Playing their first game in five days, the New York Rangers led by Mats Zuccarello blow past the Toronto Maple Leafs by the final of 3-1.
New York Rangers 3 (7-2-2, 16 pts)
Toronto Maple Leafs 1 (1-5-2, 4 pts)
Full Game Box Score
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
By Robby Sabo
It was a Mats Zuccarello kind of night for the New York Rangers. Playing in their first game since Sunday – a ridiculous five days off – the Blueshirts leaned on Zuccarello’s two goals in defeating the hapless Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1.
His first tally came at the 9:41 mark of the first period. Derrick Brassard and Rick Nash came up with the helpers.
Another angle of the @zuccarello36 goal that got #NYR on the board. #LGR pic.twitter.com/KaKOd7gFsg
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 30, 2015
If Brassard finds himself alone in the slot with free winger on the side, that puck is hitting the back of the net. That’s how pinpoint his passes usually are.
His second goal came 5:34 into the third period, and no, the box score isn’t wrong, Brassard and Nash (in that order) also assisted on this one as well. This was Zuc’s sixth of the season.
#ZUUUUUUUUUUCC x2!!! #LGR pic.twitter.com/jsGFt6Z1UK
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 31, 2015
Mike Babcock’s team made it interesting when Joffrey Lupol picked up his third of the season, but Zuccarello did it yet again with the empty net. He slid one through the goal crease to pickup his first career NHL hat trick and his seventh goal of the campaign.
Unbelievably, Brassard and Nash also assisted on the empty netter.
HAT TRICK for @zuccarello36!!!! Into the empty net!! 3-1 #NYR!!! #Zuuuuccc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 31, 2015
HATS FOR MATS!!!! #ZUUUUUUUUUUCC pic.twitter.com/bO7t2nX7Tc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 31, 2015
Henrik Lundqvist was solid in stopping 24-of-25 shots. He took home third star honors behind Brassard and, of course, Zuccarello.
Next up for the Blueshirts will be the Capitals at the Verizon Center on Tuesday night. They currently lead the Metropolitan Division with 16 points.
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