New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators Regular Season Must See Moments
The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They now move on to play the Ottawa Senators in the second round.
As they are an Atlantic Division team, the Ottawa Senators met the Rangers only three times this season: once in late November, just one month later, and finally in early April. The Rangers had mixed results against the Senators.
The first meeting continued an early season win streak for the Senators, as Craig Anderson got the shutout in a 2-0 victory. The following game between the two clubs was a different story. The Rangers picked up a big 4-3 win. The final matchup however, was again a loss, this time 3-1.
Even though the Rangers ended up losing the season series two games to one, there were plenty of highlights between the three games. Here were five “Can’t Miss” moments from the Rangers-Senators regular season series.
November 27: The Ranger’s Best Chance
For a game early in a strong regular season for the Rangers, the team was poor. The Senators’ trap style stymied the Rangers’ early season speed game. As such, the Rangers had limited scoring chances in the 2-0 defeat.
The Rangers’ best chance came early in the first period while on the powerplay. Rick Nash was being defended by Dion Phaneuf on the left wing. Nash turned on the jets and blazed past Phaneuf, creating a two-on-one opportunity.
Nash then makes a spectacular pass across the crease to Brandon Pirri. Pirri, however, gets stoned by Senators’ goalkeeper Craig Anderson who had a stellar game, posting a shutout.
While Pirri’s opportunity is the one being highlighted from this game, nothing can be taken away from Rangers’ netminder Antti Raanta. Raanta was forced to make save after save to keep the Rangers in a poorly played game.
December 27: Nick Holden’s Snipe
In a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers found an unlikely hero in defenseman Nick Holden. Both he and center Derek Stepan scored two goals to bring the Rangers back from an early 3-1 deficit. However, Holden’s first goal of the game was most impressive.
Holden caught Ottawa in the midst of a line change and decided to carry the puck into the offensive zone himself. He barreled his way down the right-wing boards, and made a hard stop at the goal line.
Holden’s sudden stop forced the defender to over skate, giving Holden just an inch of extra time and space. He turned his body towards the net, taking his time before rifling a shot on goal. Senators’ goalie Mike Condon expected a pass towards the middle of the ice, opening up the top corner, short side. Let’s just say Nick Holden did not miss this chance.
December 27: Jimmy Vesey Gets Physical
For a rookie, Jimmy Vesey proved that he was not afraid to play with an edge. Throughout the season, Vesey never shied away from contact, frequently using his body to block shots and protect the puck. In this case, however, Vesey got involved in some extracurriculars with Ottawa forward Mark Stone.
Mid way through the third period, Jimmy Vesey dumps ex-Ranger Derrick Brassard at the Rangers’ blueline. As Vesey returns to the Ranger bench and Brassard remains sprawled on the ice, it becomes more apparent that the Senators took exception to the hit. Stone steps up and challenges Vesey, who drops the gloves with no hesitation.
The fight itself is pretty uneventful. A few punches are thrown by both Vesey and Stone, but even fewer connect with much force. However, the fight showed Vesey’s toughness and ability to stand up for himself, even though he’s a rookie skater early in his NHL career.
April 8: Henrik Lundqvist Makes a Great Save Late
The Rangers’ early April meeting with the Senators was not the best of games to watch. The Rangers had already clinched their playoff spot. And with that being the case, head coach Alain Vigneault decided to scratch seven regular starters.
The mainstay on the team however, was goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist played a solid game even though there were three goals scored against him. His best save came late in the game on ex-teammate Derrick Brassard.
Winning 3-0 already, the Senators break into the zone on a two-on-one. Alexandre Burrows carried the puck down the right wing boards and sauced a pass over defenseman Steven Kampfer, who dove to cut out the passing lane. The pass made it right on the tape of Brassard.
Brassard gets the shot on goal, but Lundqvist fully extended, and made a pad save. The brilliant save would not be enough, though. The Rangers score once to bring up a 3-1 final score.
April 8: Tanner Glass Does His Job
Tanner Glass is not a skill forward. He is a heavy hitting grinder primarily used on the fourth line. One of his best attributes is his willingness and ability to fight. And when he uses that skill, he does it well.
The April 8th meeting with the Senators started out as a scrappy affair. Some heavy hits within the first ten minutes of the game led to a fight between Glass and Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki.
Twelve minutes into the game, Tanner Glass blocks a shot, and the puck leaves the Rangers’ defensive zone. As Glass tracks the puck through the neutral zone, he and Borowiecki chirp at each other, prompting them to drop the gloves.
And this heavyweight bout had nothing missing. Both players landed a few haymakers and both stayed on their feet. After an extended time of stand-up wrestling, Glass pats Borowiecki on the side, and the two skate towards their respective penalty boxes. Tanner Glass fulfilled his purpose to the team and his added physicality in this game very well could have led to his inclusion in the Rangers’ early post season games.
Next: New York Rangers: Two Ex-Rangers Form Dangerous Senators Line
Although the Rangers had disappointing results against the Senators through their regular season series, this playoff series should have something for everyone. In the three meetings during the season, both teams dazzled with some brilliant goaltending, offensive punch, and some physical punches.