New York Rangers Revamp Game Four Lineup, Rebound Accordingly

The New York Rangers rebounded in a big way after a disappointing game three. Alain Vigneault made a few lineup changes, including the insertion of Pavel Buchnevich and Nick Holden into the lineup. The energy level on the ice and in the crowd seemed to stay high all night.

The New York Rangers players were engaged from the start, moving the puck quickly and getting pucks to Carey Price. Jesper Fast opened the scoring in the first period, sliding the puck between Price’s legs for the goal.

Montreal responded late in the period, but the Rangers didn’t change their style of play. The Rangers came out in the second period and played a fast, physical game. Montreal didn’t go anywhere on the ice without having a Rangers player on their back. It was a major change from the hesitant game three effort.

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Rangers Unleashed:

Rick Nash scored the game winner in the second period, with the captain Ryan McDonagh assisting. Nash played notably well all night, taking the puck to the whenever he had the chance. Even though he was called for bumping into Carey Price, Nash wasn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas all night.

The return of Pavel Buchnevich was a nice surprise for many Rangers fans. The Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello was reunited for the first time in months, and the three created great chances all game.

The defense looked like a rejuvenated group from game three, as they were able to deal with everything the Canadiens threw at them. Brendan Smith continues to impress with solid play in front of the net and excellent zone exits. Alain Vigneault’s deployment changes made a tremendous difference:

Henrik Lundqvist came up some big saves to keep the Rangers in the game. Brendan Gallagher and company were busy in front of Lundqvist all night, but he was able to keep the puck out besides a Torrey Mitchell goal.

The Rangers looked like a completely different team in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd on this Tuesday night. The newly energized crowd helped to power the Rangers through the game,  with “Let’s Go Rangers” chants echoing throughout the building.

Next: New York Rangers: Five Players That Must Step up Against Montreal

With the series returning to Montreal, the Rangers are hoping to keep the energy level and get the go ahead win. The Canadiens fans will be in full playoff form, and the Rangers will have to silence them to come back to New York with a win.