Resilient Rangers claw back before falling in OT

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The Rangers headed to Western Canada following Saturday night’s win over the Devils for a matchup with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. It was a physical contest, one that saw Brendan Lemieux earn himself a Gordie Howe hat trick, but it was the boys in the orange and blue pulling out the victory in the extra frame.

Brendan Lemieux – Since the Rangers acquired Lemieux from Winnipeg at the trade deadline, the 22-year-old has shown his worth to the Blueshirts and their fans. Lemieux plays a physical, north-south game, and has the skill to go along with it. Lemieux showcased his skills in this one, netting the first Rangers goal, assisting on the second, and he threw in a fight as well to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick.

Lemieux’s goal is one that Edmonton goalie Mikko Koskinen will want back, but the Rangers certainly didn’t mind it. With defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk entering the zone, he dropped the puck to Lemieux, who fired a wrist shot behind Koskinen to pull his team within one.

Getting to watch Lemieux in a more expanded role than he had in Winnipeg, you can see just how much he takes after his father with his style of play. He is tenacious on the puck, skilled when he has it, and isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates.

Brett Howden – It was a case of being in the right place at the right time, and Brett Howden jumped on the loose puck for his first goal since November 12th against Vancouver. After the puck rolled off of the stick of Lemieux, it bounced to the front of the net where Howden was able to slide it into the net for his fifth of the season.

It’s been a rough rookie season for Howden, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the season. Hopefully, this goal helps him get back his scoring touch that he had in the first few weeks of the season.

Pavel Buchnevich – He didn’t factor in on the scoresheet, but the young Russian was noticeable when he was on the ice. Buchnevich had five hits in this game, the most he’s had in his short career. Maybe this is a sign that David Quinn’s tutelage is finally seeping through, but it is definitely a good sign seeing Buchnevich physically engaged.

Alexandar Georgiev – The rookie goaltender kept his team in the game, allowing the Rangers to tie the game and earn a point in this one. Georgiev made 30 saves, including this one late in the second period, to give the Blueshirts a chance at victory. It was another strong showing for Georgiev, who is trying to prove himself as a future #1 goaltender for the Rangers.

Next Game: The Rangers will try and get back in the win column on Wednesday night when they face the Vancouver Canucks. Puck drops at 10!

LETS GO RANGERS!!

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