When the NHL introduced its new 3-on-3 overtime format for this season, the hope was that it would provide more exciting finishes to the games. Through a week and a half of games, the experiment has been a success. Another example occured in Sunday’s game between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.
Lee Stempniak scored the game winner for the Devils, beating his former club with a one timer on a two on one rush. However it came just moments after Derek Stepan hit the post behind Cory Schneider, and nearly ended the Hudson River rivalry with a goal that would have sent the Manhattan supporters home happier. Its this type of play that the NHL was looking for when they tweaked the regular season overtime rules, creating more pace and scoring chances in overtime and reducing the number of games that require a shootout.
”It feels good to beat them, always, but more important, it’s a huge win for us as group,” said Stempniak, who snapped his winner over the pad of Henrik Lundqvist in ending the 3-on-3 overtime. ”Instead of going down 0-5, to get win, pick up a point last game, we’re turning in the right direction.
Must See: Devils defeat Rangers in End to End OT Action
Earlier in the game, Stepan scored to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead just 3:12 into the game. While the Rangers would take the lead into the first intermission, Adam Henrique would tie things up for the Devils just 1:42 into the second period. The game would remain scoreless through the rest of regulation, and set up the overtime dramatics.
The victory was new Devils coach John Hynes first in the NHL and lifted the team to 1-3-1 on the season. ”It feels great,” said Hynes, who lost his first four games, the last in a shootout Friday night. ”I am really just happy for the team.”
Meanwhile the Rangers lost their third straight game to fall to 3-2-1 on the year. They get a chance to end the losing streak when they face the San Jose Sharks in the only NHL game to be played tonight.
