Devils even Eastern Conference Finals with 3-2 win in Game 2

In each of the two previous playoff series, the Rangers had lost Game 2 by a score of 3-2. Both Ottawa and Washington battled back to even each of the series, which extended to seven games, at one game apiece.

On Wednesday night, the Rangers couldn't break the Game 2 hex at Madison Square Garden, as the Devils' David Clarkson, perched in front of the crease, tipped down Adam Henrique's shot past Henrik Lundqvist at 2:31 of the third period for a 3-2 lead, and New Jersey held on to square the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 3 of what could be shaping up to be a lengthy series is Saturday afternoon in Newark.

The Rangers were hoping to secure their first two-game lead in a series, but the Devils, who had lost Game 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers in the previous round before winning four straight, solved Lundqvist, who made 21 saves in a 3-0 shutout on Monday.

After Clarkson's goal, the Rangers, who had scored two power play goals, had another opportunity with the man advantage when Steve Bernier interfered with Marc Staal at 3:49. But Marian Gaborik, who scored 41 goals during the season, was benched for that and the first half of the period.

The second period ended with the score tied at 2.

At 2:23 of the period, Marc Staal was credited with the power-play goal that tied the game at 1.

Later in the period, Anton Stralman's shot hit rookie Chris Kreider's stick in front and gave the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead at 12:19, but the Devils' fourth line knotted the game. (with Newsday)