Oct 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Rangers celebrate after a goal by defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center. The New York Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Last night the Rangers captured their first win in the AV era, by dethroning the Kings 3-1 in Los Angeles.
Oct 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) reacts after failing to make the save on a shot by New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (not pictured) during the third period at Staples Center. The New York Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
I just wanted to start off by saying if Jonathan Quick pulls that move in the Olympics, I’m personally taking away his US citizenship. Dumb play by him, but as we all know he has done dumb stuff in the past before. The fans were excited when he made the next two saves, and I’m sure that Quick knew all too well and played along with them.
His facial reaction was pretty priceless. Especially when he was pulled late in the period, in what seemed he was talking and calming his stick down. The stick must of been REALLY pissed! But hey, I mean overall Quick had an outstanding game, and if he wasn’t in net for the Kings, it really could’ve of been a much worse game than it actually was. Kept the Kings in the game for as long as he possibly would.
Before you jump on me before calling Brad Richards a disappointment (and to me he still is, unless he proves he’s worth the contract), he really did have a solid game last night for the team. 2 goals, creating, generating. That touch pass Richards had to Nash to set up one of Nash’s shots in the third was fantastic. It seems as he is slowly getting his confidence back, and if he does. He’ll be dangerous.
So how many of you were scared, and worried that Callahan was going to be out an extended amount of time. It’s okay I was frightened, really scared that something bad happened to him. Accidental or not, you have to be careful with your stick. The right call was made, because Kopitar didn’t deliberately get his stick up high, but it still was dangerous. Glad to see the only thing Callahan needed was some quick dental work.
Another puck to the face, and to pretty boy Taylor Pyatt?! Oh my lord! Stitches ruined his face, but he did have one of the slowest shorthanded chances in the game, so there is that.
The Rangers powerplay frightens me in a bad way. You cannot pinch as much as you do, and not expect the shorthanded team to come back and score on you. And the Kings almost did — twice.
Derek Stepan’s second game, gets another assist. Point per game guy right here everyone.
This was probably Rick Nash’s best game in a Ranger uniform. Sure he didn’t score, but he generated a lot of chances. He is due to get a goal, maybe tonight even. But he played extremely well. Got to love Rick Nash.
Ryan Callahan played close to 12 minutes, but was expected to play a lot more, until the dental work happened. Still collected 4 hits, but he looked real good last night for the team, and I’m excited to see him at it again tonight.
The Rangers are back at it in a little less than 9 hours and 30 minutes as the team is once again in the west as they play the San Jose Sharks. Puck drops at 10:30 on MSG.