New York Rangers can't solve Scott Darling, fall 2-1 to Chicago Blackhawks (Highlights)
Dec 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period at against the New York Rangers Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Antti Raanta and the New York Rangers played well, but simply couldn’t solve Scott Darling and the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night.

  • New York Rangers 1 (20-10-1, 41 pts)
  • Chicago Blackhawks 2 (19-8-4, 42 pts)
  • NHL, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Upon the conclusion of period number one on Tuesday night, both the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers had played four scoreless regulation periods this season. We’re, of course, referencing last week’s 1-0 Rangers win that saw Nick Holden‘s OT goal provide the Blueshirts with one of their better wins of the campaign.

Despite the lack of goals, the play was still stellar. There were scoring chances galore and the goaltenders (each of the backup variety) were unbreakable.

That was, until, the second period came around and three total goals were scored. Chicago, unfortunately for Rangerstown, snagged two of them.

Trevor van Riemsdyk, with much of family in the Madison Square Garden seats, tallied his first of the season 5:18 into the second period. It was the first goal allowed by Antti Raanta in over two games.

Jesper Fast responded just under three minutes later by doing his best Yoenis Cespedes impression:

With just 1:09 to go in the frame, however, a familiar face provided what turned out to be the game-winner. Former Ranger Artem Anisimov received a beautiful feed from Artemi Panarin who forced Nick Holden to overcommit:

From there, Hawks goaltender Scott Darling did the rest. He stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced on the night and was even more spectacular than what we saw last Friday in Chicago. Raanta came up with 24 saves.

Rick Nash missed another one and Ryan McDonagh was a late scratch due to the flu.

A scary moment came early in the game when Brady Skjei took a Kevin Hayes skate to the face. He left the game but later returned with a full-caged mask after getting stitched up.

Next up for New York will be a road game on Thursday night in Dallas against the Stars.

 NEXT: Lundqvist Finnish'd? No chance 

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
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

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