NJD vs NYR

The Rangers made adjustments after the first period. They plan to reinforce them and make others heading into Game 2.

The question is whether the Devils will or even can fundamentally change much about their game after having carried much of the play in Game 1 of the rivals' Eastern Conference quarterfinal only to lose, 4-1.
"I don't think the score was fair to New Jersey," Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr said following practice Thursday at the MSG Training Center. "In the first period, they jumped on us pretty good and created a lot of scoring chances. Henrik (Lundqvist) was the key why we won the game."

There were others, of course -- including Scott Gomez wheeling and dealing for three assists and Ryan Callahan pouncing on a Martin Brodeur stickhandling gaffe to score the shorthanded game-winner.

But if there was a consensus in the Rangers' dressing room after the game and heading into Game 2, it was that they have to be a lot better and can be.

The Rangers weren't sure that the Devils had to be or even could.

Asked what adjustments he expected from the Devils, Rangers coach Tom Renney said: "I'm not sure. I don't know whether they have to make any."

Two problems for the Devils

They now have managed just 10 goals in nine regular-season and playoff games against Lundqvist this season.

And one of their top snipers, right winger Brian Gionta, only played a few shifts in the third period after sustaining an injury of some kind that was believed to have occurred when a Marc Staal midway through the second period slammed him, back-first, into the glass.