15–6–1
Morning, all.
The response.
After being run over by the Penguins in their previous game, the Rangers needed to get back to winning — quickly. Even though it wasn’t a Rembrandt by any stretch of the imagination, they got it done. A 3–2 victory yesterday over the Flyers in Philly.
It was a game that featured the Rangers first two fighting majors of the season — Chris Kreider and Brandon Pirri.
An edge-of-your-seat third period.
And a vintage performance by their number one goalie.
From the NY Post: “I think this was what we needed,” Mats Zuccarello said. “We took hits, we gave hits, we worked hard in the defensive zone, we got pucks in when we needed to. It was a tough road game.
“I don’t think it was our best game, you want to have those 6–1 games with all the finesse plays as much as you can, but that’s not the type of hockey you’re always going to be able to play. It gets tighter and when that happens, you need to dig in.
That’s exactly what they did.
My thoughts on the match:
Henrik Lundqvist. The Head Coaches and General Managers on Twitter and Facebook have been upset with The King recently. In fact, some have wanted to start a goalie controversy. Others suggested that Lundqvist be traded while he still has some value. They should all keep their day jobs. Holy Moly. The Rangers franchise goalie was at his royal best in this one, as he stopped 40 of 42 Flyer shots. He tracked the puck with incredible focus, made save after save after save — some of them absolutely incredible. Even stopped a two on one with his mask. Lundqvist hasn’t had to bail the Rangers out so far this season, with all the goals they’ve scored. But yesterday, when called upon, #30 answered the bell in a big way.
Here’s Lundqvist, also from the NY Post: “I rely on reading the game and on my decisions, not on my size or body,” said Lundqvist, who made a handful of sparklers off scrambles in front as the Flyers pressed to tie. “It’s just one [goal] here and there that I have to cut down. That has a lot to do with focus, not technique. Sometimes, I have to remind myself.” Yesterday, he reminded us that he’s still of the best goalies in the game.
J.T. Miller. He is becoming a complete player this season — effective in all three zones. His tenacious forechecking led to the game’s opening marker by Derek Stepan — his fourth of the season. By the way, you could see Stepan on the replay: “What a *&^%$ pass!”
Jimmy Vesey. That pass to Matt Puempel, who scored his first as a Ranger for the 2–0 lead, was a thing of beauty. Vesey flew down the off wing into the Flyer zone, backhanded an amazing saucer pass to Puempel, who deposited the biscuit past Steve Mason. While Vesey hasn’t scored many goals in recent games, his transition game has stood out through the first quarter of the campaign. Not many players can make a pass like that. Also, Vesey is one of four NHL rookies who’ve tallied 10 or more even-strength points so far this season (along with Mitch Marner, Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews).
Kevin Hayes. Netted his tenth of the season to make it 3 zip, on a nice deflection from about 20 feet out. This is a completely different player than we saw last season. He has been an absolutely beast. Like Miller, his all-around game has improved dramatically. Counted on in all situations, and deservedly so. He has earned every second of ice time.
The third period. A white knuckler, for sure. The expected push back happened. The Flyers pressed like crazy. 3–1. 3–2. Twenty-one shots by the orange and black. Looked like they might get the equalizer. The King was up to the task. The Rangers bent but didn’t break. A collective exhale from the fan base. There will be more of these types of games, especially as the season passes the halfway mark and teams begin to battle for playoff positioning.
Yesterday, it was all about the response.
From the New York Times: “I didn’t expect anything less from this group,” Vigneault said of his team’s response from Wednesday. “This is a very proud group that in my mind is very accountable. We knew that we needed to come up with a better effort. I thought we were real good in the first two periods. We were able to get some Grade-A chances and capitalize on them. In the third Hank did what Hank’s supposed to do. Made some big saves, and that’s why we got him here.”
Miscellaneous:
According to Larry Brooks from the NY Post, the last time the Rangers went so many games without a fighting major was 1963–64 (25 games).
From the NY Rangers:
In the 18 games in which Lundqvist has made at least 40 saves in his career, he has posted a 10–1–7 record with a 1.69 GAA and a .961 save percentage.
Henrik Lundqvist’s last 22 regular-season appearances against Philly (since 3/6/11): 18–3–1, 1.80 GAA, .942 save percentage.
Here’s the Box Score and Game Highlights, courtesy of ESPN.
Here’s the Photo Gallery and Post Game Notes, courtesy of the New York Rangers.
Next up: Tomorrow night’s tilt against the Ottawa Senators at The World’s Most Famous — 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Check your local listings to see who’ll be televising.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.