Alexandar The Great Conquers Columbus
The Rangers were able to take a couple of days off to regroup after an uninspired performance against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night. The Blueshirts headed into Ohio’s capital determined to bounce back, and thanks to 45 saves from netminder Alexandar Georgiev, the Rangers are headed back to New York with the two points.
Brendan Lemieux – Despite falling behind in the first period, as well as being outshot 18-6, the Rangers were able to tie the game in the dying seconds of the opening frame thanks to Brendan Lemieux. The Rangers were able to keep the puck in the zone and Kaapo Kakko got the puck to Mika ZIbanejad below the goal line. Zibanejad made a no-look pass between his legs to Lemieux who banged it into the net. If Lemieux can continue to contribute offensively, he may just become as good as his dad.
Jacob Trouba – The Minnesota born defenseman contributed both offensively and defensively in this one, netting a power-play goal in the second period. The Rangers moved the puck quickly in the offensive zone and found Trouba on the weak side when he wired one off the post and in behind Joonas Korpisalo to give the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead.
Trouba played 27:49 in this one and made a couple of nice plays in his own end, including taking the puck away and clearing with his team killing a penalty at the end of the game. He threw two hits, blocked two shots, and had two takeaways as well. When the Rangers acquired him over the summer, it was these kinds of performances that Jeff Gorton was hoping he’d get from the 25-year-old, and tonight was just that.
Artemiy Panarin – The man affectionately known as “The Bread Man” delivered when his team needed a goal. In his first game back in Columbus since signing with the Rangers over the summer, Panarin scored what would end up as the game-winner in the second period. After Boo Nieves missed the net on a shot, the Rangers controlled the puck and played some tic-tac-toe. Brett Howden fed Tony DeAngelo, and DeAngelo slid it over to Panarin for the one-timer and the third Rangers goal of the night.
Alexandar Georgiev – The only reason the Rangers had a chance in this game was thanks to the play of their Bulgarian goaltender. Alexandar Georgiev made 45 stops, including a few dazzlers to keep the Rangers in the game. The 23-year-old puck-stopper got his seventh win of the season in 11 starts, as well as his third straight victory.
Next Game: The Rangers are back at it Friday night as they host the Montreal Canadiens at The Garden. Puck drops at 7!
LETS GO RANGERS!!
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