NEW YORK – Derick Brassard recorded a career-best five-point game to help the New York Rangers defeat the Buffalo Sabres last night at Madison Square Garden. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 23 of 26 shots for his 23rd win of the year, while Sabres net-minder Chad Johnson recorded 27 saves on 32 shots.
“I was just worried about trying to get some scoring chances, that’s where I was in my game,” Brassard commented. “I take my role really [seriously] on this team and I felt it has been a tough stretch for me the last two weeks, but I tried to answer with a good effort [Monday]. The most important thing is I did my job for the team. If everyone does their job here, we’re going to have a good chance to win every night.”
The game was the Rangers last meeting before going on break for the All-Star game. After a dismal performance against the Ottawa Senators Sunday night, getting shutout 3-0, head coach Alain Vigneault knew his team needed positive momentum going into the break.
“Definitely in the last I want to say month I think we have shown more consistency,” Vigneault said. “I mean, we’ve [won] three out of four, other than that stinker we had in Ottawa. If you look at the way we’ve been playing, 5-on-5, we’ve definitely been getting better. We need to improve on our specialty teams and we need to be better on the road. We know that. But I do believe that this group is on the right track right here.”
New York gave up a two goal lead in the third period, but bounced back just moments later, potting three straight goals. They showed resiliency with their extra effort, a positive sign from a team who has only won back-to-back games twice since Thanksgiving.
“They almost got us there, but we responded well,” Lundqvist said. “It’s about confidence and experience in that situation, and finding ways to win instead of finding ways to lose.”
New York will play their bordering rival, the Devils on February 2nd in New Jersey.
Sabers are right back at it, playing tonight at the Ottawa Senators.
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