Rangers cruise past Devils on home ice to force Game 7

The New York Rangers forced Game 7 in their first-round series with the New Jersey Devils thanks to a convincing 5-2 victory at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

Curtis Lazar opened the scoring in the first period, but the Rangers exploded for five unanswered goals afterward, forcing the red-hot Akira Schmid out of the game in the third period.

Chris Kreider led the way for New York with three points, and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin stood tall with 34 saves.

Game 7 will be played Monday in Newark. The start time is yet to be announced.

The Devils haven't won a round since advancing to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012. The Rangers won two winner-take-all contests last season en route to the third round.

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