Rick Nash's game-winner lifts New York Rangers in Dallas (Highlights)
Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) stops a shot by Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Nash‘s third-period shorthanded goal lifts the New York Rangers to a well-deserved victory against the Stars in Dallas.

  • New York Rangers 2 (21-10-1, 43 pts)
  • Dallas Stars 0 (12-14-6, 28 pts)
  • NHL, Final, Box Score
  • American Airlines Arena, Dallas, Texas

The King, Henrik Lundqvist, made his long-awaited return to the New York Rangers lineup after witnessing Antti Raanta showcase a splendid brand of goaltending for the last four games.

All he did was pitch a shutout, his 61st shutout of his magnificent career. He was fantastic in stopping all 27 shots he faced.

Early on, things looked foggy. When Hank was handling a puck behind the net, Dallas Stars forward Cody Eakin creamed the Rangers goaltender, forcing him to leave the ice for several minutes:

Raanta didn’t face a shot while replacing Lundqvist, but, eventually, the Rangers starter returned to the ice to man his crease.

After two scoreless periods, Rick Nash made sure his return was also felt. On the penalty kill, he robbed the Stars and then sniped one past Antti Niemi for the game-winner:

Mats Zuccarello added an empty-net goal, tallying his first in quite some time.

Along with the brilliant returns of Lundqvist and Nash, captain Ryan McDonagh also made his return after missing a game due to the flu.

Next up for the Metropolitan leading Rangers will be a Saturday night game in Nashville.

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