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New York Rangers: Top Tweets From Big Win Over Blue Jackets

By Garrett Gartino |
Feb 13, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night 3-2 to extend their winning streak to six games. Dan Girardi scored an improbable shorthanded goal and Jimmy Vesey scored the game-winning goal.

The New York Rangers entered Columbus looking to ride the momentum of a five-game winning streak. Antti Raanta got the start for the Rangers following Henrik Lundqvist’s 400th career victory.

Some foreshadowing here by Steve Zipay. The Rangers need their special teams to regain their first-half form if they intend on making a strong push in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Pavel Buchnevich gave the Blue Jackets the game’s first man advantage a little over six minutes into the first period. The delay of game penalty makes no sense, and Pat from Blue Seat Blogs let everybody know how he feels.

With the power play coming to an end, Seth Jones connects with Cam Atkinson on a stretch pass through the neutral zone. Atkinson drops the pass off for Brandon Dubinsky who put the goal past Raanta.

Dan Girardi was caught overcommitting behind the net as the Rangers’ only defenseman in the area. The play developed quickly, but Girardi’s play continues to be a detriment to his team.

It seemed like the Rangers were a step behind for the majority of the first period. If they were trying to bore the Columbus and their crowd to sleep, it was working.

The Rangers had two power play opportunities before the first period came to an end. Play began to shift in New York’s favor, but they continued to be too picky in their shot selection.

New York started the second period shorthanded, but then something special happened…

We knew Hayes was going to be a fantastic player, but nobody knew he’d be winning the NHL’s Most Valuable Player award this young.

What a time to be alive, am I right?

Related Story: Read: Rangers, Blue Jackets Must Play Outdoors Next Season

Antti Raanta was forced to make two tough saves on Cam Atkinson midway through the second period.

The second period ended with a million penalties and the score tied 1-1. Antti Raanta kept the Rangers in the game in what felt like another lopsided period.

Next, Kevin Hayes let loose again with a breakaway goal.

The Blue Jackets went back to work, and tied the game on a goal that went off of J.T. Miller’s skate with over eight minutes to play.

However, Jimmy Vesey wasted little time scoring on a breakaway snipe to give the Rangers the 3-2 lead. He had his best game in a while against the Blue Jackets.

With the Columbus net empty, chaos ensued in front of Antti Raanta in the Rangers’ defensive zone.

Next: Rangers Heating up at the Right Time

After Raanta was forced to make flurry of saves to end the game, the Rangers and their fanbase could take a collective deep breath.

Final Score: New York Rangers 3 Columbus Blue Jackets 2

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