THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'A': Way Too Early Calder Cup Outlook and Tomasino Call-Up Nico Hischier [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3NjUxNzE3MDQ5ODIwNDYx/usatsi_20576837.jpg] Nico Hischier The final first-round playoff series has finally reached its end. The New Jersey Devils put the finishing touches on a remarkable comeback on Monday evening, erasing a 2-0 series deficit to defeat the New York Rangers by a score of 4-0 in Game 7 and book their ticket to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It's impossible to talk about this series without mentioning Akira Schmid. After dropping the first two games to New York while allowing a combined 10 goals against in the process, Devils coach Lindy Ruff turned to the 22-year-old netminder for Game 3 back at home. And, miraculously enough, it worked. Schmid proceeded to win four of his five starts since taking over the Devils' crease while posting a shutout in Monday's pivotal Game 7. It's safe to say that, without Schmid, the Devils are unable to vanquish their interstate rivals and advance to the second round for the first time since 2012. Schmid wasn't the only Devil to string together an impressive performance, though. New Jersey bested the Rangers by committee, receiving key contributions from stars such as Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton and Nico Hischier while also having depth players such as Erik Haula and Dawson Mercer step up when needed as well. Despite roaring out to a commanding lead at the beginning of the series, the Rangers simply couldn't contain the mobile and aggressive Devils forward corps. They wound up on the losing end of the possession battle on most occasions from Game 3 onward and ultimately went out with a whimper by getting shut out in a do-or-die Game 7. Not to mention, given the talent at the Rangers' disposal, such a lackluster performance when it mattered most is incredibly disappointing. Rangers GM Chris Drury swung for the fences around the trade deadline this season, adding the likes of Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane to a roster that already boasted the likes of Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin, among others. Expectations were through the roof for the Rangers heading into the playoffs, and now the club will head home after failing to make it out of the opening round. With their second-round ticket now officially booked, the Devils will take on the surging Carolina Hurricanes in what is sure to be a can't-miss series.
