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The closest thing to a guarantee from the Rangers heading into a do-or-die Game 6 against the Devils?

Coach John Tortorella's prediction about his star goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist.

"He'll play his best game tomorrow night," Tortorella said Thursday.

A later line of questioning prompted Tortorella to say he thinks alternate captain Brad Richards will have his best game as well, although there was no couching when it came to the team's resident Vezina and Hart trophy finalist.

Coming off a pair of losses in which he gave up a combined seven goals, Lundqvist has a calm, confident air. He's trying not to think too much about the pressure.

"Not more than any other game. Try not to at least," Lundqvist said. "Obviously, when you go into a game like this you want to win so bad you might put too much pressure than you need. When you're out there you try to just focus on the things you always focus on when you play that game. The challenge, every time you play an important game, is to find a good balance, mentally."

With two shutouts in the first three games of the series, Lundqvist looked infallible (sometimes even inhuman) with his unflappable steadiness between the pipes. His ability to rob a dynamic Devils team left superstars like Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk flummoxed and frustrated.

Then, in Game 4, the Devils saw Lundqvist’s steadfast resolve slacken, just a bit. Pinning three goals on him to tie the series at two games apiece, New Jersey's frantic pleas were answered again in a staggering start to Game 5.

Lundqvist gave up three goals on the first five shots and finished the game with an uncharacteristic .750 save percentage, his lowest of the entire season.

Keeping an even keel has been the key to his success throughout a season that has the potential to be a career-defining one. With the Rangers on the brink for the fourth time this season, he won't deviate from that heading into the penultimate game of the Eastern Conference finals.

"I think we just know we have to approach this game the same way we've been approaching each game. We can't put more pressure on ourselves," he said. "We always want to win. We always want to play a desperate game, but you don't want to go out there and do too much. Or get too, you know, too excited."

Lundqvist and the Rangers are 3-0 when facing elimination this postseason. In those three games he has given up only four goals combined.

"So far that's been the case, so hopefully we can continue that trend tomorrow," Lundqvist said when asked about the team's success when staring down a potentially season-ending loss. "We've been answering really well so far in this playoffs. That brings some confidence to this group as well, that we can step up when we have to."

Recap | Box score | Photos

What it means: The Rangers erased a three-goal deficit with a staggering comeback that almost made up for their disastrous start, but Ryan Carter's game winner with 4:24 remaining sapped all the life out of Madison Square Garden as the Devils pulled off a 5-3 stunner.

After rattling off two straight wins, the Devils head home with a 3-2 series lead and the chance to finish off their Hudson River rivals in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Friday.

Gionta's a gem: Scoring the game's first goal and setting up the winner, New Jersey's Stephen Gionta's Cinderella story continues. The younger brother of former Devil Brian Gionta, Stephen has been a vital cog for the Devils as part of their productive fourth line since being recalled from the AHL for the team's regular-season finale last month.

Redemption shot: Dropped to the third line, struggling sniper Marian Gaborik earned his redemption with his third-period equalizer 17 seconds into play. Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur strayed from the crease and misplayed the puck, allowing Gaborik to bank the game-tying goal off his pads. Gaborik's turnaround was a dramatic one; he bungled a ripe opportunity early in the first with the Rangers trailing 2-0, missing on an open net in front at 6:31.

Brodeur gets earful: Following Brodeur's miscue that led to Gaborik's goal, the crowd's trademark taunts reached a deafening level and continued throughout stoppages in the third period.

So much for starts: For all the talk about their poor starts, the Rangers fell victim once again, surrendering three goals less than 10 minutes into play.

The Devils' high-energy fourth line chipped in with Stephen Gionta's backhander 2:43 into play, and the Rangers found themselves down two goals after Adam Henrique's shot glanced off Patrik Elias and Artem Anisimov less than two minutes later. Top-line center Travis Zajac ripped a sharp wrist shot across the grain to beat goaltender Henrik Lundqvist for a 3-0 Devils lead 9:48 into play.

Prust sparks crowd: After pacing through Game 4 while serving a one-game suspension, Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust returned to ignite the MSG crowd with a goal to whittle the Devils' lead to 3-1 with 4:19 left in the first period.

Captain in the crease: It took the Rangers all of 32 seconds to whittle the Devils' lead to one goal. Rangers captain Ryan Callahan redirected the puck past Brodeur on the first shift of the second period. The goal was reviewed but ultimately upheld because the puck deflected off Callahan's leg, not skate.

Brandons are back: Sidelined for almost a month, Brandon Dubinsky returned to the lineup Wednesday for the first time since suffering a right foot injury in Game 7 of the quarterfinals April 26. The 26-year-old forward played on a line with Anisimov and Callahan. Prust also came back after sitting out Game 4 while serving a one-game suspension for his elbow on Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in Game 3. John Mitchell and Steve Eminger were healthy scratches.

Up next: Devils versus Rangers, 8 p.m. ET Friday in Newark.

At a glance: After a tepid start to what was expected to be a nasty set between bitter rivals, the snarl came out in Game 4 as the Devils knotted the series with a 4-1 win against the Rangers. Tied at two games apiece, the Rangers and Devils clash in a pivotal Game 5 at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night. As Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur surmised following his team’s latest victory: “I think the best hockey is yet to come.”

Prayer for offense: When asked what he could do to get his top-six forwards producing again, coach John Tortorella offered up an unorthodox suggestion: “Pray.” Tortorella was joking, but the Rangers’ scoring woes are no laughing matter. Ryan Callahan, Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin have only one goal between them this series, in which the Rangers have combined for only nine in total.

Opponent set: With Dustin Penner’s overtime game-winner Tuesday night, the Kings dispatched the Coyotes and punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals. Now L.A. waits to see whether they’ll head to Manhattan or Newark for Game 1 next Wednesday.

Zach attack: Limited to one assist in the first three games of the series, Devils captain Zach Parise delivered a stellar three-point performance in the team’s 4-1 win against the Rangers Monday. The 27-year-old winger tallied two goals and recorded one assist in leading his team to a decisive series-tying victory.

Dubinsky back? : With the Rangers in need of a “jolt” to their lineup, Brandon Dubinsky may be ready to return. The 26-year-old forward is expected to be available for the first time since suffering a right foot injury in the series finale of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Prust returns: After missing Game 4 while serving his one-game suspension for an elbow to Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in Game 3, Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust returns to the lineup. The gritty 28-year-old winger had previously played in all 82 regular-season and 17 playoff games for the Rangers this season.

Retaliation? Really? : Will the Devils be looking to retaliate for the punch that “stung” Brodeur in Game 4? Probably not, but given Mike Rupp’s brazen jab to his former teammate -- a blow that ignited a boisterous scrum on the ice and a war of words between the benches – New Jersey may be looking to rattle Vezina/Hart Trophy finalist Henrik Lundqvist just a little bit.

Playoff performer: Held without a goal in 82 regular-season games, Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador is making up for lost time with his ample contributions. The 36-year-old veteran has chipped in for three goals and seven assists this post-season and has four points (one goal, three assists) through the first four games of this series.

A lack of offense has made John Tortorella a religious man.

The Rangers have struggled to score in the Eastern Conference finals, with their top six forwards combining for just four goals. When asked what could be done to get the top six going, Tortorella mentioned an alternative solution.

"Pray," Tortorella said. "I don't know what else to tell you. We're going to keep on trying to play, pray and hopefully something good happens to them."

The Rangers have scored nine goals in four games, but the top two lines, minus rookie Chris Kreider, have not played up to par when it comes to scoring goals.

Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik, Carl Hagelin and Derek Stepan have yet to score a goal in the series, while Ryan Callahan has just an empty-netter. Kreider has been the Rangers' best offensive player in the series with his three goals.

The Rangers' bottom lines have not been effective either, with just a pair of goals from Artem Anisimov and Ruslan Fedotenko.

DUBINSKY UPDATE: Brandon Dubinsky (right foot) skated with the team Tuesday, but the team still has no update about his status. Dubinsky said each day his foot gets better and he feels like he's on the right path. He hasn't played since Game 7 against the Senators.

"Of course I want to play each and every game, especially here in the playoffs," Dubinsky said. "But again I’ve got to make sure I'm at a point where I'm going to help the team and not hurt the team.

"[I've] just got to stay focused on that and try and do the best I can."

At a glance: In a rowdy Game 4 that delivered all the nastiness lacking in the first three games, the Devils proved that Henrik is human after all. Shut out twice in the first three games against the Rangers, the Devils solved the mind-bogglingly steady Henrik Lundqvist with a 4-1 win that tied the series at two games apiece. Devils captain Zach Parise led the charge, finishing with two goals and an assist in a stellar performance that had the Prudential Center buzzing, while goaltender Martin Brodeur made 30 saves and added an assist on Parise's late-game empty-netter.

Rough stuff: The arena reached a fever pitch midway into the third after ex-Devil Mike Rupp shoved Brodeur after the play, igniting a melee that eventually ensnared both coaches. John Tortorella and Pete DeBoer screamed at each other from the bench while their players tangled on the ice -- the second time this season the two have gone at it during a game. Both coaches traded barbs during the teams' last regular-season meeting March 19.

Playoff performer: Recording his third goal of the playoffs -- after being held without one during all 82 games of the regular season -- Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador beat Lundqvist five-hole with a shot through traffic fired from the left point at 8:10. The 36-year-old veteran has three goals and six assists in 16 games this postseason.

Another benching: Two games after stapling Marian Gaborik to the bench, Tortorella exercised the tough-love strategy on young defenseman Michael Del Zotto. After a first-period miscue led to the Devils’ second goal of the night, Del Zotto coughed the puck up 2:57 into the second and didn’t see the ice the rest of the period.

Two-on-one: A gaffe along the boards by Del Zotto led to a two-on-one rush that allowed New Jersey to pad its one-goal lead. Parise made a perfect setup to linemate Travis Zajac, who one-timed the puck for a 2-0 advantage at 11:59.

First fisticuffs: Tensions finally erupted for the series’ first fight -- albeit a brief one -- 9:26 into the first, as Adam Henrique and Ryan McDonagh tangled. Henrique seemed to take exception to McDonagh’s cross-check after the whistle and both were sent to the box for fighting. The rough stuff continued in the second period when Rangers captain Callahan and Devils sniper Ilya Kovalchuk went after each other on more than one occasion. Both were sent to the box -- Callahan for roughing, Kovalchuk for slashing -- after one nasty sequence during which Callahan swiped at Kovalchuk’s helmet only to receive a spear to the stomach in retaliation.

Bickel in for Prust: With Brandon Prust serving a one-game suspension for his elbow on Anton Volchenkov in Game 3, defenseman Stu Bickel was used to replace him as a forward, although that plan didn’t last for long. With Del Zotto benched in the second period, Bickel was put back on defense.

What's next: Game 5, Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, 8 p.m.

At a glance: Shut out twice this series, including a 3-0 blanking on Saturday, the Devils aim to even things up in Game 4 at home on Monday. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been the difference-maker in the Eastern Conference finals, letting in only three goals over the first three games. Frustration is mounting for the Devils and the bad blood has re-surfaced as the two division rivals clash at Newark’s Prudential Center.

Fightin’ words: Civil through the first three games, the series is taking on a nastier note after Rangers coach John Tortorella’s incendiary comments. Upset that his Devils counterpart Pete DeBoer called Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust a head-hunter, Tortorella spewed venom over the Devils tactics. The fiery coach, who traded barbs with DeBoer earlier this season, charged the Devils with embellishing injuries to sell calls and employing illegal screens to free up sniper Ilya Kovalchuk on the power-play. DeBoer’s response to Tortorella’s rant? “Comical.”

Prust suspended: The league agreed with DeBoer regarding Prust’s elbow to the helmet of Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov Saturday night. The gritty 28-year-old winger was slapped with a one-game suspension for the incident and will miss Game 4 as a result.

Filling the void: Without Prust, the Rangers will likely use defenseman Stu Bickel as a forward in the lineup. Injured forward Brandon Dubinsky skated again with the team Monday, but is not yet ready to return from a right foot injury sustained in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against Ottawa.

Playoff debut: Devils center Jacob Josefson, who has been sidelined since suffering a broken left wrist on April 3, will make his playoff debut for the Devils Monday. The 21-year-old Swedish center has been limited to 41 games during a injury-hampered regular season; he also sustained a broken collarbone in October that shelved him for three months. To accommodate his return to the lineup, 35-year-old veteran Petr Sykora will be scratched.

At a loss: Held without a goal this series, Devils captain Zach Parise was at a loss for words following a spirit-sapping Game 3 defeat. Wary of letting his emotions spill over, Parise spurned the media in an uncharacteristic move that highlighted his frustration. The 27-year-old winger, set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, is expected to play on a line with Travis Zajac and Dainius Zubrus Monday in a rearrangement designed to yield more offense.

Recap | Box score | Photos

What it means: In a match that drew eerie parallels to Game 1, the Rangers surged in the third period, breaking a scoreless tie and running away with a 3-0 win at the Prudential Center for a 2-1 series lead.

The Devils carried play for the first half of the game, but Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was not to be topped. The Vezina and Hart trophy finalist made 36 stops in his second shutout of the series -- another sensational performance that the Rangers would've been ashamed to waste. The Rangers received goals from Dan Girardi and rookie Chris Kreider, and captain Ryan Callahan ended a lengthy goal drought with his empty-netter to make it 3-0.

Déjà vu: In what seemed to mirror Game 1 to an uncanny degree, Girardi snapped a scoreless draw early in the third period before Kreider added an insurance goal less than two minutes later. Both players tallied goals in the Rangers' Game 1 victory on Monday at Madison Square Garden.

After a clutch faceoff win by teammate Brad Richards, Girardi ripped a wrist shot past Martin Brodeur for a power-play goal at 3:19 to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Kreider added his fifth goal of the playoffs on a deflection of Ryan McDonagh's point shot at 5:16.

Goaltending duel: The second period featured a pair of spectacular saves by each team's netminder. Lundqvist made a diving stop with his left arm to deny Ilya Kovalchuk on a breakaway just 45 seconds into the frame. Not to be outdone, Brodeur sprawled to smother Callahan's attempt at the left post at 4:16.

No penalty on Prust: Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust got away with elbowing Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov at 2:38 of the second. Volchenkov was slow to get up after being felled by Prust's elbow to the back of the helmet -- a play that was missed by all four on-ice officials. However, Prust might still face supplementary discipline. Volchenkov returned to the ice after the hit.

Switching things up: Not long into the first period, Rangers coach John Tortorella shuffled his lines, using Kreider with Richards and Marian Gaborik, and placing Carl Hagelin with center Derek Stepan and Callahan on the second line.

The Rangers' power play also debuted a new look. Gaborik, Kreider and Artem Anisimov were used up front while defensemen Michael Del Zotto and Anton Stralman manned the points of the team's first unit.

Tortorella reunited his original lines to begin the second period.

Stu scratched: Defenseman Stu Bickel, often the first victim when Tortorella shortens the bench, was scratched Saturday. Replacing him in the lineup was Steve Eminger, who has appeared in only one other playoff contest for the Rangers -- Game 1 of their semifinals set against Washington on April 28.

Up Next: Rangers at Devils, 8 p.m. Monday

At a glance: After the Rangers and Devils split the first two games at Madison Square Garden, the series heads to Newark for Game 3 on Saturday. The Devils outplayed the Rangers while securing 3-2 win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, but the Rangers are coming off a much-needed two days of rest.

Gaborik gaffe: Stapled to the bench for the majority of the third period, including the last 1:29 in regulation, Rangers sniper Marian Gaborik will have some extra motivation to perform. The 30-year-old winger said he has moved on from Wednesday's benching -- a result of poor play on the Devils' game-tying goal in the second period -- but how will he respond?

Formidable fourth line: A big part of the Devils' dynamic offensive attack? A pretty effective fourth line. New Jersey has received valuable contributions from the hard-checking energetic trio of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier. Carter scored the second-period equalizer in Game 2 that sent Gaborik to the sideline.

"C" needs "O": The catalyst for the Rangers' physical play, captain Ryan Callahan has done pretty much everything asked of him -- blocking shots, delivering hits, killing penalties -- except score. The 27-year-old spark plug has been limited to only three goals in 15 games this postseason and has not found the back of the net since May 2.

Battle of the best: The battle between future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur and Vezina/Hart trophy finalist Henrik Lundqvist has been pretty even through the first pair of games. Brodeur has given up four goals total, Lundqvist three.

Saving grace: An Achilles heel for most of the regular season, the Rangers' power-play has delivered in the first two games of the best-of-seven set against the Devils. The Rangers tallied twice on the man-advantage Wednesday and once in Game 1 on Monday.

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.

Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist delivered a 21-save shutout -- the fifth in his playoff career -- but he received some key contributions by his Rangers defensemen along the way in the team’s 3-0 win over the Devils in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Top-pair defenseman Ryan McDonagh may have single-handedly saved the team in the first period with a relentless back-checking effort that negated two Devils’ breakaways.

McDonagh raced down Devils captain Zach Parise to snuff out what would’ve been a stellar scoring opportunity at 6:10 of the first and took an angle on Ilya Kovalchuk to hamper the sniper’s solo rush later in the period.

The two plays were vital in preserving a scoreless tie that endured until the game’s first goal 53 seconds into the third.

“You never want to be chasing anyone down, especially those two players,” said McDonagh, who finished with a plus-2 rating in 24:27 Monday night at Madison Square Garden. “You try and be smart and not take a penalty or not taking a penalty shot. Henrik did a good job of coming out on Kovalchuk there to cut down the angle, so it’s a combination of him and I.”

The Rangers were engulfed by the Devils in the second period by a tenacious forechecking effort and found themselves hemmed in their own end for much of the frame.

The pressure caused some uncharacteristic mistakes from the Rangers’ blue line, including Dan Girardi's unsightly gaffe to turn the puck over at the goal line. Girardi’s rare giveaway almost gifted New Jersey’s Dainius Zubrus with a lay-up, but he was bailed out by a save from Lundqvist.

“They had a lot of pressure on us. They weren’t given us much time to make plays and we ended up icing it a bunch,” said alternate captain Marc Staal. “Hank made some key saves for us, so we got out of it without getting hurt.”

Then came Girardi’s redemption shot in the third, when he gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead with a deep slapshot that beat Martin Brodeur less than a minute into play. Rookie Chris Kreider set up the pivotal marker, earning the primary assist on the play in his second multi-point performance of the playoffs.

“I saw (Kreider) coming up the wall there and I was delaying to see what he was going to do,” said Girardi, who was wearing the Rangers MVP Broadway Hat after the game. “I saw no one go to the point and I kind of stepped into it and got it through.”

With Girardi’s game-winner, the Rangers have now received nine goals from defensemen throughout the playoffs.

“To get some offense (from) some of your best defensemen offensively, it’s important,” said coach John Tortorella. “And (Girardi) has made some really big plays. Not just getting on the scoreboard, but big plays offensively right on through the playoffs here.”

What it means: In a series featuring two of the game's elite goaltenders -- the best of all time vs. the best right now -- the New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist came through as king of the crease, shutting out the New Jersey Devils in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Martin Brodeur hardly deserved the jeers he received from the raucous Rangers fans, but Lundqvist was dominant in making 21 stops to lead the way in the Blueshirts' 3-0 win at Madison Square Garden. Despite controlling play for sustained stretches throughout the game, the Devils surrendered the series opener after third-period goals from Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi and rookie Chris Kreider, and an empty-netter from Artem Anisimov.

Redemption shot: Girardi redeemed himself early in the third after an ugly second-period giveaway that almost cost his team a goal. The All-Star blueliner blasted one past Brodeur just 53 seconds into the third period to snap a scoreless tie and record his second goal of the playoffs.

Rookie responds: Limited for the latter half of the Rangers' second-round set against the Capitals, Kreider responded in his first taste of the Rangers-Devils rivalry with a key power-play goal in the third. Burying a feed from Anisimov, the 21-year-old winger ripped one past Brodeur at the 12-minute mark for a 2-0 Rangers lead.

Mac attack: Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh effectively snuffed out the Devils’ two best scoring chances of the first period with an inspired back-checking effort. The second-year defenseman, used as part of the Rangers’ steady shutdown pair with Girardi, first broke up Zach Parise's mini-breakaway at 6:10 and then later angled in to force Ilya Kovalchuk to his backhand on a rush later in the frame.

Rapid fire: Although the Devils carried play in the second period -- wearing down the Rangers with a hard fore-checking effort and extended zone time -- a locked-in Lundqvist kept them off the scoreboard. Facing a short-handed flurry with less than six minutes remaining, Lundqvist denied Parise on three rapid-fire attempts in a span of three seconds. Devils rookie Adam Henrique set up the barrage, knocking Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman off the puck behind the goal line.

Girardi gaffe: New Jersey's Dainius Zubrus almost had a lay-up after a rare mistake by Girardi in his own end during the second period. The usually steady top-pair defenseman coughed the puck up from behind the net right to Zubrus but was fortunate to have Lundqvist bail him out with the save 2:08 into the middle frame.

Hockey tough: Devils veteran Patrik Elias took a puck to the face in the final minutes of the first period, but didn’t even leave the bench as the team trainer repaired his bloody nose. The 36-year-old forward returned to the game for the third period.

Up Next: Rangers vs. Devils, Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

At a glance: For the first time in 18 years, the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils meet in the Eastern Conference Finals for a heated Hudson River showdown to determine which team will move one step closer to the Cup. After knocking off the Flyers in five games, New Jersey enters Monday’s match recharged and revitalized after five days rest while the Rangers hop right back into the action after a grueling seven-game series with the Capitals. The hatred between the two teams is genuine and venom between the division rivals is ready to be unleashed. Buckle up, hockey fans. This one is sure to be a bloody, bitter battle.

Lundqvist vs. Brodeur: Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist is trying to cap a sensational 2011-12 season and while he dominates Martin Brodeur in regular-season head-to-head meetings (23-7-5, 1.61 GAA, .941 save percentage), Brodeur is the one who sets the bar as far as post-season success. The four-time Vezina Trophy winner has won three Stanley Cup Championships during his 18-year tenure with the Devils. Which one will hold court in this best-of-seven set?

Stars to watch: Beyond the superior goaltending match-up, the Devils and the Rangers possess two of the best snipers in the league in Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Gaborik, respectively. Both teams also feature hard working, heart-and-soul captains Zach Parise and Ryan Callahan and clutch playoff performers Patrik Elias and Brad Richards. X-factor players? Keep an eye on New Jersey’s David Clarkson, who is coming off a career-high 30-goal regular-season and New York’s talented rookie duo of Chris Kreider and Carl Hagelin.

Last time around: In a nasty regular-season finale between New York and New Jersey on March 19, the two teams wasted no time expressing their hostility. Six players dropped the gloves three seconds into play during an opening-faceoff line brawl that had the Garden crowd rocking and both coaches trading verbal jabs before, during and after the fight-filled contest.

Offensive outburst: Gone are the Devils teams of years past – the clubs that excelled with the trademark trap and a stingy defensive structure. They have been replaced with a high-flying, aggressive offensively opportunistic team under new coach Pete DeBoer. The well-balanced Devils are averaging three goals per game throughout the playoffs and required only five games to bounce the Flyers from the second round.

Cup stat “crap”: No team under the current playoff format has ever gone on to win the Stanley Cup after playing 14 games through the first two rounds. The Rangers needed a seventh game to dispatch of both Ottawa and Washington. How does coach John Tortorella feel about the statistical data stacked against his club? “That’s a bunch of cap,” he said in Monday morning’s press conference.

Revenge factor: Brodeur does not have fond memories of the last time the two teams met in the Eastern Conference finals back in 1994 en route to the Rangers’ first Stanley Cup since 1940. Stephane Matteau beat a then-22-year-old Brodeur with his iconic wraparound goal in double-overtime of Game 7 to send the Devils packing- a memory that still stings for the 40-year-old Brodeur.

It's hard to imagine there wasn't at least a trace of irony for Martin Brodeur in answering questions about Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist Sunday on the eve of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Lundqvist has put together a career year as MVP of a top-seeded Rangers squad and earned nominations as both a Vezina and Hart Trophy finalist along the way, sure. But Brodeur, arguably the best goaltender of all time, has amassed three Stanley Cup Championships, 656 wins and a staggering 119 shutouts during his illustrious 18-year career. Oh, and four Vezina Trophies.

Regardless, the recently-turned-40 Brodeur gave credit to his cross-river rival, applauding the season Lundqvist has put together.

"He's a Vezina candidate. He's the one that's been -- I don't know -- he's unbelievable. He is lately. He's kind of the top goalie in the league right now," Brodeur said.

But with the accolades also comes the pressure, as Brodeur deftly alluded in Sunday's post-practice press conference.

"I think I was in that position once," Brodeur said. "Played against Patrick [Roy], played against Dominik Hasek. I played against all the guys that maybe, you know, the top years in their career, but for me it's kind of nice to be able to compete against them, regardless of what's going to happen."

"I'll do my best to try to match up, but it's going to be pretty hard," Brodeur continued. "He's a pretty good goalie."

Sincere flattery, or subtle gamesmanship?

Stay tuned as Brodeur and Lundqvist square off beginning Monday in Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Recap | Box score | Photos

What it means: Bring on the Devils.

For the first time in 15 years the Rangers are headed to the Eastern Conference finals, following a 2-1 win to knock off the seventh-seeded Capitals in a thrilling Game 7 on Saturday. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist led the way, making 22 saves en route to the series-clinching victory in front of a frenzied hometown crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Brad Richards and Michael Del Zotto tallied for the Rangers as they advanced to face the New Jersey Devils in a Hudson River showdown that begins Monday.

Quick turn: The Rangers took a two-goal lead midway through the third after a fantastic shift by Del Zotto resulted in his second goal of the playoffs, but the Rangers coughed one up on the other end just 38 seconds later when Caps defenseman Roman Hamrlik pulled Washington back within a goal at 10:43.

Early lead: Three shifts into the first period, coach John Tortorella went right back to his starting line of Carl Hagelin, Richards and Marian Gaborik -- a move that paid off. Hagelin chased down a dumped puck to feed Richards for a one-timer from the left circle that beat a screened Braden Holtby 1:32 into play. The team that scored first in each of the first six meetings of the series went on to win the game.

Big-goal Brad: The hero behind Game 5’s overtime stunner, Richards tallied his sixth goal of the playoffs with his early marker. The 32-year-old center, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy with six game-winning goals in the 2004 playoffs while playing for Tampa Bay, has seven goals and eight assists in 11 career games when facing elimination.

Showcase saves: Preserving the Rangers' 1-0 lead with the Capitals buzzing throughout the second period, Vezina/Hart trophy finalist Lundqvist made a pair of spectacular saves early in the frame. Lundqvist made diving pokecheck to deny Alexander Semin on a breakaway at 5:02, then made a swift save with his right pad to smother Mike Knuble's chance at the doorstep minutes later.

Dis-Laich: Caps alternate captain Brooks Laich took a beating physically in the second period. After hobbling to the bench after blocking Dan Girardi's shot with his left skate early on, he took a puck to the helmet later in the period.

Dog days: The Caps were without key forward Jay Beagle for the second straight game. The defensive-minded center, also a key penalty-killer for Washington, suffered a lower-body injury when blocking a shot during Game 5. Veteran pivot Jeff Halpern replaced him in the lineup for the second straight game.

Up Next: Rangers vs. Devils, Monday at 8 p.m.