Vladimir Tarasenko appeared to be the crux of head coach Gerard Gallant’s reason for switching up the Rangers’ line combinations and power-play personnel ahead of Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Devils at the Garden.

It proved to be an adjustment that probably should’ve been made a couple of games ago. The Russian wing recorded a goal and an assist in the Blueshirts’ 5-2 win Saturday night, which forced Game 7 on Monday night at Prudential Center.

“He was good, he played well,” Gallant said of Tarasenko, who has three goals and an assist in the series. “You try and get everybody playing well and you make line changes. You’re hoping for the best. We’ve done it a lot during the season and tonight it probably paid off a little bit.”

After recording the secondary assist on Mika Zibanejad’s 2-1 score in the second period, Tarasenko netted a dagger at the end of the middle frame with a snipe from the high slot.

The new-look top line of Chris Kreider, Zibanejad and Tarasenko — which isn’t that new since the trio started eight regular-season games together — was all over the ice Saturday night. They were strong on their zone entries and combined for seven shots on goal.

In 8:04 of ice time together in the win, the Rangers’ first unit was on the ice for two goals and zero against, while holding a 2-0 edge in high-danger chances, according to Natural Stat Trick.

“It was nice to see Mika and Chris both score,” Tarasenko said. “I think we played well, but we can improve our game. Stay closer to each other, in playoffs it’s way tighter, like almost no space.”

Tarasenko replaced Patrick Kane on the first power-play unit, along with Kreider, Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox. After an 0-for-14 skid, the Rangers finally broke through with the man-advantage when Kreider deflected a Zibanejad slapshot to even the score, 1-1, at the end of the first period.

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The power play had much more jump to it with that formation. While holding the offensive zone better and connecting on crisper passes, the Rangers won the special-teams battle in Game 6.

“It’s kind of a new spot for me, just tried to play wherever guys tell me to,” Tarasenko said of the power play with a smile. “Coaches make the decisions and you just have to go out and play, especially on a big stage like this. Next game is do or die, so we turn around and get ready.”

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Devils head coach Lindy Ruff, who pulled goalie Akira Schmid after the Rangers’ fifth goal in favor of his initial starter Vitek Vanecek on Saturday night, did not commit to which one he plans to deploy in net for Game 7.

Power Plays

Three stars

1. Chris Kreider

With a power-play goal and two primary assists, Kreider played an integral role in helping the Rangers force Game 7. Not only was it his sixth goal of the series, but also it was his 16th career goal in an elimination game, tying Mark Messier for the NHL record in that category.

2. Mika Zibanejad

Snapping his five-game scoreless streak in the playoffs, Zibanejad netted the go-ahead goal just over 10 minutes into the second period to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead.

He also assisted on Kreider’s power-play goal.

3. Vladimir Tarasenko

Bumped to the first line and the top power-play unit before Game 6, Tarasenko proved more than worthy of the extra ice time with a goal and an assist.

Key moment

After fending off the Devils’ first-period flurry, during which Curtis Lazar opened the scoring just under 12 minutes into the game, the Rangers tied it up just before the first intermission on Kreider’s goal.

Quote of the Day

“We know the type of character, type of guys we have in this room. Lot of guy stepped up and played big games tonight. We’ve been in this spot before. We know what it takes, it’s desperation. The season is on the line.

— Jacob Trouba