Score line:
Rangers 4 – Flames 1
Shots – Rangers 26, Flames 23
Saves – Raanta 22, Hiller 17/ Ortio 5
How it happened:
The Rangers came of very slow out of the gate as the Flames scored just over 3 minutes into the first period. Raanta had no chance what-so-ever on this mini 2-on-1 with Hudler and Gaudreau.
End of 1: 1-0 Flames
It seemed as though the Rangers got better over time as they only had 9 shots on net midway through the second period. The Rangers then suddenly woke up with a sweet no-look pass from Hayes to Lindberg in front.
Rangers 4 – Flames 1
Shots – Rangers 26, Flames 23
Saves – Raanta 22, Hiller 17/ Ortio 5
How it happened:
The Rangers came of very slow out of the gate as the Flames scored just over 3 minutes into the first period. Raanta had no chance what-so-ever on this mini 2-on-1 with Hudler and Gaudreau.
End of 1: 1-0 Flames
It seemed as though the Rangers got better over time as they only had 9 shots on net midway through the second period. The Rangers then suddenly woke up with a sweet no-look pass from Hayes to Lindberg in front.
Toward the end of the period Stoll had tried to set up Etem in the slot but he fanned on it and it landed on the stick of Dan Girardi who made no mistake about quickly finding the back of the net.
End of 2: 2-1 Rangers
Yandle took the puck in and fired a slapshot in on Hiller, who then made a fantastic save of Etem on the rebound. After the save of Etem in front the puck slide out to the top of the slot where Klein shot the puck and it took a funny bounce of a player and into the net.
To put the game away, Brassard came around the top of the circle and fired a missile over Hillers glove.
End of 3: 4-1 Rangers
Analysis:
Were the Rangers ever flat? I thought for sure it would be a long night watching Raanta trying to steal one from the Flames. However, the Rangers eventually woke up and it was the Lindberg – Hayes – Miller line that woke them up.
They have been the best line the past two nights and it just seems like they are clicking every time they step on the ice. That line has had 5 points in the past 2 games. Right now they are the line to watch to carry the Rangers if the other lines aren’t scoring. Secondary scoring is huge in this league and can be the difference between winning and losing tight games.
I cannot say enough about Raanta. He has just been lights out. He has a remarkable record where he is undefeated in 18 home games. That is just ridiculous. Maybe the Rangers should just start him at home and Hank away.
I’m totally kidding – don’t freak out.
Dan Girardi scored his first goal of the season but that doesn’t take away from his play. His play has still not been up to the Girardi standard that he set a few seasons ago. Yes, he’s a warrior and I love him for that. What I don’t like is when a player is making poor decisions that eventually lead to goals. His corsi % for this season is at 39.8 compared to 46.3 and 49.3 in the previous two seasons, respectively (hockey-reference.com). I hope that his play turns around sooner rather than later or else he might be forced out of the lineup or out of town.
I cannot say enough about Raanta. He has just been lights out. He has a remarkable record where he is undefeated in 18 home games. That is just ridiculous. Maybe the Rangers should just start him at home and Hank away.
I’m totally kidding – don’t freak out.
Dan Girardi scored his first goal of the season but that doesn’t take away from his play. His play has still not been up to the Girardi standard that he set a few seasons ago. Yes, he’s a warrior and I love him for that. What I don’t like is when a player is making poor decisions that eventually lead to goals. His corsi % for this season is at 39.8 compared to 46.3 and 49.3 in the previous two seasons, respectively (hockey-reference.com). I hope that his play turns around sooner rather than later or else he might be forced out of the lineup or out of town.