In a game they desperately needed, the New York Rangers took care of the Toronto Maple Leafs on the road with Michael Grabner‘s help.
- New York Rangers 5 (29-16-1, 59 pts)
- Toronto Maple Leafs 2 (21-14-8, 50 pts)
- NHL, Final, Box Score
- Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
In a game ESNY’s Nick Adams tabbed as “desperate,” the New York Rangers came out firing. Just 6:42 into the contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs north of the border, young Brady Skjei struck twine first.
Carrying a 3-2 lead into the third period, Henrik Lundqvist and company found themselves shorthanded. Much like the previous 45 games, somebody wearing red, white, and blue wearing No. 40 stepped up.
Michael Grabner took a beautiful feed from Kevin Hayes and beat Fredrick Andersen for his 20th of the season:
He then added an empty-netter for his 21st of this all-star caliber season.
Lundqvist, who’s struggled mightily for most of the season, looked solid in net. He stopped 23 of the 25 shots he faced all told. The Rangers outshot Toronto 41-25 and controlled most of the night.
Pavel Buchnevich and J.T. Miller accounted for the Blueshirts two other goals.
Having snapped their dreaded three-game losing streak, New York will turn its attention to Detroit as the Red Wings loom for a Sunday afternoon matinee.