The New York Rangers got out to a hot start with two first-period goals and smother the Ottawa Senators for a much-needed win.
- New York Rangers (1-2)
- Ottawa Senators (2-1)
- Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2
- 4-1 Final Box Score
- Madison Square Garden, NY, NY
It was all started by who else, the spark plug Mats Zuccarello. Clear and crisp passing through the neutral zone and a strong play by Mika Zibanejed to protect the puck and make a tape to tape pass while falling right on Zucc’s stick for the goal.
The Rangers kept it going strong throughout the first period limiting the Sens to only five shots on net, and pouring on 15 shots on Craig Anderson in the first frame. Pierre McGuire mentioned it on the broadcast, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he actually made a good point about Craig Anderson and his ability to play the puck. Or lack thereof.
Mats Zuccarello rimmed the puck behind the net, and Sens defenseman Ben Harper misplayed the puck, allowing Michael Grabner to tuck home a wrap-around for his Fourth of the playoffs.
This goal capped off an impressive First Period by the Rangers.
Moving into the Second frame, the Rangers didn’t take their foot off the gas as they continued to stifle the Senators through all three zones of the ice. The Senators managed 12 shots on net, however, most were not from Grade-A scoring areas, and the number is slightly skewed due to a spike late in the second after they scored the goal. But
But Rick Nash opened the scoring in the second on a nice pass from Derek Stepan on a two on one.
Ottawa stud Erik Karlsson was less than impressive tonight, as the Rangers hit him every chance they had, as well as the news that he is injured. He was caught up ice on Rick Nash’s two on one goal and was minus-three through the first two periods.
The Rangers got on the board again later in the second off a phenomenal effort from JT Miller to set up Oscar Lindberg for his first career playoff goal. Tell you what, JT looked like a different player being away from Kevin Hayes. Hayes has been my scapegoat this postseason, and I’ll be honest, JT played one of his best of the playoffs.
Bobby Ryan definitely made his presence known tonight and this series. Seems to have awoken from his regular season slumber. His pass to JG Pageau on the Sens first goal was simply a sight to see.
In the final frame, the Rangers and Sens traded some power play opportunities to no avail for either club. Henrik Lundqvist was less than stellar because he wasn’t needed tonight. The Rangers D allowed him to see the puck and cleared the crease and quite honestly, they didn’t give up many shots. AV seemed to learn from his mistakes and was much smarter in his player usage on the back end tonight.
Game Notes:
- Ottawa’s third line center Zack Smith left the game with an injury after taking a hit from JT Miller and Tanner Glass.
- Bobby Ryan also left with an injury after taking a Karlsson slap shot off the knee.
- The Rangers game plan looked to be more physical on Erik Karlsson, and it seemed to work. Karlsson was much less noticeable tonight.