There's no doubt about this one belonging to Nick Holden. J.T. Miller makes the play. 2-0 #NYR early. pic.twitter.com/q3xF7KXA92
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) December 30, 2016
The New York Rangers were able to get two early goals on the man advantage, quickly jumping on the Arizona Coyotes 2-0.
The New York Rangers power play got an early call, as just two minutes in Matt Puempel shot it towards Mike Smith, but Coyotes defender Alex Goligoski hit it into his own net putting the Rangers on the board.
Good things happen when you throw it to the net. It was Puempel, not Holden. PP variety. 1-0 #NYR. pic.twitter.com/qkVCwNuiPT
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) December 30, 2016
Six minutes later the Rangers power play was set to go to work again. Forward J.T. Miller, who has been cold as of late, was able to make an amazing pass to Nick Holden who scored and recorded his third goal in two games (video above). That gave the Rangers a two-goal lead early in the first period.
Antti Raanta was able to cruise through the first period after the Blueshirts relented just three shots in the first 14:55 of play.
With 5:05 left in the first period, Raanta saw his first action of the night as Coyotes forward Christian Dvorak netted his fourth goal of the season, and the Coyotes cut into the lead.
Arizona cuts the #NYR lead to 2-1.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 30, 2016
The Rangers are currently leading the Coyotes 2-1 during the first intermission.
