home and home against Pittsburgh this weekend.