New York Rangers Take Metropolitan Division Lead

The New York Rangers battled their way against the Washington Capitals to take the lead in the metropolitan division.

First Period:

The period opened with Alex Ovechkin getting fired up due to a spear by Marc Staal unnoticed by the refs. It set the tone of the game as far as how aggressive his play would be, especially towards Staal. The first goal of the game went to Oscar Lindberg at 12:01 in the period. His sixth goal of the season so far that puts him ahead of Connor McDavid who currently has five.

Ovechkin responded shortly after at 15:45 with his sixth goal of the season. He made sure to say a few words to Staal after the goal. I think its fair to say these two have some unfinished business to deal with.

Kevin Hayes made it look easy with a ridiculous fake and scored the second goal of the game at the 17:46 mark. It was a beautiful setup for the perfect shot.

The first period was fast and full of action. The New York Rangers played like a well oiled machine as the changes in the line-up appeared to be working well.

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Second Period:

Second period started out with a penalty kill from a hooking call at the end of the first. Being sixth in the league for penalty kills, the Rangers handled it fine with only one big shot from Ovechkin.

Kevin Klein chipped the puck just inside the post and scored shortly after the penalty kill at 1:53 of the second. J.T. Miller took a hit for the team and blocked a shot from Ovechkin that left him a little rattled. Alain Vigneault took the opportunity to take a time out which was quickly proven to be an excellent choice. Shortly after, Derrick Brassard seals a goal at the 7:00 mark you couldn’t have set up any better!

The Capitals scored one more goal narrowing the gap, 4-2. The Rangers almost got a buzzer beater at the end of the period. Had it gone in just one second before, it would have been an amazing goal for Dan Girardi.

Third Period:

Despite the two goal lead, the Rangers were outshot by the Caps. The momentum of the game slowed way down from the first. They were spending a lot of time playing defensively and not getting very many offensive chances.

The Rangers got their first power play midway though the third, but were unable to capitalize on it. Shortly after, Jarret Stoll fired one right past Braden Holtby making it 5-2. This was Stoll’s first goal as a New York Ranger and the final goal of the game as the Rangers beat the Capitals to take the division lead.

The Three Stars Of The Game

1. Henrik Lundqvist
2. Derick Brassard
3. Oscar Lindberg

I have to say, I feel this was one of Brassard’s best games. He deserved the second star. He was definitely playing at top form tonight. The team must have felt the same way as he was later given the Broadway Hat.

Overall as a team I think the New York Rangers played really well. I feel it didn’t hurt having Dylan McIlrath in the line-up one bit. I enjoyed his play and I would love to see more of him.

It was a good game and I am looking forward to Friday night when the New York Rangers take on the Colorado Avalanche.