High-powered Rangers 'didn't show up' in Game 4 loss to Devils

NEW YORK — New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant blasted his team's effort in its 3-1 Game 4 loss to the New Jersey Devils, who rallied with two wins at Madison Square Garden to tie their Eastern Conference first-round series 2-2.

«Tonight was a close hockey game, but we didn't show up. We didn't play hard enough. We didn't compete hard enough. All we did was yap at the linesmen for getting thrown out of faceoffs,» Gallant said. «A lot of bad things tonight.»

The Rangers struggled to put pressure on rookie goalie Akira Schmid (22 saves), who won his second straight game after replacing starter Vitek Vanecek after Game 2. The Devils frustrated the Rangers with their speed, forcing them into 15 giveaways with strong play in the neutral zone.

New Jersey's first goal came on a breakaway from Jack Hughes just 2:50 into the game, after defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler cleared a loose puck from the crease to spring the center. The Rangers tied the game at 1:42 of the third period on a rebound goal by Vincent Trocheck, but Siegenthaler had the game winner at 8:22 of the third, beating Igor Shesterkin (20 saves) from the left circle. Ondrej Palat added an empty netter.

Gallant wasn't happy with the Rangers' offensive effort.

«First two games, we chipped some pucks and we had the pressure coming across. Tonight, our weakside winger was a little bit lazy and he stayed on the other side of the ice and watched the play,» said Gallant, without specifying any names.

When asked if a lack of production from his star players was an issue in Game 4, Gallant said: «That was the difference. Definitely.»

When the Rangers did get shots on Schmid, he frequently gave up rebounds. But the Devils played well in front of him again, controlling the