Carrick’s game-winner, PP scores twice, and more: 3 reasons why New York Rangers won 3-2 in OT against New Jersey Devils

The New York Rangers got back in the win column after beating the New Jersey Devils 3-2 in overtime at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Sam Carrick got the winner for the Blue Shirts, completing the comeback.

Adam Fox (PPG), and Artemi Panarin (PPG) had the other goals for the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt got on the board for the Devils.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils in overtime on Thursday night.

3 reasons why New York Rangers won over New Jersey Devils in OT

#3 Rangers outplayed Devils

The New York Rangers won a hard-fought game on the strength of outplaying the Devils. The Rangers outshot the Devils 32-23 and outhit them 33-27.

Moreover, the Blue Shirts blocked 20 shots, while forcing 25 giveaways. That sort of effort gave the Rangers a much-needed edge against a high-octane Devils team.

It was the Devils' numerous turnovers that ultimately cost them the two points as evidenced in Carrick's overtime winner.

Igor Shesterkin was solid, stopping 21 of 23 shots for the win. Getting a positive outing from Shesterkin bodes well as the Rangers look to turn things around in the second half of this season.

#2 The power play scores twice

The New York Rangers power play scored twice on Thursday night, getting huge goals from top scorers Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox. In the end, the Rangers power play was on fire, going 2-for-3 on the night.

Panarin and Fox have been quiet of late, with Panarin falling off his video game-like pace from last season. The two tallies with the man advantage are huge as they give the Rangers breathing room for other big-name players like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad to get their game back on track.

#1 Carrick’s game-winner

Sam Carrick was the unlikely hero on Thursday night, scoring at 2:48 of the extra frame. The goal was a well-deserved one, with the sequence beginning in the Rangers’ zone following a turnover.

Carrick forced the puck back the other way, with Reilly Smith leading a 2-on-1 rush. Smith faked the shot and then slid the puck over to Carrick who did not miss the one-timer. The hardworking goal was a solid end to a strong effort from the Blue Shirts.

The Rangers will get Friday night off before taking on the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in what should be a significant test for the Blue Shirts.