@RNYRF Staff Report
Stepan's Goal 17 seconds into third period lifts Rangers to Victory
A day after losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a disheartening 4-1 loss on Thursday the Rangers came back after losing a 2-0 lead in the second period vs the Washington Capitals fueled by a goal 17 seconds into the 3rd period by Center Derek Stepan.
The Rangers opened the contest without goaltender Henrik Lundqvist due to neck spasms resulting from a collision with teammate Ryan McDonagh in Pittsburgh. Repacement Antti Raanta put in his 2nd solid performance in 3 games stopping 34 of 36 shots on goal. The Rangers ended the first period vs the Capitals leading 2-0 on goals by winger Jesper Fast and defenseman Keith Yandl on the power play. The Rangers held the lead until 10:58 of the second period on what appeared to be a tandem save by Raanta and defenseman Kevin Klein at the goal line when after a lengthy review by Toronto officials awarded the goal to Washington's Jay Beagle. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault used his coach's challenge to try and over rule the call claiming possible goalie interference on the Caps but lost the review. With 39.4 seconds left in the period the Capitals T.J. Oshie scored a power play goal to tie the game at 2 after Rangers winger Tanner Glass was sent to the box for slashing on what appeared to be a "Soft Call" by the referee and a missed call for too many men on the ice infraction by the Caps. As fast as the third period started the Rangers Derek Stepan took advantage and placed a well timed shot past Caps goalie Braden Holtby on a screen by Jesper Fast putting the Rangers in the lead. The Rangers held on the rest of the period with strong goaltending by Raanta giving them the win over the NHL leading Washington Capitals.
Rangers Captain Ryan McDonagh put up assists on both Fast's and Stepan's goals giving him 2 points on the night for the 2nd time in 3 games.
The Rangers 10-game winning streak in games following a regulation loss is the longest within one season in franchise history. The Rangers have not lost two consecutive games (regulation and OT losses included) since losing three straight from Dec. 17-Dec. 20.
NYR Notes: Goaltender Magnus Hellberg was recalled from AHL Hartford Wolf Pack earlier in the day on "Emergency Basis" following Lundqvist's neck injury. Defenseman Marc Stal returned to the lineup after missing 1 game due to the flu. Rick Nash (Bone Bruise) missed the 18th game in a row since being injured.
The Rangers return to action on Sunday evening at 5:00 PM back at home versus Crosstown and Metro Division Rivals the New York Islanders.
NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/5
Bryan Berard D (2001-2002) Pat Hannigan LW (1960-1962)
TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 5
1991: Rangers acquire Joe Kocur and Per Djoos from the Detroit Red Wings for Kevin Miller, Jim Cummins and Dennis Vial.
1994: Sergei Zubov scores the go-ahead goal with 1:03 remaining in regulation to give the Rangers their first win at Nassau Coliseum in five seasons.
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