Rangers Edge Panthers to Take Season Series
@RNYRF Staff Report
The Rangers returned home to Madison Square Garden last night after a rough California Road Trip to face Eastern Conference Rivals the Florida Panthers. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist who stated prior that "He needed to be better for his team" was again spectacular at times making 25 saves on the night. Rangers forward Rick Nash playing in his 4th game since returning from injury scored for the first time since December 30th ending his personal drought. In doing so Nash earned the game winning goal, was named first star of the game and awarded the "Broadway Hat" by his teammates for the performance.
In an often one sided opening period of play by the Rangers the Boys in Blue finally broke the ice when after Panthers "ageless" Jaromir Jagr had his pocket picked by Rangers 4th liner Viktor Stalberg. Stalberg and line mate Dominic Moore headed into the Florida zone on a give and go and Stalberg put the puck past former Rangers prospect Al Montoya on the backhand to give the Rangers the lead 1-0 at 11:15. The Rangers held the 1 goal lead into the second period until their first power play of the night. Just 3:33 into the period Rangers winger Mats Zuccarello burried the 2nd goal of the night on a beautiful "sniper" shot from the circle to put the Blueshirts up 2-0. Despite a massive flurry of shots in close during the final minutes of the second Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist thwarted the Panthers attempts in a series that saw the referee inside the blue paint leaping over a shot and almost landing skate first on Lundqvist's blocker hand before the whistle blew the play dead. After a quick review the officials decided that the puck was frozen and never reached the goal line. Heading into the final period leading 2-0 the Rangers had a rough go of it from the start. Florida out shot the boys in bue 5-0 within the first 5:00 of play until the Rangers finally made it into the visitors end to force a faceoff. What looked to be a goal by former Ranger Steven Kampfer which was blown dead by officials went to review and the call on the ice stood due to Kampfer batting the puck into the net with a high stick. The Panthers argued the call to no avail. At 6:51 the Panthers finally put one past Lundqvist on a goal by Vincent Trocheck at 6:51 to cut the lead to 1. Just under 5 minutes later Rangers Rick Nash gave the Rangers back the 2 goal lead with his 13th goal of the season. With 2:01 left in regulation Rangers forward Viktor Stalberg was called for tripping giving the Panthers the man advantage. Florida pulled goaltender Al Montoya opting for the extra skater, now going 6 on 4 for the power play. Under 30 seconds later Jiri Hudler brought the visitors back within 1 goal with a power play goal of their own. The Rangers fought off further Florida scoring attempts and Tanner Glass put one into the empty Florida net with 9 seconds remaining to give the Rangers the win at home.
Rookie winger Oscar Lindberg was a healthy scratch for the 4th straight game since Rick nash returned to the lineup.
The Rangers return to action on Wednesday hosting Eastern conference and Original 6 Rival Boston Bruins. Boston currently rank 3rd in the Atlantic Division with 86 points, just 3 points behind the division leading Florida Panthers.
NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/22
Todd Charlesworth D (1989-1990) Tom Poti D (2002-2006) Eddie Rodden C (1930-1931) Dunc Wilson G (1975-1976)
TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 22
2006: Jaromir Jagr records his 24th power play goal of the season, establishing a Rangers record for most power play goals in a season.
No comments:
Post a Comment