Tuch Scores Golden Goal To Defeat Rangers
Following Friday night’s heartbreaking loss to Derek Stepan and the Arizona Coyotes, the Rangers hoped to get back in the win column on Sunday in a matinee against the Vegas Golden Knights. And while Henrik Lundqvist kept the Rangers alive, it was not meant to be for the Blueshirts as Alex Tuch beat Lundqvist from a tight angle to send the Golden Knights home happy.
Brady Skjei – The Rangers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to their 24-year-old defenseman. After Kevin Hayes chipped the puck into the neutral zone for Pavel Buchnevich, the Russian found Skjei streaking down the far side and he buried it behind Marc-Andre Fleury. The goal was the third of the year for Skjei, and the 13th goal scored by Rangers blue-liners in the last 19 contests.
Mika Zibanejad – The Rangers center tied the game at two in the second period with an absolute rocket from the point. With the Rangers on the man-advantage, Zibanejad took the pass from Hayes and lasered it by the Vegas netminder. The goal was Zibanejad’s 11th of the year and his third in the last four games.
Chris Kreider – After a quiet opening 40 minutes from the BC alumnus, Chris Kreider made a big statement with this snipe over the glove of Marc-Andre Fleury. Kreider finished the game with five shots on goal, four of which came in the final period, as well as four hits. Kreider leads the Rangers in goals this season with fifteen as the forward continues to display the talents that brought him into the hearts of Rangers fans.
Henrik Lundqvist – As has been said many times throughout his illustrious career, had it not been for King Henrik, the Rangers would’ve been blown out by the opposition. And this game was no different. Lundqvist stopped 37 of Vegas’ 41 shots, including a few doozies to keep his club within reach of the Golden Knights heading into the third period.
Sloppy Play – The Rangers were a bit careless with the puck today to say the least as David Quinn’s squad gave the puck away 30 times. And no, that is not a typo. Both the goals by Paul Stastny, his first point with Vegas, and William Carrier came as a direct result of a Rangers turnover. Stastny scored after Max Pacioretty forced a turnover along the half-wall, had his initial shot stopped by Lundqvist and the former Canadiens captain found his teammate on the backdoor. Carrier scored after picking the pocket of Lias Andersson just outside the Rangers zone, and converted on a 2v1 with Nosek late in the second period. Among the growing pains for a rebuilding team, defensive structure and breakouts are going to be points of emphasis. But things like protecting the puck and making the smart play with it need to be executed regardless of the state of the team.
Next Game: The Rangers are back in action on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. Puck drops at 7!
LETS GO RANGERS!!
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