NYR TODAY WED. 4/6: POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

RANGERS VS LIGHTNING POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

Stepan, Lundqvist Shine in Rangers Comeback Victory over Tampa Bay
@RNYRF Staff Report
Another bittersweet victory for the Rangers. Having already lost Captain Ryan McDonagh to a right hand injury for the remainder of the season and possibly into the first round of the playoffs, the Rangers may have lost stalwart defenseman Dan Girardi after a vicious hit from behind by former Ranger Brian Boyle late in the third period. Boyle not known for being a "dirty" type of player nailed Girardi sending him awkwardly into the boards behind the Rangers net. Girardi did not move for awhile prompting trainer Jim Ramsay to attend to the fallen Ranger on the ice. When Girardi finally stirred and sat up he looked dazed and glassy eyed and was helped off the ice by Ramsay and teammates to the New York Locker Room. Boyle received a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for the hit. No update on Girardi's condition has been given by the Rangers as of yet.
Heading into the contest versus a depleted but desperate to clinch a playoff spot Tampa Bay Lightning, the Rangers pulled off a comeback win in front of the home crowd. Looking very over matched during the first period the Rangers were out shot 19-7 and out scored 2-0 by the Lightning come first intermission. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist surrendered the 2 goals by Lightning's Andrej Sustr and former Ranger Brian Boyle during a Tampa power play on the first 9 shots against. A very disappointing first period for the Rangers and their fans. The first period witnessed a very weird call on the ice when Rangers 4th liner Tanner Glass received a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for interference on Tampa's Vladislav Namestnikov. Replays of the infraction seemed to show that the call was very "soft" on the part of the officials and did not warrant the penalties to Glass. The Rangers started their comeback rally when Rangers center Derek Stepan cut the lead in half on the power play scoring his 21st of the season at 16:55 into the second period. A much stronger effort by the Rangers in the middle frame with Lundqvist making save after save in a period dotted by many power play opportunities for Tampa Bay. The second period ended 2-1 in favor of the Lightning. The Rangers continued their advance on Tampa when Derek Stepan scored his 2nd of the game just 2:33 into the period on another feed from Mats Zuccarello to knot the game at two. The Rangers took the lead for good at 4:46 of the closing period with their 3rd unanswered goal of the game on a goal by resurgent winger Chris Kreider. The Rangers closed out the contest on the power play after Boyle's hit from behind penalty picking up a very 2 important points in an effort to regain 2nd place in the Metro from Pittsburgh and looking for home ice advantage come playoffs.
Henrik Lundqvist finished the game with 39 saves on 41 shots making up for the 2 goals on 9 shots in the first period and keeping the Rangers in the game to help pull out the comeback win. Derek Stepan finished the night with 2 goals and an assists earning him the first star of the game along with team awarded Broadway Hat. Mats Zuccarello tallied 2 assists on the night and Keith Yandle picked up his team leading 41st assist of the season.
The Rangers return to action on Thursday, April 9th hosting division rivals the New York Islanders.

FINAL STATS

Rangers 3 Lightning 2 FINAL
SOG: NYR 28 TBL 41
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Period
02:42    TBL    Andrej Sustr (4) Wrist shot - ASST: Vladislav Namestnikov (20), Jonathan Marchessault (11)     1 - 0 TBL
06:07    TBL    PPG - Brian Boyle (13) Tip-in - ASST: Ondrej Palat (23), Tyler Johnson (24)     2 - 0 TBL
2nd Period
16:55    NYR    PPG - Derek Stepan (21) Snap shot - ASST: Mats Zuccarello (34), Keith Yandle (41)     2 - 1 TBL
3rd Period
02:33    NYR    Derek Stepan (22) Slapshot - ASST: Mats Zuccarello (35), Kevin Klein (16)     2 - 2 Tie
04:46    NYR    Chris Kreider (21) Backhand shot - ASST: Marc Staal (13), Derek Stepan (30)     3 - 2 NYR

PENALTY SUMMARY
1st Period
04:38    NYR    Dylan McIlrath  Hooking  - 2 min against  Valtteri Filppula
09:25    NYR    Henrik Lundqvist served by Tanner Glass  Delaying Game-Puck over glass  - 2 min against  Mike Blunden
12:47    TBL    Erik Condra  Hooking  - 2 min against  Mats Zuccarello
15:57    NYR    Tanner Glass served by J.T. Miller  Interference (maj)  - 5 min against  Vladislav Namestnikov
15:57    NYR    Tanner Glass  Game misconduct  - 10 min against  Vladislav Namestnikov
2nd Period
05:42    NYR    Derick Brassard  Delaying Game-Puck over glass  - 2 min against  Valtteri Filppula
09:46    TBL    Cedric Paquette  Roughing  - 2 min against  Keith Yandle
09:46    NYR    Keith Yandle  Roughing  - 2 min against  Cedric Paquette
09:46    NYR    Keith Yandle served by Chris Kreider  Roughing  - 2 min against  Cedric Paquette
12:43    TBL    Ondrej Palat  Delaying Game-Puck over glass  - 2 min against  Chris Kreider
16:47    TBL    Nikita Kucherov  Interference  - 2 min against  Mats Zuccarello
19:46    NYR    Chris Kreider  Hooking  - 2 min against  Nikita Kucherov
3rd Period
00:30    TBL    Nikita Nesterov  Tripping  - 2 min against  Derek Stepan
08:23    TBL    J.T. Brown  Tripping  - 2 min against  Eric Staal
18:52    TBL    Brian Boyle  Boarding  - 2 min against  Dan Girardi
18:52    TBL    Brian Boyle  Game misconduct  - 10 min against  Dan Girardi

FINAL TEAM STATS
POWER PALYS NYR  1/5  TBL  1/6
HITS: NYR 32 TBL 15
FACEOFF WINS: NYR 29 TBL 26
GIVEAWAYS: NYR 10 TBL 11
TAKEAWAYS: NYR 15 TBL 11
BLOCKED SHOTS: NYR 13 TBL 8
PIM: NYR 27 TBL 27

RANGERS FACEOFF %: BRASSARD  69%, STEPAN  50%, MOORE 60%, E STAAL 38%, STALBERG 0%

THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. NYR DEREK STEPAN: 2 GOALS, ASSIST

2. NYR HENRIK LUNDQVIST: 41 SAVES

3. TBL Onsrej Palat: 1 Assist

BROADWAY HAT: DEREK STEPAN
 

NYR Alumni Birthdays 4/6 
Bob Crawford RW (1986-1987) Willie Nieminen LW (2005-2006) Doug Stevenson G (1944-1945)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY APRIL 6
1980: Ron Duguay scores a goal nine seconds into the contest, setting a Rangers record for the fastest goal to start a game. The Rangers would go on to beat the Flyers, 8-3, in Philadelphia.

NYR TODAY FRIDAY APRIL 1: RANGERS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

RANGERS AT CAROLINA POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

Rangers fall to Canes 4-3, Fail to Clinch Playoff Berth
@RNYRF Staff Report
Failing to put 60 solid minutes of hockey together the New York Rangers failed to pick up 2 important points in the standings to clinch a playoff berth last night in Raleigh.

Coming into the contest just a win away from clinching a playoff berth, whether it being from a 4 day layoff or the emotions surrounding Eric Staal's return to Carolina the Rangers failed to get going in the opening period. Henrik Lundqvist kept the Rangers in the game early on facing a barrage of shots from the Hurricanes. New York failed to get a shot on goal for almost the first 10 minutes of the period a downfall that Rangers fans have seen too many times this season. Canes' Patrick Brown broke the ice 11:05 into the period with his first goal of the season putting the home team up 1-0. The Rangers "sleep walking" through most of the period seemed to "awaken" in the final minutes of the first but trailed heading into intermission. Looking like a totally different team the Rangers came out firing on all cylinders cashing in when Mats Zuccarello tied the game at 1 just 1:36 into the middle period. The goal, Zuccarello's 25th of the season gave the fan favorite his 200th NHL Career Point. Under 4 minutes later on a beautiful power forward move by Rick Nash the Rangers took the lead over Carolina 2-1. Canes' defenseman Justin Faulk tied the game at 13:27 until Rangers' Chris Kreider on a move that looked almost exactly like Nash's put the Rangers ahead again 3-2. The Rangers went to the locker room with the lead to end the second period. Failing to keep the momentum and looking like the team that started the game the Rangers once again blew the lead in the closing period when Jeff Skinner scored to tie the game for the home team 4:22 into the period. Just 5 minutes later Carolina retook the lead on a goal by Victor Raask that would hold up for the Carolina win at the buzzer.

Failing to gather the 2 points the Rangers fell to third place in the Division one point behind Pittsburgh and two points ahead of the Islanders, both having won their games last night.

The Rangers return to action on Saturday to take on the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden

NYR Alumni Birthdays 4/1 
Jason MacDonald RW (2003-2004) Hib Milks LW (1931-1932) Reijo Routsalanen D (1981-1986) Guy Trottier RW (1968-1969)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY APRIL 1
1962: Rod Gilbert scores the first two goals of his career in his first playoff game as the Rangers defeat Toronto, 5-4, in Game 3 of the Semifinals at MSG.

1994: Mike Richter records his 38th win of the season, breaking Ed Giacomin's single season record. Richter would finish the 1993-94 season with 42 wins.

2013: Henrik Lundqvist passes Ed Giacomin for second on the Rangers' all-time wins list with his 267th victory with a 4-2 win over Winnipeg at MSG.

NYR TODAY SUNDAY MARCH 27: POST GAME REVIEW, GAME DAY PREVIEW

RANGERS @ PENGUINS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW
New Lines Boost Rangers Past Habs
@RNYRF Staff Report
Alain Vigneault changed up his lines at practice on Friday and came up with a dandy. The new combination of Chris Kreider, Derick Brassard and Rick Nash combined for a total of 6 points on the night, Kreider 2 goals and an assist and Brassard with a goal and 2 assists in the defeat of Montreal.

The Rangers opened the scoring in the first period when J.T. Miller scored his 21st of the season on a beautiful rush into the Montreal Zone beating Habs goalie Mike Condon on the backhand just 3:04 into the game. The Canadiens added a goal of their own to tie the game at 12:26 when Lars Eller put one past Annti Raanta. Derick Brassard put the Rangers back in the lead 2-1 when he put in a rebound of a Chris Kreider shot that went wide just 1:32 into the second period. The Rangers power play paid off 8:19 in when Kreider put one past Condon for the 3-1 lead. Just over 2 minutes later Kreider again scored on a rush from the blueline after intercepting a Montreal pass in the neutral zone tucking one past the pads of Condon. Montreal pulled within 2 goals when Phillip Danault scored at 15:38. Again on the power play the Rangers added to the lead when Derek Stepan scored the 5th Rangers goal of the night with just 41 seconds remaining in the period. The Rangers held on in the 3rd period despite taking 3 bad penalties in a row at the begining of the closing period. Rangers special teams were the story of the night with 2 power play goals on 3 attempts and a 6 for 6 night on the penalty kill as the Rangers collected their 43rd win and first win vs Montreal of the season.

RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (41-25-8) at RANGERS (43-24-8)
TONIGHT 7:30 PM, TV: NBCSN
Season series: The Pittsburgh Penguins have won two of three games against the New York Rangers. New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 34 saves in a 3-0 victory Feb. 10. Evgeni Malkin had a goal and two assists, and Phil Kessel had a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh's 4-1 win March 3. Conor Sheary scored twice, Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist, and Tom Kuhnhackl had two assists in a 5-3 win on March 13.

Rangers team scope: Coach Alain Vigneault shuffled lines during practice Friday, and the combination of forwards Chris Kreider, Derick Brassard and Rick Nash had a strong performance in a 5-2 victory at the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. New York scored four second-period goals, including two on the power play. Kreider had two goals (one on the power play) and an assist, and Brassard had a goal and two assists. "We're trying to find the right chemistry between lines right now and Chris is a big part of our team, and to see him score two goals like that and be involved in the game, that's something that, our team, we're pretty excited about, and hopefully it's going to give him some confidence," Brassard said. Lundqvist will start after Antti Raanta made 24 saves against Montreal. The Rangers have scored 10 power-play goals in the past 11 games. New York has won three in a row after losing four of five (1-2-2).

 Team Leaders

Goals

Crosby 31

Brassard 27

Shots

Kessel 242

Stepan 175

Hits

Kunitz 252

Glass 205

Assists

Crosby 46

Yandle 39

NYR Alumni Birthday 3/27 
Curt Bennett C (1972-1973)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 27
2008: The Rangers defeat the New Jersey Devils for the seventh time during the 2007-08 season.

NYR TODAY THURSDAY MARCH 24

RANGERS VS BRUINS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

Lundqvist backstops Rangers over Boston
@RNYRF Staff Report
Although out shot 41-23 the New York Rangers looked ready for playoffs contention last night at Madison Square Garden. A brilliant display of goaltending by Henrik Lundqvist and another 2 assist night for defenseman Keith Yandle helped the Rangers pull out a victory against their Original 6 Rivals.
The Rangers opened the scoring vs Boston with 2 first period power play goals. The first came on a beautiful goal by Mats Zuccarello at 8:37 of the period and the second at 11:39 by Derek Stepan. Keith Yandle had the primary assist on both goals to lead the Rangers into the locker room for the first intermission leading 2-0.
Starting the 2nd period Boston pulled goaltender Tukka Raask due to illness and inserted backup Jonas Gustavsson. Just 5:26 into the middle period the Rangers added to the lead when team leading scorer Derick Brassad scored his 26th of the season. Boston seemed to have scored to make it 3-1 when former Ranger Lee Stempniak put one past Lundqvist. Quickly the Rangers called for their coach's challenge and sent it to video review in Toronto. After further review the goal was reversed due to the Bruins coming into the Rangers zone offsides, the score reaming 3-0 in favor of New York. Just a few minutes later Boston's Stempniak scored to make the contest 3-1 at 9:34. The period ended with Boston swarming in the Rangers end but Lundqvist came up big as he has many times this season.
In the closing 3rd period another video review of a Lee Stempniak shot that had seemed to cross the Rangers goal line fell upon the review in Toronto but with inconclussive proof the save went to Lundqvist, his second on the series of shots. Just 3 minutes later Rangers J.T. Miller went top shelf on Gustavsson for his career high 20th of the season to put the Blueshirts up 4-1 at 6:32. Under 6 minutes later Boston on their first power play of the night cut the lead by 2 when Frank Vatrano scored to make it 4-2. Heading into the final minutes of regulation Boston opted to pull their goaltender for the extra skater and the 6 on 5 man advantage but Henrik Lundqvist made a huge save on Boston's Bergeron just before Rick Nash put the Rangers ahead for good with an empty net goal with just under 3 minutes remaining. The tally was Nash's second goal in as many games since returning to the lineup from injury.
The win put the Rangers up 4 points over the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place in the Metro Division with the 2 teams meeting Sunday.

The Rangers return to action on Saturday to face the Montreal Canadiens on the road before they return home for another back to back game day this time vs Pittsburgh.


NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/24 
P.A. Parenteau LW (2009-2010) Pat Price D (1986-1987)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 24
1963: Andy Hebenton skates in his final game as a Ranger, ending his consecutive game streak at 560 regualr season games, a Rangers record.

1963: Gump Worsley appears in his final game as a Ranger, posting his final win and shutout in a 5-0 win over Montreal. At the time, he ranked first in Rangers history in wins and appearances.

1974: Rod Gilbert becomes the first Ranger to score 300 goals with the organization.

1978: Ron Duguay and Phil Esposito each tally a hat trick in an 11-4 win over Washington.

1988: Brian Leetch scores his first NHL goal against the Oilers' Grant Fuhr, and later adds two assists in a 6-1 win.

NYR TODAY TUESDAY 3/22

NEW YORK RANGERS VS FLORIDA PANTHERS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW
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.

NYR Team Notes: Injured defenseman Dylan McIlrath skated at Morninng practice in a non-contact yellow jersey and was upgraded to day to day with a knee injury. McIlrath is said to be 4-5 days away from being cleared to return to the Rangers lineup.
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.

NYR TODAY SUNDAY 3/20

RANGERS AT SHARKS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

 
Defense implodes and Rangers fall to Sharks 4-1
@RNYRF Staff Report
Pity the man who wears the mask. It took 47 shots on goal to chase Henrik Lundqvist from the Rangers net.
Facing insurmountable odds Lundqvist allowed 4 goals on 47 shots just prior to the midway point of the third period in yesterday's afternoon matinee in San Jose.

After a scoreless first period the Sharks struck first when Joonas Donskoi sent a behind the back no look pass out front to Joel Ward at 6:01 of the period for a power play goal. The Rangers answered back at 17:32 of the second when defenseman Dan Boyle scored against his former team on a 2 man back and forth passing rush with center Derick Brassard. The second period ended tied at 1 but with the Rangers being out shot 21-9 during the 20 minute span giving the Sharks 37 shots on goal.

Entering the third period tied 1-1 the Sharks scored 3 goals,Joe Thornton, Ward his 2nd and the final nail in the coffin by Joe Pavelski in a span of 3:20 resulting in Henrik Lundqvist being pulled and replaced by backup Antti Raanta at 9:05 of the closing period. The Sharks held on from there to take the win and send the Rangers back home with the loss and 3 points in a 3 game California Road Trip.

Notes: Rangers Defenseman Dan Boyle has now scored against all 30 NHL teams in his career.

The Rangers return to action on Monday hosting the Atlantic Division leading Florida Panters at Madison Square Garden. This will be the 3rd and final meeting of the season for the Rangers and Panthers having split 2 games a 5-4 Rangers win on November 21st and a 3-0 Panthers win on January 2nd.


NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/20 
Paul Healey LW (2003-2004) Hal Winkler (1926-1927)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 20
1973: Emile Francis wins his 282nd game with the Rangers, passing Lester Patrick for the most in franchise history.

1978: The Rangers sign free agents Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg for the 1978-79 season.

2006: Brian Leetch plays his final game at Madison Square Garden, returning as a member of the Boston Bruins.

NYR TODAY FRIDAY MARCH 18

NEW YORK RANGERS @ LOS ANGELES KINGS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW

 
Rangers fall to Kings in OT after 3rd Period Meltdown
@RNYRF Staff Report
In an often one sided game by the Los Angeles Kings The New York Rangers battled to take a 3-1 lead in the 3rd period only to allow the Kings to pull out a win just 1:34 into the overtime period by Anze Kopitar.

The first period started the way the game finished with the Kings dominating most of the play keeping the puck in the Rangers zone until scored on an unassisted rush into the Kings end putting one past goaltender Johnathan Quick at 11:34 of the opening period. The Rangers lead was short lived as just 19 seconds later the Kings took a 2 on 1 odd man rush into the Rangers end on a delayed penalty call and Dustin Brown beat Henrik Lundqvist to tie the game at 1. Towards the end of the period the Rangers playing their 2nd game in consecutive nights seemed to get their legs back and continued that pace into the 2nd period of play. At 13:05 of the middle period Dan Boyle put the Rangers in the lead 2-1 on a nice feed from Viktor Stalberg. The Rangers would take the lead into the 3rd period and add to it with a goal by Kevin Hayes just 2:46 into the closing period. Exactly 2 minutes later the Kings answered back on a goal by Kyle Clifford bring them within 1 goal of the game leading Rangers. In a situation that Rangers fans have seen too many times this season the Rangers had a late game meltdown in their defensive end. Kings Anze Kopitar scored the tying goal with just over 4 minutes remaining in regulation sending the game into 3 on 3 overtime for the second time in as many games between the 2 teams. Kopitar then scored the game winning goal in OT to send the Rangers on to San Jose with just 1 point earned.

Ranger goaltender Henrik Lundqvist ended the night with 33 saves. Both The Rangers coach Alain Vigneault and Kings coach Darryl Sutter used their coach's challenge during the game to contest goals due to goaltender interference, both coaches lost their challenge along with their 1 timeout.

The good news for the Rangers is that their Division Rivals, the New York Islanders lost in regulation to the Nashville Predators and moved ahead another point to claim second place in the Metro by 3 points.

The Rangers end their 3 game California road trip on Saturday afternoon vs the San Jose Sharks.

NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/18 
John Hughes D (1981 Playoffs) Bob Nevin RW (1963-1971)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 18
1956: Gump Worsley becomes the last Rangers goaltender to play every second of every game in a season. Worsley appears in all 70 contests, becoming the second goalie to do so.

1989: Tony Granato scores his 36th goal of the season, establishing a Rangers rookie record for goals in a season.

2014: Henrik Lundqvist becomes the winningest goaltender in franchise history with his 302nd victory when the Rangers defeat the Senators, 8-4.

NYR TODAY THURSDAY 3/17: POST GAME REVIEW, GAME DAY PREVIEW

NEW YORK RANGERS @ ANAHEIM DUCKS POST GAME MORNING REVIEW
@RNYRF Staff Report 

KLEIN'S TWO LIFTS RANGER PAST DUCKS

In a solid defenseive effort by both teams along with almost parallel goaltending by the Rangers Antti Raanta and Ducks John Gibson the Rangers pulled out a win for 2 much needed points in the Metro Division Standings. Rangers defenseman Kevin Klein scored his 7th and 8th goals of the season earning himself his first 2 goal game in his career.
Klein's effoort was almost marred in the first period when Anaheim's sniper Corey Perry picked his pocket and Jamie McGinn fired one past Rangers Antti Raanat to break the ice and give the Ducks the lead at 14:003 of the first period. The Ducks took the 1-0 lead into the second period until Klein scored his first of the game just 3:11 into the middle period off a rebound on a shot by 4th line winger Tanner Glass knotting the game at one each. With both teams evened up going into the third period and both teams defense flourishing Klein earned his second goal of the night when he headed to the Anaheim net and deflected a pass from Eric Staal to J.T. Miller past Gibson for the game winning goal with just under 7 minutes remaining in regulation play. The 2 goal night for Klein earned him the Games First Star and the team awarded Broadway Hat for player of the game.
Klein now has tallied four points in his last five games. The Rangers earned 2 much needed points to move back ahead of the NY Islanders for sole possession of second place in the Metropolitan Division. The Islanders still have 1 game in hand during the upcoming schedule.

RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW

 
NEW YORK RANGERS (40-23-7) @ LOS ANGELES KINGS (42-22-5)
TONIGHT 10:30 PM TV: MSG, NHLN-US

New York visits Los Angeles in second of three-game road trip

Season series: The Los Angeles Kings blew an early two-goal lead but rallied for a 5-4 overtime victory against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 12. Anze Kopitar had a hat trick, including the game-tying goal at 19:30 of the third period, and Tanner Pearson scored at 3:10 of overtime.

Rangers team scope: Henrik Lundqvist is expected to be back in goal after Antti Raanta made 22 saves in a 2-1 victory at the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Defenseman Kevin Klein, whose first-period turnover led to Anaheim's goal, tied the game early in the second period and scored the game-winner with 6:41 left in the third. It was the first two-goal game of his NHL career. New York moved back into second place in the Metropolitan Division, two points ahead of the New York Islanders. The Rangers have won 12 games in a row after a regulation loss. "I thought it was one of the better defensive games we've played all year," coach Alain Vigneault told MSG Network. "We were able to get it done, and now we move on to Los Angeles."

Team Leaders

Goals

Brassard 25

Toffoli 26

Shots

Nash 160

Carter 195

Hits

Glass 182

Lucic 221

Assists

Yandle 35

Kopitar 40

NYR Alumni Birthdays 3/17 
Tony Leswick LW (1945-1951) Joe Levanodski RW (1946-1947)

  

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 17
1993: The Rangers acquire forward Esa Tikkanen from Edmonton for Doug Weight.