Score line:
Rangers 2 – Senators 1 (Shootout)
Shots – Rangers 34, Senators 23
Saves – Lundqvist 22, Senators 33
How it happened:
The Rangers got out front earlier and could have been 2-1 if Miller didn’t miss a wide-open net. The Rangers got on the board first from – yes, you guess it – a Power-Play goal. Surprising, I know. It came off good puck movement and the Rangers spreading the Sens PK unit out.
The Sens goal came after McDonagh jumped up into the rush and then fell down leading to a 5 on 2. The Senators took full advantage of that with some pretty puck movement and it found Karlson’s stick and there was no doubt he would score.
Lundqvist was The King. He was making ridiculous saves left and right. I mean, this guy human? I don’t think so.
End of 1: Tied 1-1
The Rangers and Senators traded chances while both goalies stood tall and met every challenged they faced. Smith intentionally hit Stepan in the head with his shoulder and Kreider immediately came over to defend his teammate. Kreider made him pay and made him wish he probably never even thought about hitting Stepan. It was a dirty hit for sure. However, the refs saw it differently as they gave Smith 7 minutes and Kreider 17 minutes. Clearly got that one wrong as Smith got a 5 for fighting, not for a hit to the head. I’m sure that Smith will be suspended and if he isn’t, then that’s a dropped ball for sure.
End of 2: Tied 1-1
Rangers 2 – Senators 1 (Shootout)
Shots – Rangers 34, Senators 23
Saves – Lundqvist 22, Senators 33
How it happened:
The Rangers got out front earlier and could have been 2-1 if Miller didn’t miss a wide-open net. The Rangers got on the board first from – yes, you guess it – a Power-Play goal. Surprising, I know. It came off good puck movement and the Rangers spreading the Sens PK unit out.
The Sens goal came after McDonagh jumped up into the rush and then fell down leading to a 5 on 2. The Senators took full advantage of that with some pretty puck movement and it found Karlson’s stick and there was no doubt he would score.
Lundqvist was The King. He was making ridiculous saves left and right. I mean, this guy human? I don’t think so.
End of 1: Tied 1-1
The Rangers and Senators traded chances while both goalies stood tall and met every challenged they faced. Smith intentionally hit Stepan in the head with his shoulder and Kreider immediately came over to defend his teammate. Kreider made him pay and made him wish he probably never even thought about hitting Stepan. It was a dirty hit for sure. However, the refs saw it differently as they gave Smith 7 minutes and Kreider 17 minutes. Clearly got that one wrong as Smith got a 5 for fighting, not for a hit to the head. I’m sure that Smith will be suspended and if he isn’t, then that’s a dropped ball for sure.
End of 2: Tied 1-1
Again, teams traded chances left and right while the goalies came up huge. There were several posts hit and frantic action but no change in score.
End of 3: Tied 1-1
There were odd man rushes all over the place. Side note – I swear that ice is slippery when wet, it seemed like everyone one the Rangers was falling down. Their best friends – the posts, helped out the goalies.
End of OT: Tied 1-1
Bobby Ryan was up first in the shootout and he scored five-hole on Lundqvist but he shut the door after the leadoff goal. Zucc went next and scored, using no moves and simply shooting the puck, which confused Anderson for sure. Then Dan Boyle went in and also shot the puck top shelf, sealing the deal for the Rangers.
End of SO: Rangers win 2-1
Analysis:
The first period of this game was back and forth and both teams were trading chances. As the game progressed the Rangers settled into their game plan, in a more controlled game plan as opposed to wide-open game.
I thought that the Rangers have been playing well as of late and getting contributions all over the line-up. For the first few games, it was Lindberg carrying the team for long enough that other performers such as Nash and Zucc could find their game. Although, the Rangers have terrible analytical numbers such as possession while having unreal goaltending most believe that this is "unsustainable" and that they will come down from this eventually. Rightfully so, but I mean can't we all just enjoy the Rangers 8 game win streak, and possibly 9 tomorrow night vs. the Leafs.
The Rangers PP is coming along nicely after starting very poorly, I believe it was something to the tune of 0-11. Over their last 11 games however, they are 7 for 24 (29%), as Ranger fans are not asking the Rangers to decline PP opportunities. I hope they can continue to get better on the PP as this has been their achilles heel for years.
End of 3: Tied 1-1
There were odd man rushes all over the place. Side note – I swear that ice is slippery when wet, it seemed like everyone one the Rangers was falling down. Their best friends – the posts, helped out the goalies.
End of OT: Tied 1-1
Bobby Ryan was up first in the shootout and he scored five-hole on Lundqvist but he shut the door after the leadoff goal. Zucc went next and scored, using no moves and simply shooting the puck, which confused Anderson for sure. Then Dan Boyle went in and also shot the puck top shelf, sealing the deal for the Rangers.
End of SO: Rangers win 2-1
Analysis:
The first period of this game was back and forth and both teams were trading chances. As the game progressed the Rangers settled into their game plan, in a more controlled game plan as opposed to wide-open game.
I thought that the Rangers have been playing well as of late and getting contributions all over the line-up. For the first few games, it was Lindberg carrying the team for long enough that other performers such as Nash and Zucc could find their game. Although, the Rangers have terrible analytical numbers such as possession while having unreal goaltending most believe that this is "unsustainable" and that they will come down from this eventually. Rightfully so, but I mean can't we all just enjoy the Rangers 8 game win streak, and possibly 9 tomorrow night vs. the Leafs.
The Rangers PP is coming along nicely after starting very poorly, I believe it was something to the tune of 0-11. Over their last 11 games however, they are 7 for 24 (29%), as Ranger fans are not asking the Rangers to decline PP opportunities. I hope they can continue to get better on the PP as this has been their achilles heel for years.