Rangers 4 – Maple Leafs 3
Shots – Rangers 30, Leafs 26
Saves – Raanta 23, Bernier 26
How it happened:
The Rangers got off to a fast start with consistently dumping the puck into the Leafs zone and forcing them to break the puck out. However, as I typed the previous sentence, they start to play poorly and Raanta has to bail them out on more than one occasion.
End of 1: Leafs lead 1-0
The period starts with a 2-on-2 on G and McDonagh and they break it up and go the other way. Girardi breaks the puck out to Zuc who feeds McDonagh for the wide open next and he makes no mistake about putting it home. The Rangers then take the lead of a dump-in from the red line and Bernier doesn’t quite get all of it. Lupul then ties it off a rebound in front.
End of 2: Tied 2-2
Zuc took the puck around the net after carrying the puck into the zone and then fed Brassard, who was sitting on the doorstep with Matt Hunwick (former Ranger) all over him and he buried it. The Leafs quickly came back and tied it up. The Bozak won the faceoff back to Phaneuf who took a quick slapshot through traffic and Raanta had no chance as he was screened. McDonagh took a soft shot from the point and Bernier gave up a big rebound and Zucc took the puck and put it past Bernier.
End of 3: Rangers 4-3
Analysis:
It seems as though I am always saying that the Rangers goalies are superb. Just assume that unless I say otherwise. Night in and Night out they have been playing unbelievable and many stat experts say it is just not sustainable but we shall see. Although Raanta gave up 3 goals, he played very well and even Hank has nights where he plays unreal and gives up 3.
The announcers have said of the back-to-backs that you either start fast and finish slow or start slow and finish fast. I would easily say that the latter is true in this game. The Rangers finally kicked it into gear after - who other than Zucc - sparked the Rangers offense after a brilliant feed to the Captain.
Aside for the first few games, the one player that has stood out in almost every game in the score sheet or there is a gif of him hip checking someone; Zucc just does it all. He’s probably my favorite player behind Hank. Who expected a little guy to score all of those goals. I’ve loved him ever since he came into the league. There is just something about him - the little engine that could. Boy oh boy is he the engine for the Rangers right now.
Bernier’s goal that he gave up just reminds me of so many other Leaf goalie mistakes that you can’t but help to laugh at (See videos above for comedy).
Statistically speaking, the Rangers haven’t been playing well but tell that to their 9 game win streak and their hottest start in franchise history.
However, this isn't the first time Bernier has let in several goals in like this. And certainly won't be the last one we see.
Below just describes the Leafs organization. Going well, going well, going.... errr not so well.
Below just describes the Leafs organization. Going well, going well, going.... errr not so well.