Goalie Henrik Lundqvist – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
NEW YORK (NY) – After starting the year 3-7-2 the Rangers won three straight games coming into Monday night, one shy of resting at .500. Thanks to a third period rally, the Rangers defeated Columbus 5-3 to move to 7-7-2 on the year.
“It’s a great feeling to keep winning here” remarked goaltender Henrik Lundqvist after earning his sixth win of the year.
After a scoreless first period, the Blue Jackets jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead less than five minutes into the second period with goals from Artemi Panarin (2) and Josh Anderson (6).
After an exceptional play by J.T Miller who never gave up on the puck, a diving effort resulted in the puck being slid over to Grabner on the right side of the goal crease to slam home the first of the night for New York.
Going into the third period down 2-1, New York scored three straight power-play goals by Kevin Shattenkirk (5), Chris Kreider (5) and Pavel Buchnevich (6). Michael Grabner scored an empty net goal with 50 seconds left to solidify the victory.
After tying the game at two off Shattenkirk’s stick, he and Brady Skjei had a shift they might want to forget when Blue Jacket Boone Jenner out muscled Shattenkirk to the net, causing Lundqvist to get bumped by his own man. The puck went behind the net, but neither Shattenkirk nor Skjei picked up Oliver Bjorkstrand wide open in front as they were puck gazing and Brandon Dubinsky was able to find the open man to regain the lead.
This is the second time in four games the Rangers recorded a four goal third period for the win.
Mike Zibanejad added three assists, including the primary on the game winner, and received the honors of first star of the night. He regained his team lead for points on the year with 17 points in 16 games. Shattenkirk and Miller are tied for second with 15 points.
Lundqvist finished the night with 22 saves on 25 shots while Columbus net minder Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 of 25 stops.
The Rangers highlight Wednesday Rivalry Night next against the Boston Burins at MSG at 8pm on NBCSports.
The Blue Jackets head home to take on the defending Western Conference champs the Nashville Predators Tuesday night at 7pm.
You must be logged in to post a comment.