New York Rangers 4, Los Angeles Kings 2: Power Play powers win (Highlights)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Rangers rode a hot power play and a key Rick Nash play to a big win over the LA Kings Friday night.

  • New York Rangers 4 (17-12-2 37 Points)
  • Los Angeles Kings 2 (20-10-3 43 Points)
  • NYR Goals: Chris Kreider (11), Kevin Hayes (7), Rick Nash (9), JT Miller (5)
  • LA Goal: Marian Gaborik (5), Torrey Mitchell (2)
  • NHL, Final, Boxscore
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

CLICK HERE FOR ESNY's RANGERS TEAM CENTER

After dropping consecutive games to the Dallas Stars and the Ottawa Senators, the New York Rangers were able to get things back on track Friday night against the Los Angeles Kings. The Rangers were able to play a much more disciplined game in which they had much better puck management. Turnovers appeared to be a thing of the past, at least for tonight, as they have plagued the team the past two games.

Chris Kreider got the party started with 9:37 remaining in the first period on the power play. Kreider planted his big frame in front of Jonathan Quick and just got a piece of a Kevin Shattenkirk shot. With that tally, Kreider joined the 100 career Rangers goal club, becoming the 57th member of the club. Congrats Kreids!

Ex-Rangers always seem to be energized when playing against their former team, especially in the Garden. This was the case tonight as former Blueshirt Marian Gaborik tallied a goal early in the second frame. Gaborik looked vintage as he staked down the left wing side and snuck a shot through the five-hole of Henrik Lundqvist.

Another milestone was achieved tonight as Gaborik played in his 1000th NHL game, 255 of which came with the Rangers. Injuries have slowed him down in recent years but he still an electric forward. It’s good to see him hopefully regaining form.

Kevin Hayes was able to regain the lead for the Blueshirts in which he actually shot(!) the puck on a two-on-one situation. Hayes’ goal was made possible by captain Ryan McDonagh, who after taking a hard hit on the wall made a great pass to Hayes.

But just like that, the Kings were able to get things tied up on a goal from Torrey Mitchell. Mitchell collected a rebound from a very nice individual effort from none other than Gaborik, in which he was able to slide by Shattenkirk and get a quality scoring chance.

Now pay attention all you those Rick Nash haters. This is a highly underrated play, one that makes Nash a very valuable NHL forward. No, he’s not producing like we would all like him to. However, his 200-foot game and defensive prowess would certainly be missed if he’s dealt. A fantastic game-winning goal for No. 61.

The Rangers sealed things up on an empty net goal by JT Miller. The play that started the whole thing was a massive shot block from Jimmy Vesey on Drew Doughty. A great “little things” play by Vesey that should help increase some ice time and instill some confidence in Vesey.

The Rangers are back in action tomorrow night at 5 p.m. ET against the Boston Bruins in Boston.

 NEXT: Rangers Face Tough Test In January Away From MSG 

-Follow ESNY - Elite Sports NY on Google News to keep up with the latest New York sports news.

Neal Purcell
Neal Purcell has a tremendous passion for New York Rangers hockey and the sport of hockey in general. A graduate of SUNY Cortland in Upstate NY, Purcell coaches both a high school hockey team and a travel team in the winter. Purcell is also a part of a small family business in the Central New York Region.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR