Rangers Burn Devils 4-3 In OT

Sep 25, 2018
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AP

After a lackluster effort against the Islanders, the Rangers returned home where they outlasted New Jersey with a 4-3 OT win. The game had it’s moments, as it was a close, feisty contest as there were many scuffles and fights, along with both teams showcasing their talents. Here’s what stood out.

Henrik Lundqvist Rebound: In his second time out, Henrik Lundqvist looked like his normal self, as he made 14 saves in his two periods of play. He did not look out of place and seems to have corrected the mistakes he made in his last appearance.

Superb Rangers Defense: While Hischier, Hall and Palmieri all scored for New Jersey, those chances were solid chances, created by strong hockey play by New Jersey. Other than a few mishaps at the start of the game, the Rangers defense as a unit was strong. Towards the end of the second period, the Rangers defense tallied 20 hits, 13 takeaways and 14 blocked shots. The units that were on the ice for the blueshirts all seemed to be in sync with one another, as NJ was primarily forced to the perimeter for most of the game. Tony DeAngelo, Freddy Claesson and Neal Pionk all looked superb on their skates and positioning. Brady Skjei did what Brady Skjei usually does and Brendan Smith continues to put out a strong case to make the team out of camp.

Relentless and Gritty: If there’s one thing that could be seen as a consistent theme through the last few pre-season games, it’s the Rangers in your face attitude. There seems to be a different feeling amongst the players, where even the smallest of confrontations warrant a response. That, in itself is a good thing. Cody McLeod and Matt Beleskey both fought and engaged in the game physically. While not really making a dent on the score sheet, both players were visibly noticeable when out there. Alongside those two, the team in general seemed to get into the face of Devils goalie Eddie Lack and any other player that came in their way. Their physicality compliments the strong defensive system, in which it requires the body to be used.

KBZ – For most of the night, three players stood out the most on forward. Those forwards were Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich. Kreider scored a nice goal after a beautiful feed from Zibanejad to hit him on the corner of the net. Buchnevich, all night continued his strong play. Mika Zibanejad was visible and engaged on the puck and in the play all game as well. It seems as if the new regime has lit a fire under these three players and here’s hoping this momentum carries into the regular season.

Other Things To Note: Vinni Lettieri played a better game this time around as he upped his physicality and seemed more engaged on the puck as he scored the OT winner. Tim Gettinger showed some flashes of what he could become, as he tallied a goal off his own rebound. Gettinger, with more seasoning, could be a piece that could make an impact down the line.

Next game is Wednesday night at 7PM, as the Islanders come into The Garden to take on the Rangers.

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