New York Rangers 2, Predators 1 (SO): Lundqvist Dominates, Vesey Wows

The New York Rangers defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1 on Saturday night. Henrik Lundqvist led the way with a phenomenal performance, and Rick Nash scored the lone Rangers goal. Jimmy Vesey scored a shootout tally after being booed by the home crowd.

In a feature here at Blue Line Station, we will be providing thoughts and analysis following every Rangers game. Make sure to stop by after games to see what you might have missed!

Game Action:

• The Rangers flew out of the gates to start. Young netminder Juuse Saros surrendered plenty of rebounds, while New York peppered him from all angles. All four lines began the night looking ready to play and comfortable with their respective linemates.
• The hard work was rewarded with a Rick Nash goal with 12:13 left in the first period. Nash streaked down the left corner and rifled the puck past Saros’ short-side. The play started with a beautiful tip pass by Nick Holden.
• Nashville and New York exchanged failed power-plays. Nashville earned few chances on their opportunity, with the Rangers suffocating them in their own zone. The Rangers came close, but continued to be too passive on the man advantage.
• On the Predators second power-play, Colin Wilson found a loose puck in mid-air and batted it, a shot that should have ended in a Predators goal. Instead, Lundqvist had the awareness to see the play all the way, stifling Wilson’s chance. The Rangers penalty-kill did it again. 1-0 Rangers, 8-7 Rangers in shots.
• New York once again led the way in the second period. A beautiful J.T. Miller pass almost resulted in a Kevin Klein goal, but it was Kevin Klein so it was not a goal.
• Soon after the near-goal, Klein took an unforced penalty. When he got out of the box after another fantastic kill, he was launched on a breakaway. Klein failed to score.
• Next, the Predators found the scoreboard. Jesper Fast turned the puck over in the Rangers zone, and Nashville took advantage. 1-1.
• Rather than falling apart following the Predators goal, the Rangers continued to press. Chris Kreider and Rick Nash earned their nightly breaks, while Derek Stepan and Jimmy Vesey nearly found the net.
• Another Rangers power-play to close the second period, another pretty passing display. Passing displays usually lead to shot attempts, however. The Rangers forgot that part. 1-1 after two, 19-15 Rangers led in shots.
• Nashville took control to start the third period, but Henrik Lundqvist was unstoppable. The first ten minutes of the third saw a plethora of strong chances for Nashville, all for naught.
• The final ten minutes of the third saw chances being traded, with Oscar Lindberg nearly winning it with a minute left. Instead, overtime. 29-25 Predators in shots through regulation.
• New York nearly ended it on a pass from Kevin Hayes to a wide open Chris Kreider, but Kreider’s deflection went wide. As close as a team could come.
• So, the game moved to a shootout.
  Round 1: Lundqvist save, Vesey goal.
  Round 2: Nashville missed the net, Zuccarello goal. Rangers win in the shootout.

Final Thoughts:

• Tonight was one of those nights Rick Nash reminded why he’s still a superstar. Nash flew throughout the evening, creating scoring chances with his speed and strength alone. Chris Kreider did his best to mirror Nash’s play as well.
• New York continues to trend in the right direction in possession play. The third period was a disaster for the most part, but otherwise the Rangers swarmed rather than allowing the Predators to control the pace of the game. That will be a key factor if the team wishes to contend moving forward.
• Brandon Pirri was scratched in favor of Matt Puempel. Puempel failed to do anything significant, following in Pirri’s lead.
• Henrik Lundqvist dominated for the Rangers all night. Without Lundqvist on top of his game, the Rangers would have been blown out. He’s back.

Next: New York Rangers Report Cards Part 3- the Defense

• Back at it tomorrow night with a rematch against the New Jersey Devils. Should be interesting to see if Lundqvist is in net, or if Raanta gets the nod. Regardless, the Devils will be looking for revenge after last week’s blowout. Should be a spirited affair.