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New York Rangers Clinch Playoffs With 4-2 Victory In Columbus (Highlights)

Despite captain Ryan McDonagh leaving the game via injury, the New York Rangers pickup a much needed victory in Columbus on Monday.

  • New York Rangers 4 (44-26-9)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets 2 (31-40-8)
  • NHL, Final, Box Score
  • Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Finally, the New York Rangers can claim that they’ve clinched a spot in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

We know this because of their 4-2 victory against the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Monday night.

Chris Kreider (20), Dan Boyle (9), and Mats Zuccarello (26) were the goal scorers on the night. Henrik Lundqvist rebounded from his disaster of a night on Saturday by overcoming two Nick Foligno goals and stopping 27-of-29 shots.

Unlike the last week, which saw the Blueshirts lose three straight and play horrid defense, New York’s defensive structure was present all night against the Jackets.

Kreider got the offensive party started first, with this dandy on a second-effort:

The next goal didn’t come until 5:28 mark of the second period, but it turned out to be the Rangers who tallied it. Dan Boyle found a way to beat Joonas Korpisalo on perhaps the weakest goal of the season:

Despite Foligno picking up his first of the game later in the period, Kreider teamed up with Mats Zuccarello to provide New York with their second two-goal lead of the game:

The third period saw that aforementioned strong defensive play kick into high-gear – something especially promising considering the Rangers were without captain Ryan McDonagh.

No. 27 injured his hand while blocking a Brandon Dubinsky shot in the first period. Though he remained on the bench to finish the first frame, he didn’t return at the start of the second, and it remained that way all game.

Nothing further on his status has yet been mentioned.

Aside from a nifty Derek Stepan shorthanded, empty-net goal with the Rangers holding just a one-goal lead, the third was rather bland.

This playoff clincher marks the sixth straight season the Rangers have seen playoff hockey, and the 10th time in the last 11.

The red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins remain three points ahead. Because the New York Islanders took care of business on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Blueshirts still hold only a slim two point lead on them, with the Isles also still having a game in hand.

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Up next for New York will be the Steven Stamkos-less Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

3 Stars of the Game:

  1. C. Kreider (Rangers – LW): Goals: 1, Assists: 1
  2. N. Foligno (Blue Jackets – LW): Goals: 2, Assists: 0
  3. M. Zuccarello (Rangers – RW): Goals: 1, Assists: 0

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NEXT: New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider Scores A Gem Against The Columbus Blue Jackets (Video)

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com