Nice things must come to an end eventually and that was the case as the New York Rangers defense collapsed against Artem Anisimov and the Chicago Blackhawks.
- New York Rangers, 3 (9-8-2, 20 points)
- Chicago Blackhawks, 6 (9-8-2, 20 points)
- NYR Goals: Mika Zibanejad (9), Kevin Hayes (4), Rick Nash (7)
- CHI Goals: Alex DeBrincat (7), Artem Anisimov (7), John Hayden (2), Artem Anisimov (8), Artem Anisimov (9), Jonathan Toews (5)
- NHL, Final, Box
- United Center, Chicago, Illinois
With the Chicago Blackhawks in the midst of a four-game losing streak, it was important for the Rangers to get up early and put negative thoughts in Chicago’s head. They were able to do that but Chicago fought back and took advantage of the New York Rangers defensive miscues.
For some reason after the first period, the Rangers decided to stop playing in front of Henrik Lundqvist, who was pulled in the third period. Lundqvist played well enough in this game, but the inability to get help in front is what ultimately led to his and the team’s demise.
With that, here the game highlights:
Chris Kreider found Mika Zibanejad on a beautiful backhand pass and Zibanejad got it past Crawford:
The Rangers continued to come at Crawford who had to make several consecutive saves in the period, 10 overall.
Chicago came at Henrik Lundqvist in spurts but he was there for the challenge and continued his solid play. Lundqvist made nine saves in the period.
Chicago came out aggressive against Lundqvist and the Rangers. They outshot the Blueshirts’ 16-8 in the period while having several power-play opportunities. With the pressure, Lundqvist was able to keep the Rangers up making several key saves.
Despite Lundqvist’s strong play in this one, all it took was a fortunate bounce for Alex DeBrincat and Chicago to pull even in this one.
Momentum is a funny thing in the game of hockey, and that was evident in this one. You never want to allow a goal in the first or last minute of a period and that was the case for Chicago tonight.
After getting a goal at the 19:08 mark in the second period, Chicago, and former Ranger Artem Anisimov would take the lead in the first 1:07 of the third.
And then it became a two-goal lead 46 seconds late, and three Chicago goals in a 2:45 span for the Blackhawks.
And then the lead became 4-1.
But this Ranger team never seems to quit and they mounted a comeback first with Kevin Hayes bringing the Rangers to within two.
And then Rick Nash made this interesting.
But Anisimov and Chicago would not go away as Anisimov was able to get the hat-trick and give Chicago a 5-2 lead in the final minutes.
Jonathan Toews would an empty net goal to give secure the victory for Chicago as they went on to snap the Rangers six-game winning streak.
The Rangers will look for a rebound performance when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday night in Columbus.