New York Rangers Topple San Jose Sharks

Another Western Conference test for the New York Rangers occurred this afternoon against the Pacific Division powerhouse San Jose Sharks. The team from California was playing their third game in four nights. The Sharks received the first power play of the game as Derick Brassard was called for hooking. Fortunately, no damage was done as the Rangers penalty kill unit kept the Sharks off the scoreboard. A near goal was almost realized as San Jose’s Jason Demers put a blistering slap shot on Henrik Lundqvist. The puck found its way behind the goaltender and was creeping towards the goal line. A smart, alert pay was made by Rangers defenseman Matt Hunwick, as he pulled an Anton Stralman and alertly swatted the puck away from the net. As the period ended, the Rangers put pressure on San Jose. With 10 seconds left, a mad flurry by the Rangers was placed on Alex Stalock. A deflection by Ryan Malone found it’s way towards the goalie. A mad scrambled ensued as all the players crashed the net. Despite the effort, no goal was called. However, Rangers forward Tanner Glass and Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic were both called for roughing, causing four on four play for the last 4 seconds of the period. The horn sounded, signaling the end of the first period. The teams were scoreless, with the Rangers outshooting the Sharks 7-5.

Both teams played four-on-four hockey as play resumed for the second period. Within the first minute, the Sharks controlled the play and peppered Lundqvist with three shots on goal. After the first shot of the period for the Rangers by Chris Kreider at 18:10, the team evened out the play. A nice steal by Kevin Hayes caused a break-in towards the Sharks net. A nice toe drag by the youngster almost ended in a goal. However, Joe Thornton was able to get in the way and disrupt Hayes’ efforts. As the period wore on, the Rangers picked up their play and had a number of scoring chances, including a good effort from Rick Nash. The defensive play had improved since their last four games. The team was able to get to pucks and limit the number of San Jose shots on Lundqvist. It was only a matter of time for the Rangers to get on the scoreboard. With that said, Rangers forward Carl Hagelin broke the scoreless tie with a rebound chance to give him his first of the season. Assists were credited to the Moores, both John and Dominic. With the last minute of the period, the Rangers struck again. After a battle in the corner, the puck was put out towards the net. The heart pounding Martin St. Louis never quit on the puck and was able to get past the pads of Stalock. Despite taking shots from the Sharks defense, there was no denying the effort. As a result, a 2-0 lead. Just four seconds after St. Louis’ goal, Nash was able to take advantage of a puck handling mishap by Stalock, and scored his seventh of the season. Assists were credited to Dominic Moore, his second point of the game. With the horn sounding the end of the second period, the Rangers found themselves with a 3-0 lead and their confidence building. The team was up in shots after another period, 24-20.

More from Rangers News

• Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
• Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
• Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle Set to Shine in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase
• Chris Kreider has had quite the Summer
• Andy Hosler Takes Helm as Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Rangers, Succeeding Jim Ramsay

At the start of the third, the Sharks needed to get back into the game and generate more scoring chances. For the Rangers, they just needed to control the puck, not make any mistakes, and take bad penalties. Even before the third period started, hardly any penalties were handed out to both teams. Three penalties were assessed prior to the start of the third. The only power play advantage was given to the Sharks back in the first period. Realizing something needed to be done to get back into the game, the Sharks started mixing things up. At 16:49, Sharks forward Andrew Desjardins got into with Glass. After the dust settled, both players were assessed five minutes for fighting. Desjardins was assessed an additional two minutes for cross checking Kevin Klein. The Rangers first power play of the game resulted. Unfortunately, the team was unable to take advantage and the Sharks returned to even strength. The line of Rick Nash, Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider had played well all night. The line was rewarded again. At 12:42, first year Ranger Kevin Hayes got his first NHL career goal. And with that, the Rangers lead ballooned to 4-0 over the Sharks. A bit of bad news regarded Dan Girardi. During a play in the period, he was seen taking a shot off his left ankle, while boxing out a Sharks player. It was revealed he would not return for the rest of the game. A penalty was given to Rangers forward Malone for goalie interference, giving the Sharks their third power play of the game. After a strong defensive effort by the Rangers and some good shorthanded opportunities including a breakaway chance for Nash, the team was able to keep the Sharks scoreless. At the last horn sounded, the Rangers came away with a convincing win over a Sharks team who suffered their second loss of the season first in regulation. The Blueshirts continued their winning streak to two games.

Three stars of the game:

First Star-Carl Hagelin: (1) goal-first goal of the season, +1, two shots
Second Star- Rick Nash: (1) goal-seventh of the season, +2, five shots
Third Star- Henrik Lundqvist: (33) saves- first shutout of the season and 51st of his career

The Rangers play next Tuesday night in New Jersey as they take on the Devils for the first time this season.