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At a glance: Surrendering Game 1 to the Rangers despite carrying play for much of the match, the Devils responded in Game 2 with a 3-2 win to tie the series at a game apiece. With the game tied at 2, New Jersey's David Clarkson deflected Bryce Salvador's shot 2:31 into the third period for the go-ahead goal. The Rangers' loss marks the third time this postseason that the team squandered an opportunity to take a two-game series lead. The best-of-seven set now heads to Newark for Games 3 and 4.

Double the deflection: Trailing 1-0 after the first period, the Rangers tallied twice on the power play during the second period to take a 2-1 lead. Defenseman Marc Staal was credited with the Rangers' first goal at 2:23; his shot deflected off Devils defenseman Salvador, then caromed off the end-boards before bouncing off Martin Brodeur's pads for his third goal of the playoffs. Scoring his second goal in as many games, Rangers rookie Chris Kreider deflected Anton Stralman's shot at 12:19.

All tied up: Tying the game late in the second period, Devils fourth-liner Ryan Carter tipped in Salvador’s shot. Coach John Tortorella looked irate after Marian Gaborik's casual clearing attempt allowed the Devils to keep the puck in the zone.

Gaborik benched: As penance for the Devil's game-tying goal, Gaborik was benched to begin the third period with Artem Anisimov skating on the team's first line with Carl Hagelin and Brad Richards. Gaborik did not reappear until taking his first shift of the period 11:20 into the third.

Block that: Giving the Devils their first goal of the series, Ilya Kovalchuk sniped one from the left circle to beat Henrik Lundqvist high-glove, although it was a laser Lundqvist had no shot to snag. Kovalchuk’s power-play marker, assisted by defenseman Marek Zidlicky and captain Zach Parise, gave the Devils a 1-0 lead at 13:39.

Loading up: Switching up the lines from Game 1, Devils coach Pete Deboer loaded up his top line with Parise, Kovalchuk and center Travis Zajac to start the game.

Un-hinged: In a bizarre-yet-comical twist during a tight game at Madison Square Garden, the door to the Devils penalty box jammed with Zajac waiting to serve his ill-advised offensive-zone interference penalty during the second period. Crew workers labored for almost 10 minutes -- even trying to kick the door open at one point -- before resolving the situation, which had several players chuckling on their respective benches.

Defensive substitution: Devils defenseman Peter Harrold made his first appearance of the series, replacing rookie Adam Larsson in the lineup. The 28-year-old even manned the right point on the Devils’ second power-play unit.

Up Next: Rangers at Devils, Game 3, Saturday at 1 p.m.

At a glance: After shutting out their Hudson River rivals 3-0 in Game 1 Monday at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers aim to do something they have yet to accomplish this post-season: take a 2-game series lead. Meanwhile, the Devils look to even the series after letting the opener slip away after outplaying the Rangers for significant stretches.

Shots fired: Via a Devils spokesperson, goaltender Martin Brodeur defended his post-game comments in the wake of Game 1’s 3-0 shutout loss. The 40-year-old veteran, who reportedly suggested the Devils try aiming for the heads of the Rangers to curb their willingness to block shots, said the remarks were made “off-the-cuff.” Brodeur, who no longer talks on game days, said through the spokesperson that his intent was not to target the Rangers in such a way.

Block party: Whereas the Devils frustrated the Rangers with their relentless forechecking pressure, the Rangers countered with their superior shot-blocking. The Black-and-Blueshirts blocked 26 shots, compared to 15 from the Devils, a lopsided stat that prompted a pointed response from Brodeur: “Well from my view I saw [goaltender Henrik Lundqvist] for about 10 minutes of the game because there were so many Rangers in front of him, but he played pretty well.”

Looking for offense: Following a 29-goal regular season in which Rangers captain Ryan Callahan proved he is more than just a gritty face, the 27-year-old has been limited to only three goals over 15 games this post-season. Callahan has been held off the scoresheet over the past three games and has not scored a goal since May 2. What does he need to do to get going offensively? Said coach John Tortorella: “I won't answer.”

Loading up: According to line rushes in the Devils’ morning skate, coach Pete DeBoer has stacked his top line with Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk, presumably to yield more offense. Parise and Kovalchuk were split to begin Game 1, presenting Tortorella with an interesting dilemma: which line should he try to match with his shutdown defense pair of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi?

Making changes: Devils depth defenseman Peter Harrold may be making his first appearance of the series. DeBoer said it was an “option” to sit rookie Adam Larsson and use Harrold in his stead. The 28-year-old blue-liner, a former teammate and roommate of fellow Boston College alum Brian Boyle, has not played since Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia.

Winning their sixth straight game with a 4-2 victory over Ottawa Saturday, the Devils enter next week's playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league.

Locked into the 6th seed in the East, New Jersey will wait as their first-round opponent has yet to be determined. Regardless, they appear to be in line for a favorable draw. Depending on Saturday night's action the Devils could face either the stumbling Panthers or the Capitals, currently without their top two netminders.

Recently-recalled Stephen Gionta, brother of former Devil Brian Gionta, snapped a third-period tie against the Senators Saturday to record his first NHL goal. Ilya Kovalchuk also chipped in with two goals. Rookie defenseman Adam Larsson returned to the lineup after missing the past five games as a healthy scratch.

According to The Bergen Record, Devils winger David Clarkson is out for Tuesday's game against the Islanders with a "lower-body issue."

Clarkson, who recently notched a career-high 30th goal, had appeared in all 79 games for the Devils this season. He will be replaced on the third line with Steve Bernier. Cam Janssen will return to the lineup in Clarkson's absence.

Rookie defenseman Adam Larsson remains scratched and veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur will receive a night off. Backup Johan Hedberg will make his 23rd start of the season.

Defenseman Anton Volchenkov returns to the lineup Thursday after missing two games with a lower-body injury, while rookie Adam Larsson will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game.

Volchenkov, who declined to elaborate on the cause or nature of the injury, said it was only a minor issue and that he's eager to return with five games left remaining before the playoffs begin.

"I'm ready to go. It's not major, just a small injury, but now it feels better."

Larsson, who was scratched Tuesday against the Blackhawks, will watch from upstairs once again as the Devils host the Bolts. The young blue-liner has struggled since returning from a lower back bruise last month.

"We had one of our assistant coaches sit with him during the Chicago game and watch the play with him, point out things that we felt would help him, maybe when he got back in [to] get back in a little quicker and help him be more successful," DeBoer said.

But the Devils coach made it clear he's not holding Larsson's hand throughout the process or coddling the rookie in any way.

"There's lots of communication there but it's not a daily conversation for me. This time of year, we've got a lot of bigger things on our plate.," DeBoer said. "Adam Larsson's a big part of our team moving forward, but he's not the focal point. The focal point is our team and how we're playing."

What it means: Veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur's stellar 37-save effort did not go to waste. Newly-returned Travis Zajac scored the game-winner as the Devils beat the Hawks 2-1 in a five-round shootout. After a strong first period, the Devils managed only eight shots combined in the last forty minutes of regulation, but came though in the skills competition for their 12th shootout win of the season. Brodeur snapped a four-game winless streak in helping his squad lock down a vital two points in the team's quest to secure a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Shutout spoiled: Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook spoiled Brodeur's shutout bid, tying the game with a shot through traffic at 8:34 of the third. Seabrook remains the Blackhawks' top defenseman with Duncan Keith out while serving the second of a five-game ban for his concussion-causing hit on Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin.

Looking for lines: With only a handful of game remaining before the playoffs begin, Devils coach Pete DeBoer is opting for more balance among his top six forwards. With center Travis Zajac back from an Achilles injury, rookie pivot Adam Henrique moved to the left wing on the top line along with Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk while Patrik Elias centered a line with captain Zach Parise and Dainius Zubrus.

Big kill: With the Devils clinging to a 1-0 lead in the second period, the team’s top-ranked penalty kill delivered on a crucial 67-second 5-on-3 situation for the Blackhawks. New Jersey has surrendered only 26 power-play goals this season on 249 attempts.

Sound investment: Despite being dropped to the fourth line to start Tuesday’s game, Petr Sykora continued to prorduce. The 35-year-old veteran, who made the team as a training camp tryout, tallied his 18th goal of the season. Sykora, who is making a modest $650,000 this season, deflected Henrique’s pass at 15:42 for a power-play goal and 1-0 Devils lead.

Larsson scratched: Rookie defenseman Adam Larsson watched Tuesday’s match from Lou Lamoriello’s box Tuesday night. The 19-year-old Swede was scratched by DeBoer because of his inconsistent play since returning from a lower back bruise last month. Larsson admitted he needs to step up his game with the playoffs approaching, particularly with the team’s hobbled defensive corps. Henrik Tallinder’s season remains in jeopardy because of a leg condition, while Anton Volchenkov missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury.

Up Next: Devils vs. Lightning, Thursday at 7 p.m.

At a glance: The Devils have dropped four of their last five games and suddenly the gap both above and below them (6th place) in the Eastern Conference standings is not so large. New Jersey faces a fellow 6-seed in Chicago Tuesday, with the Blackhawks aiming for a bounce-back game of their own. Without captain Jonathan Toews and top defenseman Duncan Keith, the Blackhawks were man-handled 6-1 by the Predators Sunday.

Larsson sits: Rookie defenseman Adam Larsson will miss Tuesday’s game as a healthy scratch. The 19-year-old has struggled of late – he is a minus-two in his last four games – and played inconsistently since returning from a lower back bruise suffered last month. Larsson said he wasn’t sure if this will be a one-game trip to the press box, but coach Pete DeBoer expects the young Swede to respond well: “He’s a confident kid…I know he’ll bounce back.”

Missing parts: Out with a concussion, Toews will miss his 17th straight game. And if that wasn’t enough, the Blackhawks will also be missing Keith from their back-end as he serves the second of a five-game ban for his concussion-causing hit on Daniel Sedin.

Volchenkov out: The Devils will be without defenseman Anton Volchenkov, who is out for the second straight game with a lower-body injury. The hard-hitting 30-year-old did not skate Tuesday, but is still considered “day-to-day.”

Brodeur vs. Crawford: Winless in his last four starts, 39-year-old Martin Brodeur will square off against Chicago’s Corey Crawford in goal. Brodeur has surrendered three or more goals during that span and a total of 16 combined, while Crawford has recorded wins in five of his last six games.

Harrold recalled: With Larsson scratched and Volchenkov out, the Devils summoned 28-year-old defenseman Peter Harrold from Albany of the American Hockey League. Harrold has five goals and 21 assists in 61 games for Albany, and despite the minor-league teams’ recent struggles, still has a plus-two rating. Said DeBoer: “He can skate and move to the puck…It’s nice to have that depth.”

Struggling during the home stretch of a grueling rookie season, Devils defenseman Adam Larsson will sit out as a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game against the Blackhawks.

The 19-year-old Swede has battled bouts of inconsistency since returning from a back bruise last month -- an injury he admittedly came back from "too soon" -- and knows he needs to improve with the playoffs less than two weeks away.

"I know I haven't played my best game recently. It's tough, but I think it's a smart decision by the coach," Larsson said after the team's optional morning skate. "I don't know how long I'll be out, but hopefully I'll be back soon."

Larsson, a minus-2 in the last four games, missed over three weeks in the beginning of February following a hard hit from Montreal's P.K. Subban. The Devils' fourth overall pick said he's played "too up and down" since coming back and has been told he needs to play more "physical."

"Since he's come back from injury, he's had a few bumps in the road, [he's] been struggling with some consistency -- we've talked to him about that," coach Pete DeBoer said. "We're getting to the point here where we think it could benefit him to sit and watch for a night."

DeBoer said he took the decision well and Larsson said that his confidence will remain unshaken.

"I know how good I am and how good I can play." he said. "[I have to ] just stay positive."

Recently recalled Peter Harrold will play tonight; DeBoer said he hopes the 28-year-old defenseman can add something to the Devils' back end, which is currently without Henrik Tallinder (leg) and Anton Volchenkov (lower body).

"He can skate and move the puck," DeBoer said. "It's nice to have that depth."

Volchenkov, who missed Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, did not skate Tuesday morning. He is still considered "day-today."

Newly-acquired defenseman Marek Zidlicky will make his Devils debut Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Zidlicky, added by the Devils in a trade with Minnesota Friday, practiced with his new club for the first time Saturday and set he was excited about a fresh start with New Jersey.

The 35-year-old veteran, who publicly clashed with first-year Wild coach Mike Yeo this season, said he requested a trade from Minnesota and told GM Chuck Fletcher that the Devils were his first choice.

New Jersey sent back defenseman Kurtis Foster, forwards Nick Palmieri and Stephane Veilleux, and two picks to Minnesota in the deal.

Zidlicky joins a Devils' back end that has been hobbled by injuries of late. Henrik Tallinder's status (leg) for the remainder of the season remains up in the air, while rookie Adam Larsson will return for the first time since suffering a back injury February 2 in the Devils' 5-3 win over Montreal.

Facing a thinning market for defensemen to bolster his team's injury-addled blue line, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello gave up three players and two picks for Minnesota's Marek Zidlicky Friday night.

The 35-year-old Czech native, unhappy with his role in Minnesota and seemingly at odds with head coach Mike Yeo in recent weeks, provides depth and experience to a Devils' defensive corps currently without Henrik Tallinder (leg) and rookie Adam Larsson (back).

There are some concerns with Zidlicky -- a tenuous relationship with his former team, a $4 million cap hit for the remainder of this year and next, and a suspect shoulder -- but the four-time 40-point scorer and power-play quarterback might ultimately be a good fit for the Devils.

Read ESPN.com's Scott Burnside's analysis here.

An already-thin blue line for the New Jersey Devils took another hit Sunday.

Veteran defenseman Kurtis Foster is out for Sunday's game against Montreal with an upper-body injury, the team announced.

According to the Newark Star-Ledger and The Bergen Record, Foster took part in the Devils' optional morning skate only briefly, leaving the ice with back stiffness.

Defenseman Peter Harrold, called up Saturday from the team's AHL affiliate in Albany, will replace Foster in the lineup against the Habs.

The Devils, who have reportedly shown interest in trading for disgruntled Minnesota defenseman Marek Zidlicky, have been decimated by injuries to their back end. Henrik Tallinder was placed on injured reserve last month with a leg injury and rookie blue-liner Adam Larsson joined him on IR yesterday. Larsson has not played since suffering a back injury after a hard hit from Montreal's P.K. Subban February 2.

NEW YORK – Collecting their season-high fifth straight win, the Devils feel they have silenced some critics.

Edging the Rangers 1-0 in their first visit to Madison Square Garden this season, the Devils concluded a banner week in which they collected two wins against their Atlantic Division rivals and knocked off Montreal, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

“Big boost,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “It’s nice to beat the best teams. People have been talking that we haven’t been able to and this week capped off a good week of answering some of those questions.”

Goaltender Martin Brodeur prevailed against elite netminder Henrik Lundqvist, making 30 saves to record his first shutout of the season and 117th of his career. The future Hall of Famer has now posted nine shutouts against the Rangers in his 18-year career.

“He played great,” said captain Zach Parise, who set up the lone goal of the game -- David Clarkson’s power-play marker at 8:14 of the first. “You always get the sense that when Marty and Lundqvist play each other you can see they want to outdo each other. 99 times out of 100, it’s a great goaltending battle and it was again tonight. Marty was great, he made huge saves and really got us that win with a shutout.”

Parise admitted a “bad play” by him almost cost Brodeur the shutout. With ten seconds remaining and an empty-net beckoning on the other end, Parise sent the puck right into Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto’s shin pad, a gaffe that led to a frantic Rangers’ rush.

The Rangers appeared to score on Ryan Callahan’s attempt with less than four seconds remaining, but the goal was waived off as a result of Marian Gaborik’s goaltender interference penalty.

Although Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov made contact with Gaborik before the collision in the crease, Brodeur felt the official assessed the play correctly.

“Obviously, [Gaborik] takes both his hands and kind of hits me on the shoulder and impairs me to make a save,” Brodeur said. “I thought it was the right call. I’m sure they’ll probably complain about it, but that’s sort of the nature of the beast.”

Parise was relieved the call let him off the hook.

“Gaborik went right into him. You have to make that call. I think he made the right call,” Parise said. “I thanked him after for bailing me out. I’m sure they probably have different feelings about it. I’m sure we would if we were on the other side, but you could see there was definitely contact.”

Brodeur was peppered with fifteen shots in the third period – the Devils managed only one, on Jacob Josefson’s breakaway 7:22 into play – but held on to preserve the shutout and the team’s 31st win of the season. Securing two critical points, the Devils leap-frogged Pittsburgh to claim 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

“We played a great hockey game right from the start,” Brodeur said. “We thought this might be a dirty 1-0 win and that’s exactly what happened.”

What it means: In their first visit to Madison Square Garden this season, the streaking Devils edged the Rangers 1-0 for a season-high fifth straight win and second against their Atlantic Division rivals in one week. Goaltender Martin Brodeur made 30 saves to record his 1st shutout of the season, 117th of his career. The Devils were outshot 15-1 in a lopsided third period but held on to secure the win -- just barely. The Rangers appeared to score with 3.5 seconds left, but the goal was waived off as a result of Marian Gaborik's goaltender interference penalty.

Fight club: It didn’t take long for things to get nasty during Tuesday’s tilt between the Rangers and Devils. Eric Boulton and Brandon Prust fought two seconds after the opening faceoff. Cam Janssen and Mike Rupp followed suit, dropping their gloves at the same time. Rupp suffered a broken thumb in last Tuesday’s game after a slash from Boulton, who was subsequently fined $2,500.

Career year for Clarkson: David Clarkson continued to build on his career-high 2011-12 campaign with a power-play goal 8:14 into the first. Tallying his fifth goal in as many games, Clarkson gave the Devils a 1-0 lead with his 21st of the season. The gritty 27-year-old winger trails Devils’ leading goal-scorer Ilya Kovalchuk by only one goal.

Power-play woes: The Rangers flailing power-play continued to skid, failing to record a man-up goal in three attempts Tuesday. Entering tonight's game with a 27th ranked 13.3% success rate, the unit was denied for the fifth straight game. The Rangers have tallied only one power-play goal in the last 13 games. The Devils' superb penalty-killing unit denied the Rangers on a key power-play late in the third, holding New York without a shot on goal for the entire man-advantage.

Calling all centers: Top center Travis Zajac will visit his physician in Winnipeg Wednesday to evaluate his surgically-repaired Achilles, according to Devils GM Lou Lamoriello The 26-year-old has been limited to only eight games this season, but is not expected to undergo any additional procedures, Lamoriello said before the game. The Devils expect to have an update on Zajac's status Thursday.

Coach's decision: Rangers defenseman Steve Eminger has been medically cleared to play after missing almost two months with a separated right shoulder, but coach John Tortorella elected to keep Stu Bickel in the lineup instead. Bickel finished with two fights in the Rangers' 5-2 win over Philadelphia Sunday.

Up Next: Rangers vs. Lightning, Thursday at 7 p.m.
Devils vs. Blues, Thursday at 7 p.m.

At a glance: Riding a four-game winning streak, the red-hot Devils visit Madison Square Garden for the first time this season looking to knock off the dominant Rangers. The Broadway Blueshirts remain on top in the Eastern Conference standings, three points removed from the 2nd place Boston Bruins and eight points ahead of the 6th place Devils.

Last time around: In the first game back following last month’s All-Star break, the Devils capitalized on a lucky bounce to force overtime. New Jersey went on to beat the Rangers 4-3 for their ninth shootout win of the season.

Stars align: Tuesday’s match marks the meeting of two of the game’s best snipers in Kovalchuk and Rangers’ leading scorer Marian Gaborik. Kovalchuk’s ten points (three goals, seven assists) over the last four games earned him honors as the NHL’s second star of the week. Gaborik tallied his 26th goal of the season and added an assist in the Rangers’ 5-2 win against the Flyers Saturday.

Back in action: After watching his first Rangers-Devils game from the bench in over five years last Tuesday, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is expected to return Tuesday. The 29 -year-old Swedish netminder, who boasts a 23-9-5 career record against the Devils, is putting together a Vezina-caliber year. Lundqvist (24-10-4) leads the league with a .939 save percentage and ranks second behind St Louis’ Brian Elliott in goals against average with a 1.82 GAA.

Depleted defense: Already without defenseman Henrik Tallinder (leg), the Devils are unlikely to return rookie Adam Larsson to the lineup. Larsson is expected to miss his third straight game with a back injury suffered in the Devils’ 5-3 victory over the Canadiens last Thursday. Larsson was rocked by a hit from Montreal’s P.K. Subban, sustaining what the Devils called a “bruised lower back.”

Rough stuff: Both the Rangers (1st, 42) and the Devils (8th, 26) rank among the top eight teams in fighting majors. Tough guys Brandon Prust is third in the NHL with 13 fighting majors and the Devils appear prepared for a fight. Both Erik Boulton and Cam Janssen will be in the lineup for the team’s third meeting of the season and second in the past week.

Game-time decision: Rangers defenseman Steve Eminger has been medically cleared to return from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for almost two months, but he may be watching another game from the press box. On Monday, coach John Tortorella said he was “not sure” about lineup changes, but sixth defenseman Stu Bickel appears likely to play. The rugged, 25-year-old blue-liner dropped the gloves twice in the Rangers’ physical win over Philly on Saturday.

The Devils delivered another thrilling third-period comeback, toppling the Canadiens 5-3 to conclude a six-game homestand, but the team's second consecutive win featured what could be a troubling loss.

With the team rallying in the third, rookie defenseman Adam Larsson went down with what the Devils are calling a "bruised lower back".

Larsson had to be helped off the ice by two teammates after a teeth-rattling hit from Montreal's P.K. Subban lifted him off his skates and left him down on the ice for several minutes. Larsson left with 5:58 remaining in regulation and did not return.

After the game, Devils coach Pete DeBoer said he didn't believe Larsson's injury was too serious. Larsson was not available to the media after the game.

"From what I understand it looks like just a bruise," he said.

DeBoer had no problem with the hit Larsson took from Subban, who received no penalty on the play.

"I thought it was a clean hit," he said.

DeBoer said it was too early to tell whether the rookie defenseman will be available for this weekend's back-to-back set, but Larsson suffered more than one hard hit in a high-intensity, physical game between the two teams. Larsson was slow to get up earlier in the game after a hit from Montreal's Mathieu Darche left a cut on his right cheekbone.

"He's trying to make a difference in the game. That's his mentality. He's that type of player. He's grabbing the puck and going with it in the tough areas and he took some tough hits doing it. I give him full marks," DeBoer said of the first-year player. "He's a tough kid that's trying to make a difference in an important game."

Should Larsson miss any time, it would be a crushing blow to the Devils' already-battered blue line. Veteran defenseman Henrik Tallinder is questionable for the rest of the season; he was placed on injured reserve Jan. 19 with acute thrombophlebitis in his left leg. The team just recently returned Andy Greene, who missed two months with an injured foot, and was forced to dress seven defensemen Thursday with Bryce Salvador battling through an ankle injury suffered in the Devils' 4-3 shootout win over the Rangers on Tuesday night.

Defenseman Kurtis Foster was also banged up in the first after a hit by Darche into the boards. After leaving the ice before the end of the period, he returned to start the second, but didn't play for long. After committing a turnover that led to Montreal's shorthanded goal in the second, Foster played only one more 16-second shift the entire game.

Foster said it had nothing to do with his health, however.

"I was just benched."