Rangers Shine Through the Lights-Out Performance in Seattle
By Marvin Azrak
Quick on the Draw: Jonathan’s Stellar Debut as a Ranger:
Let’s not forget the big story from the game – Jonathan Quick’s first win as a Ranger! The three time Stanley Cup champion who grew up a Blueshirts fan spent most of his career with the L.A. Kings and finally received his chance in Seattle.
It’s been a bit of a bumpy road for him, with some concerns after a poor preseason with a .807 save percentage. Yet Saturday’s performance should hush the doubters, at least for a few days.
The 37 year-old didn’t have a heavy workload, facing 19 shots, but he handled 18 like a pro. He pulled off two incredible saves in the last 10 seconds of the first period, and that glove save on Oliver Bjorkstrand’s one-timer during the Kraken’s power play in the second period was pure magic.
That man advantage was a 5-on-3 opportunity, but the New York defense stepped up big time.
Reigning Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers had a couple of good looks for Seattle, but K’Andre Miller and Vincent Trocheck pulled off some slick stick lifts to deny him. Nick Bonino was a faceoff wizard, winning 55% of his draws, and he had two impressive blocks in one sequence. Trocheck threw his weight around with five hits and even had a little tussle with Jared McCann.
Defensively, New York put up a “No Entry” sign for Seattle, allowing just two high-danger scoring chances. The Rangers made Quick’s job and their flight to Calgary much easier.