After a strange string of events, New York Rangers’ defenseman Kevin Klein finally put one past Jimmy Howard in overtime to beat Detroit 1-0.
By Chris Wengert
Just when you thought that the New York Rangers/Detroit Red Wings game couldn’t be any duller, that third period happened.
If someone can tell us what goalie interference is, that would be great.
No really, what is goalie interference NHL? Because apparently the Henrik Lundqvist play in the Stanley Cup Finals was not interference, but last night’s play is? (Yes I know the NHL has since admitted it’s mistake from 2014)
So apparently a goalie can trip a player who then hits said goalie, and it’s the PLAYER’S fault.
Here’s the @NYRangers controversial overturned goal and review: https://t.co/5ui4OhRcdN
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 22, 2016
Here is the official position of the NHL.
Explanation of Coach’s Challenge at 5:54 of the third period in the @DetroitRedWings/@NYRangers game. #DETvsNYRpic.twitter.com/QdqXcoZwJv
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 22, 2016
So the referee determined that Jimmy Howard was interfered with? That call is almost as bad as the 2014 call, but I digress…
What a goal tending match up.
Both Jimmy Howard and Henrik Lundqvist were sensational. Howard was feeling particularly good after he stopped Jesper Fast on his penalty shot attempt.
Jimmy Howard is PUMPED. #HDIApic.twitter.com/Lxd3uoFKqF
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 22, 2016
Not much of a challenge for Howard to be honest, as he basically out-waited Fast who couldn’t lift the puck enough.
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The Rangers penalty kill was outstanding. The players were quick while shifting from side-to-side, challenged the shooters, and blocked shots in a manner that would make John Tortorella happy.
The Rangers will have their bumps and bruises as a result of the PK, but the results speak for themselves.
The power play was it’s usual mediocre self. See the problem is that is hasn’t looked very bad, the Rangers are just not able to find a way to put players or pucks in front of the net.
The puck and player movement on the PP is good, so one would think that it is just a matter of time before the goals come. One would think anyway…
Back to the refs for a moment.
How can they call that phantom elbow from Dan Girardi in such a close game? Listen, I know the zebra is trying to “protect the players from head shots”, but that is the call he is going to make late in a tie game?
Come on NHL, figure it out. Ryan McDonagh would appreciate it.
You would really be nitpicking to find a New York Ranger who played poorly. The fourth line even looked serviceable with call-up Marek Hrivik showing some jump and Tanner Glass using his physicality.
However you could say that the Rangers need to control their penalties, and that I would agree with.
Keith Yandle‘s first penalty was a dumb penalty to take, and he’s had a couple of those lately. The second call on Yandle was another questionable call. He “made the opponent high stick him”.
Speaking of defensemen, good for Kevin Klein who has faced some serious adversity in the past couple of weeks. Klein stayed with the puck and fired a beauty past Howard to win the game, all with a broken thumb.
Talk about heart.
The New York Rangers have strung some games together nicely over the past two weeks, winning seven out of their last nine.
The Rangers have tomorrow off and will be back at it Tuesday night in Newark to take on the New Jersey Devils.
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