Rangers clinch President's Trophy at Devils' expense

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Kevin Hayes and Ryan McDonagh scored 47-seconds apart in the first period and the New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-2 Tuesday night to win the President's Trophy for the best regular-season record for the third time in franchise history.

James Sheppard of the New York Rangers (l) celebrates his game winning goal with Tanner Glass at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)

The Rangers' fifth straight win improved their record to 52-21-7 for 111 points. The 52-wins ties the franchise record and the point total is one less than that franchise mark, both set in 1993-94, the last time they won the Stanley Cup.

Cam Talbot made 19 saves and James Sheppard and Carl Hagelin added third-period goals as the Rangers swept the four-game season series with New Jersey.

Patrik Elias and Steve Bernier scored and Cory Schneider made 36 saves in the Devils final home game.