First Period Blunders<\/p>\n
After a turbulent and inconsistent season, the Devils are no strangers to first-period woes. Immediately after puck drop, New Jersey maintained excellent control in the offensive zone, with four unanswered shots on goal. But it didn\u2019t take very long for things to go south.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On their first shot of the game, the Rangers opened the scoring with a tip-in goal courtesy of Conor Sheary. Unfortunately, it didn\u2019t take long for the Devils to find themselves in a two-goal deficit after Dougie Hamilton<\/a> was called for high-sticking and J.T. Miller scored on the power play.<\/p>\n By the end of the first period, Jacob Markstrom<\/a> would let in two goals on seven shots. Unfortunately, he\u2019s made a habit of giving up the first goal this season \u2014 24 times, to be exact. Going 6-4-0 in his last 10 starts, he\u2019s let in three or more goals eight times. Despite making a valiant effort, he ended the night with an .818 save percentage<\/a> (SV%) against the Rangers.<\/p>\n Unable to Make a Comeback<\/p>\n All season long, the Devils have been able to pull off comeback wins, but they fell short against the Rangers. After a few defensive breakdowns early in the game, they had countless scoring opportunities, but were unable to come from behind.\u00a0<\/p>\n Connor Brown<\/a> provided a much-needed spark, cutting the Rangers\u2019 lead in half 51 seconds into the second period on the man advantage. Soon after, Nick Bjugstad<\/a> found himself on a shorthanded breakaway and nearly tied the game, but Igor Shesterkin denied him.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, the Hudson River rivalry was on full display, with tensions skyrocketing in the third period. It began with Paul Cotter<\/a> crashing into the net and knocking down Shesterkin \u2014 and the end result was pandemonium.\u00a0<\/p>\n Markstrom, not wanting to be left out of the action, sailed across the ice and challenged Shesterkin, and the two dropped the gloves for the first goalie fight of Markstrom\u2019s career. Even though the Devils were unable to generate additional offense, the physicality helped revive the team\u2019s energy. Plus, it made for an unforgettable fight night at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n Dawson Mercer Sets Franchise Iron Man Streak<\/p>\n Despite a frustrating loss, there was still something for Devils\u2019 fans to celebrate. Skating in his 402nd consecutive game, Dawson Mercer<\/a> set a new franchise Iron Man streak. He tied Travis Zajac\u2019s previous record Sunday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, but has now claimed the title for himself.<\/p>\n Mercer has not missed a contest since making his NHL debut on Oct. 15, 2021. Drafted 18th overall by the Devils in 2020, he\u2019s been their most reliable presence in the lineup day in and day out.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: 3 Key Factors in Devils\u2019 End-of-Season Success<\/a><\/p>\n When asked about his milestone<\/a>, he shared what it meant to be such an important part of the Devils\u2019 organization for the last five seasons. \u201cObviously, it\u2019s been a special time being able to go out there every night, have fun, and help my team win. But it\u2019s just crazy how quick the years go,\u201d said Mercer.<\/p>\n The Devils will return to action on Thursday night, where they will try to get back on track against the Washington Capitals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"Jacob](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jacob-Markstrom-Devils-Igor-Shesterkin-Rangers-1200x800.jpg\")
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin and New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom fight (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
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