The New York Rangers home woes continue as they fall to the Pittsburgh Penguins at MSG while searching for their game before the playoffs.
- New York Rangers 3 (46-26-6, 98 pts)
- Pittsburgh Penguins 4 (47-19-11, 105 pts)
- NHL, Final, Overtime, Boxscore
- Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
The New York Rangers have won the 2017 Stanley Cup. April Fool’s.
In reality, the Blueshirts are struggling to win games both home and away. The Rangers are now 3-3-4 in their last 10 and continue to struggle at home losing eight straight in front of the MSG crowd.
In a game that had major playoff implications, the Rangers played a decent game. Henrik Lundqvist looked to be back in form with no defensive help whatsoever.
The King, Henrik Lundqvist, has shown up tonight. (Can a Rangers knock a Pen down in front of the net? Kunitz is whacking away.) #NYR pic.twitter.com/ipxsxzv6eC
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) March 31, 2017
Having Ryan McDonagh out of the lineup proved to be costly as the defense struggled throughout all three periods. The Rangers battled and played a strong third period where Rick Nash scored to make it 3-2 and Chris Kreider was able to bury the tying goals with eleven seconds left in the third period.
Don't say this is meaningless. It's NOT. A big time encouraging goal for the New York Rangers. Chris Kreider, OT coming. #NYR pic.twitter.com/xpVbIyWvnM
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) April 1, 2017
The 3 Vs 3 overtime period proved to be very exiting with great saves on either end by Hank and Matt Murray. Ultimately, the Penguins were able to oust the Rangers in the shootout. An opportunity to boost their confidence at home, and against a potential playoff opponent was spoiled Friday Night in New York. The Rangers will continue to search for their game prior to the playoffs.
The Rangers will have another chance to defend home ice on NBCSN Sunday night as they battle the Metropolitan division rival Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers (37-32-8, 82 pts) are virtually out of the playoff picture but have been playing better hockey of late with a 6-4 record in their last 10. Regardless of their record, the Flyers will come out playing a physical game that the Rangers will be unable to match. Look for a possibility of a Tanner Glass sighting at MSG on Sunday night.
Other Notes
Shayna Goldman projects the New York Rangers defensive pair for the playoffs
Brett Cyrgalis breaks down why the Blueshirts need Henrik Lundqvist to regain from before it’s too late
Rangers get one on the power play, 2-1 Pens. #NYR pic.twitter.com/dytTeoE3HL
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) April 1, 2017
Hear what #NYR head coach Alain Vigneault thought of tonight's #NYR shootout loss to the Penguins. pic.twitter.com/wsOTvkiuTF
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2017
"You need to find another level here to make that extra save." – @HLundqvist30 after tonight's shootout loss to the Penguins. pic.twitter.com/v9W6IXTTGQ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2017
“He was by far our best player." – Rick Nash on the play of @HLundqvist30, who made 32 saves in tonight's shootout loss. pic.twitter.com/hYavFfRpTU
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2017