Powered by Michael Grabner and Henrik Lundqvist, the New York Rangers bounced back for a big win over the young Carolina Hurricanes.
- Carolina Hurricanes: 1 (10-9-5, 25 points)
- New York Rangers: 5 (14-10-2, 30 points)
- CAR Goals: Justin Williams (5)
- NYR Goals: David Desharnais (3), Michael Grabner (11,12, & 13), Paul Caret (2)
- NHL, Final, Box Score
- Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Michael Grabner continues to be a revelation with the New York Rangers, as his big night allowed for the Rangers to bounce back after a bad loss to the Panthers and get back to their winning ways.
The negative way the Rangers start a game has been a theme way too much this season. Just when you think that they have gone out there and fixed it, they come right back down to reality; this time it only took 56 seconds.
It seemed like a simple rush for Justin Williams coming up the ice, dump it in on the net and drive towards the net looking for a rebound. However, the puck appeared to change direction and fool Henrik Lundqvist, giving Carolina the early 1-0 lead and Williams’ 700th career point.
Nick Holden was victimized once again by a bad outlet pass which was an issue for him in the playoffs last season. He had been relatively better this year, but plays like this have become the norm once again for the second-year Ranger. Holden isn’t making up for his defensive lapses like he did a season ago when he scored 11 goals.
Up 1-0, Carolina continued to come on the attack and Henrik Lundqvist had to put that first goal behind quickly if they wanted to make a comeback…he did.
Taking advantages of bounces is pivotal in the game of hockey because they only happen so often. For the Rangers, it was David Desharnais who took advantage of a lucky bounce to tie the game at one with the Rangers on the power play.
Desharnais provided a spark for the Rangers, one that they so desperately needed. This allowed for Michael Grabner to put the Rangers up 2-1.
With the period coming to a close, Lundqvist had to come up with several big saves as the Rangers seemed to take a step back. Lundqvist’s solid play was imperative considering he was pulled in the Rangers’ previous game when he was unable to make the big save.
Skinner with a chance on Hank pic.twitter.com/sq5TzXnQd7
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) December 2, 2017
In the third, Jeff Skinner was awarded a penalty shot and with the Rangers up by one, they needed that big save from their King of the net.
And Hank makes the save pic.twitter.com/0oUv2TQb9J
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) December 2, 2017
With the Rangers looking to increase their lead, it was Scott Darling’s turn to make the big save, this time on Brady Skjei.
Michael Grabner would add two more empty-net goals for his fifth career hat-trick to help secure the victory for the Blueshirts. Grabner’s six empty-net goals also lead the NHL this season. Paul Carey would score on the power play and the Rangers would go on to win it all by a dominating score of 5-1.
With the victory, Henrik Lundqvist tied Tony Esposito for the second-most wins (418) with one franchise, adding another incredible stat to what has already been a remarkable career.
The Rangers will return to action when they travel to Pittsburgh and face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Penguins on Tuesday night.
