New York Rangers Outplayed by Montreal Canadiens in 3-1 Loss

FIRST PERIOD: The New York Rangers had a rough time right from the beginning as Captain Ryan McDonagh was taken down, looking for a penalty from the refs and none was called. The first penalty occurred shortly after however, at 5:18, given to the Montreal Canadiens‘ Dale Weise for interference. The Rangers power play proved to be troublesome when Max Pacioretty came close to a short-handed goal and Henrik Lundqvist had to make several saves. Holding was then called against the Canadiens’ Manny Malhotra at 11:22. Again, the Rangers power play fell through as Tomas Plekanec scored a short-handed goal assisted by Pacioretty, giving Montreal the early lead at 12:06. Rangers’ offense fought back as Carl Hagelin, assisted by Dan Girardi and Anthony Duclair, tied the game at 17:07. Mats Zuccarello had a great chance, yet the period ended with one goal a piece while shots favored Montreal, 11-9.

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SECOND PERIOD: Most of the action began in the Rangers defensive zone. Brandon Prust hit Zucc hard against the boards and Kevin Klein stepped in to drop the gloves at 7:10, resulting in five-minute penalties for each player. A close play in the Rangers defensive zone resulted in a penalty on Derick Brassard for slashing against Weise at 9:03. On the Habs power play, Rick Nash went one-on-one with P.K. Subban but turned out uneventful. Lundqvist made a save and the rebound ended up on the top of the net, but play continued. With the teams back at full-strength, Brassard came close to scoring but was blocked by Canadiens’ brick wall: Carey Price. Back at Hank’s end, Lars Eller, assisted by Weise, was able to find a loose puck to give Montreal the one goal lead at 11:46. Lundqvist had more great saves and the puck was played well at both ends again until second intermission. Shots favored the Rangers this time at 13-12, yet Montreal maintained the 2-1 lead.

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THIRD PERIOD: In the beginning of this period, both teams kept up their speed and had several opportunities each, yet defense held their own on both ends of the ice. Girardi made a good defensive play as he swiped the puck away from Weise. Lundqvist made a huge save on a rebound off the post from P.A. Parenteau to keep it a one goal game… but not for long when Pacioretty, alone in front, scored with assists by Weise and David Desharnais to make it a two goal lead at 6:35. Price continued to make being a goalie look easy with a nonchalant glove save on Klein. Rangers upped their offense to challenge Price with two quick tries in a row, but the Canadiens goalie was able to keep the puck out of the net. Lundqvist left his net to give the Rangers an extra skater with less than two minutes left. Montreal’s defense remained strong through the end to leave the game at 3-1. While the Rangers were up on shots, 13-6, Habs won most of the face-offs at 8 to 1.

STARS OF THE GAME: Anthony Duclair and Carey Price