Lucky 7

Last night the New York Rangers (40-26-11) defeated the New Jersey Devils (42-28-7) by a score of 3-2. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

- The Rangers went 2 for 3 on the Power Play

- Chris Drury's first of his season high three assists gave him 300 for his career.

- Scott Gomez recorded two assists in his return to the line-up

- Nigel Dawes' game winning goal was his fourth goal against New Jersey this year.

- Brendan Shanahan's goal tied him with Drury for the team lead with 23.

- Christian Backman's goal gives him four points in the last three games.

- Tom Renney is now tied with Herb Brooks for fifth on the Rangers’ all-time coaching wins list with 131 wins.

- The Rangers improved to 7-0-0 vs. the Devils this season. It is the first time in franchise history the Rangers have beaten a non-Original Six team seven times in a single season.

- Last night's win gave the Rangers their third consecutive 40-win season, their longest streak since they won 40 or more games in four consecutive seasons from 1970-74.

...you would think after going 1 for their last 30 on the power play, the storyline this morning would be the Rangers scoring two power play goals last night. Nope. Scott Gomez stole the show. Whenever a high priced free agent comes to a team there's always a signature game when they finally become a part of the team. Last night was that game for Gomez. Less than a week removed from a rib injury that kept him out of Monday's game, Gomez was the best player on the ice last night. He had the puck on his stick from one end of the ice to the other. He was fiery on and off the ice and his play making ability was on full display. He wanted that win more than anyone else. No way the Rangers win without him in the lineup. Last night Scott Gomez officially became a New York Ranger.

...not only is Gomez great on the ice, he's great off as shown in his interview with John Gianone after the game. I almost fell off my chair when he told Gianone that the team's nickname for Dawes is "Black Magic" and then said "I'm sure you can figure out why we call him that." I got into the gay issue the other day, but I refuse to start a race riot today.

...speaking of Black Magic, another huge goal by Dawes against the Devils. I was waiting to read quotes from Brodeur shrugging off Dawes' skills this morning.

...since coming to the Rangers, Backman has twice tightroped the line of becoming the new Malik. The first, after he took his 6th penalty (or something like that) in his first two games as a Ranger and the MSG crowd starting to grumble, he scored the go ahead goal against the Flyers which helped lead to a 5-4 SO victory. Last night, Backman found himself in the same position after one of the worst giveaways I've ever seen. But once again, Backman redeemed himself with a huge game tying goal. Even with the giveaway, I thought Backman had another strong game posting a goal on three shots.

...not sure what it is about Brodeur being on the other end of the ice, but Lundqvist plays out of his mind against the Devils. The save he made in the second period on Langenbrunner was one of the best saves I've seen him make all year. And he didn't look weird making it.

...couple of days off before home-and-home with Pens.