NEW YORK (NY) – Michael Grabner recorded his third career hat trick as the Blueshirts exploded for a 6-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Backup goalie Antti Raanta got the start and made 31 saves in his second win in as many games on the year. Opposite Ben Bishop made 31 of 37 saves in a very uncharacteristic loss from the 6’7” net minder.
“It’s nice to get another one,” Grabner said after notching his first hat trick with the New York Rangers.
Steven Stamkos scored with 3:24 left in the game, ending Raanta’s chance at a home shutout.
In a game that featured 26 total shots between the two teams in just the first period, the first goal was not scored until 4:45 minutes in the second period on a breakaway by power-forward Rick Nash. It was his fourth of the year.
The balanced Rangers scoring continued as they scored a total of six unanswered goals from four different players. Grabner, Jimmy Vesey and J.T. Miller joined Nash in recording goals tonight in a dominant performance that gave them their 12th team point of the year. Grabner and Vesey now lead the Rangers in scoring with five total goals.
The line of the night was the Rangers third line, which had Kevin Hayes centering Miller and Grabner. The combo combined for a total of four goals and five assists. Every player ended the night as a plus-four.
“It’s good to see a couple chances go in,” said Miller. “Me and Hayes have been playing together for pretty much all the games. We’ve had some looks but haven’t quite gotten any, so it’s good to see some success. We spent some good time in their end and obviously Grabs was making some plays. That’s going to help.”
The biggest period was the second in which the Rangers scored four goals, three of them coming in a span of 2:19.
Bishop came into the game allowing 15 goals in his last 10 games against the Rangers. Needless to say, the six he allowed was the most in one game he’s let up against his New York rivals.
The Rangers take on the St. Louis Blues, who have been in New York since Sunday, on Tuesday at the Garden at 7pm.
The Lightnings will head to Brooklyn to play the Islanders on Tuesday at 7:30pm on NBCSN.
Follow Danny on Twitter at @Danny_PJones
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