Rangers Rally: A Look at the Thrilling Victory Over Islanders Alumni
By Marvin Azrak
In a thrilling showdown at the Northwell Ice Center, the New York Rangers alums clashed with their counterparts from the New York Islanders, culminating in a 6-4 victory for the Blue Shirts.
Rangers Prevail in Thrilling Showdown Against Islanders Alumni:
The Islanders wasted no time, netting two quick goals to take an early lead. Dave Scatchard kicked off the scoring with a power-play goal, deflecting a shot from Mark Streit past Henrik Lundqvist. Then, Scatchard teamed up with Matt Moulson to extend the lead, with Moulson burying a pass from Scatchard to make it 2-0. But the Rangers fought back hard.
Nigel Dawes fired a rocket past Kevin Poulin to put the Rangers on the board, followed by Michael Del Zotto's snipe from the high slot, knotting the score at 2-2. Brandon Prust capitalized on a breakaway opportunity late in the first period, giving the Rangers a 3-2 lead heading into the intermission.
Scatchard notched his second of the game for the Islanders, yet Adam Graves responded, giving the Rangers a 4-3 lead.
The Islanders fought back, with Steven Jaworski leveling the score once again. However, the Blueshirts refused to be denied, as Wojtek Wolski and Prust sealed the deal with crucial goals, securing the victory and bragging rights on the day.
Beyond the thrilling action on the ice, the event held special significance, with all proceeds going to the Northwell Health Foundation. This tradition marks the third year of the Islanders and Rangers alum game, building excitement for their upcoming clash in the NHL's Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 18.
Three stars:
1. Brandon Prust (NYR) Prust scored two critical goals for the Rangers when they needed them most. His breakaway goal late in the first period gave New York the lead, and his second helped seal the victory.
2. Dave Scatchard (NYI) Despite being on the losing side, Scatchard had a standout game for the Islanders, notching two goals to keep his team in contention.
3. Michael Del Zotto (NYR) - Del Zotto's goal from the high slot in the first period was a momentum-shifter for the Rangers, helping them claw their way back into the game after falling behind early.