Rick Nash Delivers in New York Rangers Win Over Blues
FINAL SCORE: New York Rangers – 3 St.Louis Blues – 2
FIRST PERIOD: The Rangers started the game in top gear and refused to slow down as the Blues tried to keep up. At just four minutes in, Chris Kreider wrestled the puck in the Blues defensive zone to pass to Rick Nash who ripped a shot towards the net to score the first goal of the season. First penalty of the game went to Lee Stempniak at 17:35 for hooking, yet the Rangers defense were able to deliver on the penalty kill. Stempniak left the box with speed, obtained the puck, then tried a wrist-shot but ended up crashing into the Blues net. The period ended favoring the Rangers in shots on goal at 16:8, despite losing 13 of 20 face-offs.
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SECOND PERIOD: Penalties were given out left and right as both teams racked up minutes. The Blues put huge pressure early on around the Rangers net which led to Jesper Fast blocking a shot on his hands and knees. Fast was later seen wincing in pain on the bench and then headed to the lockers. At 2:10, Martin St Louis was called for holding. Shortly after, Carl Hagelin was called for hooking while Vladimir Tarasenko was called for embellishment. Dan Boyle added to those penalties with a delay of game, causing a 5-on-3 but for only 20 seconds of play. Rangers defense were able to hold the Blues off spectacularly as Henrik Lundqvist only had to make a few saves during the PK. Blues’ Ryan Reaves drew a penalty for slashing at 8:08, but no goals were scored during the power play. Hagelin was obviously tripped by David Backes but the Blues got away with it. Fast was then seen back on the ice. Huge upset occurred after Mats Zuccarello was pushed hard into the boards, causing his helmet to fall off. Dan Girardi responded by taking out Paul Stastny, drawing a penalty for tripping at 15:38. About a minute later, the Blues drew a penalty leading to a 4 on 4 but end the period scoreless. They did however outshoot the Rangers, 8:4.
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THIRD PERIOD: Blues’ Jaden Schwartz made a goal through the five-hole to tie the game at 1-1 less than 2 minutes in. Dan Boyle then took a slapshot that broke his hand and stayed on the ice until the end of his shift (It was later announced that Boyle will be out 4-6 weeks). At 5:07, Zuccarello and T.J. Oshie dropped the gloves and unfortunately Zuccarello took most of the hits. Both players were sent to the box. Kreider made a breakaway to give the Rangers another goal and a score of 2-1. The third Rangers power-play occurred after hooking against St. Louis, but went uneventful. Back at full strength, the Blues tied the game at 2-2 with Tarasenko assisted by Paul Stastny and Schwartz at 10:42. Zuccarello was then called for tripping behind the net. Lundqvist made 3 big saves in a row, the puck was cleared a couple of times and was enough to get back to full strength. Then Nash scored his second goal of the night at 18:30, leading to the Rangers win over St. Louis at 3-2.
Overall, Nash’s comeback along with great stick-handling by Rangers defense men made for a great win during opening night for the Rangers.
STARS OF THE GAME: Chris Kreider and Rick Nash