The Rangers signed Scott Gomez to a rather large contract last July to help them win big games. On Wednesday he fulfilled that obligation in game 1 against the Devils as he was a key component in leading his team to a 4-1 victory.

Gomez racked up 3 assists, but the team owes a lot to goalie Henrik Lundqvist as well. King Hank made 26 spectacular sprawling saves and allowed only one goal to put the Rangers up 1-0 in the first round series.

Going into the third period tied at one, Ryan Callahan picked up a short handed goal. He was able to fool Martin Brodeur, who was playing the puck unaware the young winger was right behind him and Callahan was able to chip the puck in to put his team up 2-1.

Late in the third period the Rangers were able to put the Devils away as Sean Avery forced a turn over then continued to park himself in front of the net. On the play Gomez kept the pressure on carrying the puck behind the net before making a great pass to Avery to put the Blue-shirts up with just 2:53 left to go.

In a last chance effort the Devils pulled Brodeur, but the play ultimately backfired as Nigel Dawes scored an empty netter to put the final score at 4-1.

In 9 games against the Devils this season Lundqvist is now 8-0-1 and he has allowed only ten goals in regulation. He improves to 1-3 against them in his career against them in the playoffs.

This win puts the Rangers up 1-game to nothing as the series continues Friday again in New Jersey. After that they will go back to Madison Square Garden this Sunday for game 3.