The New York Rangers are coming off a dominating 3-0 road victory against the Los Angeles Kings while Henrik Lundqvist returns.
- New York Rangers 3 (46-25-4, 96 pts)
- Los Angeles Kings 0 (35-32-7, 77 pts)
- NHL, Final, Box Score
- Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
They’ve done it again. The New York Rangers won their NHL-leading 27th road victory of the season in Los Angeles against the Kings last night. While it may not have been pretty, and the Rangers were once again (not so shockingly) dominated in the physical aspects of the game, they left Staples Center with two big points and returned to winning ways.
With Henrik Lundqvist confirmed to start Sunday night in Anaheim against the Ducks, it was fitting that Antti Raanta would earn a shutout as well as the heralded Broadway Hat for his excellent performance in the Rangers 3-0 Saturday night victory. There is no question he’s a top backup goaltender in the league, and he’s performed very well in Hank’s absence.
The #NYR Broadway Hat to go along with the shutout for @ARaanta31! pic.twitter.com/KVwmpnGR4d
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 26, 2017
Having said that, it’s officially go-time for the Rangers, as the King will have approximately six of the seven remaining regular season games to get himself in playoff form. Also, a rather spry looking Dan Girardi returned against the Kings and played an above-average game. The Rangers have desperately needed a steady partner for captain Ryan McDonough on the top defensive pairing, and a rested G might just be that player.
As Steve Zipay of Newsday reported, Kevin Klein is also nearing a return and should be inserted back into the lineup in one of the two remaining California road games, either tonight or on Tuesday against the Sharks in San Jose.
Hopefully, the Rangers can continue winning on the road and bring the magic back to MSG.
More Notes:
Larry Brooks of the New York Post spoke to a number of Rangers who were a part of the 2014 Stanley Cup run.
Justin Tasch of the New York Daily News discusses how it’s now time for the King to return to his throne.
Jess Rubenstein of Blueshirts Bulletin breaks down a few prospects including Tyler Wall.
Hear from @ARaanta31 after his shutout last night that got #NYR off to a hot start on their road trip. pic.twitter.com/BZdDHLrqSh
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 26, 2017
"Well he no doubt made all the timely saves tonight." – AV on @ARaanta31's performance in tonight's #NYR win in LA. pic.twitter.com/cwJ9zmKVs0
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 26, 2017
? @DerekStepan21's ? to give #NYR the lead after 2! pic.twitter.com/tRBSLIH4PM
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 26, 2017
