On Long Island, Mika Zibanejad wired a bullet into the New York Islanders cage just 28 seconds into extra time on Tuesday and the Rangers defeated the Isles, 4-3.
“I think the whole game, we played pretty smart,” Zibanejad said. “Obviously, we don’t want to lose a 3-1 lead and give them a point like that, but we’ll take the two and keep going.”
Mika Zibanejad scored OT winner for the Rangers file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Alexandar Georgiev made 42 saves for the win; the eighth straight road win for the Rangers, a franchise record.
“It felt like a playoff game in a lot of ways,” Rangers head coach David Quinn said. “Just an incredibly fast-paced game, incredibly intense. We really had it between the ears tonight and in between the legs.”
Jean-Gabriel Pageau in his first game with the Isles, but missed the third period for an instigator call in a fight with Jacob Trouba of the Rangers. Trouba had leveled Michael Dal Colle in an open ice hit.
“It’s never fun to see a player go down like that,” Pageau said. “That’s why we step up for each other.”
Brock Nelson forced the extra session when he scored with 17 seconds left in regulation.
“You just throw it all at them and give everything you can,” the Islanders’ Josh Bailey said. “I thought each guy stepped up. It was a great atmosphere, an exciting game. I think you get the blood pumping really in games like this. It was a fun game to be a part of.”
Pageau and Jordan Eberle also scored for the Islanders.
“He’s (Pageau) going to be a big piece for us,” Nelson said. “He’s solid. He looked comfortable out there, confident, got on the score sheet and stood up for a teammate. He’s only been here a day, but good on him. We’re going to love having him.”
Artemi Panarin, Brett Howden and Gregg McKegg scored for the Rangers.
“We’ve got so many young players and a bunch of new guys,” the Rangers’ Ryan Strome said. “We’ve really come together as a team in the second half, and it’s nice to see.”
[WATCH: All Rangers vs. Islanders highlights]
Semyon Varlamov made 24 saves in the loss.
“You saw how he (Pageau) stepped up,” Islanders’ head coach Barry Trotz said. “What a great pickup by (Islanders general manager) Lou (Lamoriello). The picks are nothing, I can tell you that, because a lot of picks never play unless you know you have a solid guy. He fits right into our hockey team. You saw the character, you saw how he plays, the smarts, all that. He’s going to be impactful for us. I’m glad he’s on our side.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.