New York Rangers disappoint on Steven McDonald night against Leafs (Highlights)
Jan 13, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor Carrick (8) celebrates scoring a goal past New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

On a night the great Steven McDonald was honored and remembered, the New York Rangers disappointed fans against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

  • New York Rangers 2 (28-14-1, 57 pts)
  • Toronto Maple Leafs 4 (19-13-8, 46 pts)
  • NHL, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

It’s tough to understand everything Steven McDonald stands for and think his New York Rangers would play a flat game against a young team, but that’s exactly what happened on Friday the 13th at Madison Square Garden.

Henrik Lundqvist not only looked rusty, he allowed three weak goals to slip by him in the disappointing 4-2 loss. He managed just 23 saves on 27 shots.

William Nylander — son of one-time Ranger Michael Nylander — put his Toronto Maple Leafs on the board just 4:49 into the contest:

After Hank allowed that softie to get through, James van Riemsdyk added another softie with just 2:32 left in the first period:

For the Leafs third goal, while it did travel through Lundqvist’s five-hole, yet again, it was deflected off Ryan McDonagh. Connor Brown received credit for the tally.

Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller were the goal-scorers for the Rangers. Kreider somehow put one past the hot Frederik Andersen midway through the second period while Miller added his 13th in the season in garbage time.

After the Kreider goal, New York found itself with a golden opportunity to tie the score at two but hit the post on the power play. In fact, after coming into the game hot with the man advantage, the Rangers went 0-for-6 against the Leafs.

New York will turn around quickly and get up to Montreal for a Saturday night date with the Canadiens.

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