New Jersey Devils Take Down New York Rangers, Even Eastern Conference Finals Series

by Associated Press on Wed, May 16, 2012 at 11:18PM

NEW YORK — David Clarkson's deflected goal 2:31 into the third period snapped a tie and lifted the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. The win evened the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece heading into Saturday's Game 3.

Clarkson built off the momentum created by Ryan Carter's goal late in the second period that tied the game, 2-2. Ilya Kovalchuk had given the Devils a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal in the first. Defenseman Bryce Salvador added two assists, and Martin Brodeur stopped 23 saves for the win.

"We had to keep going to the net, and I think we were doing some good things," Clarkson said. "We've been playing some good hockey and we've got to continue to do it. That is a big win for us."

Marc Staal and Chris Kreider scored in the second for the Rangers, who lost their third straight Game 2 after winning the series opener. Top-seeded New York, which had 24 saves by Henrik Lundqvist, hasn't had a two-game lead at any point in the playoffs.

Game 3 will be Saturday in New Jersey. Read the complete story here.