Rangers Spill The Oilers In Edmonton

Zak Chiger Mar 4, 2018

Here is our recap of the Rangers 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

Chris Kreider – The Rangers got off to a quick start when Chris Kreider scored the opening goal just 54 seconds into the first period. John Gilmour did a great job to keep the puck in at the blue line while back-skating into the neutral zone. The puck came right to Mika Zibanejad who feathered a soft pass to Kreider at the far post for an easy goal. The tally was Kreider’s first since coming back from his blood clot injury, despite having numerous high-quality chances since his return. The goal was his 12th of the season and we can only hope he continues to bury these “Grade-A” scoring chances.

https://twitter.com/4BNYRGameday/status/970144949672054784

Chris Kreider extends his point streak to three games (one goal, two assists). In addition, 19 of Kreider's 25 points this season have either been a goal or the primary assist on a goal. #NYR

— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) March 4, 2018

Mika Zibanejad – Already with an assist in this one, Zibanejad scored a power-play goal to restore the Rangers lead in the second period. Mats Zuccarello had his shot from the point blocked in the high-slot. Pavel Buchnevich flubbed the rebound, but the puck bounced to Zibanejad who beat Talbot to the near post. The goal was the 19th of the season for the Swedish center and is third on the team in scoring.

https://twitter.com/4BNYRGameday/status/970162025820237824

Mika Zibanejad tallied his 10th power play goal of the season, adding to his career-high. He is the first Ranger who has recorded 10 or more power play goals in a season since 2011-12 (Callahan and Gaborik). #NYR

— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) March 4, 2018

Paul Carey – The fourth line for the Rangers had a very good game, to say the least, totaling eight shots on net including the game-winner. David Desharnais kept the puck in at the blue line and dished to Cody McLeod. McLeod had his shot subtly redirected by Carey, and the shot squeaked through Talbot and over the goal line. When he’s been in the lineup, Carey has been a consistent worker and is the kind of bottom-six player that any coach likes. Seeing him score, especially a game-winner is an added bonus.

https://twitter.com/4BNYRGameday/status/970164040755568640

Offense is the best Defense – Two consecutive games of 50+ shots against and two games of heroics from Henrik Lundqvist gave the Rangers two wins over Vancouver and Calgary. But the Rangers were finally able to sort out some of their defensive issues and held the Oilers to a “relatively small” 37 shots on net. Part of the reason for this is that the Rangers actually had a similar number of shots on the opposition’s net. It may be a novel concept to Alain Vigneault, but when you spend a lot of time in the offensive zone it prevents your opponent from getting shots of their own. The Blueshirts had 34 shots on Cam Talbot’s net and when you force your opponent into playing defense, it not only limits their chances of scoring, but it gives your goaltender some time to rest during the action.

“It felt unreal, and something like a dream,’’ Georgiev said of earning his first NHL win. “Amazing feeling, and I will remember it for my whole life.’’ – Newsday/Colin Stephenson

Alexandar Georgiev – Speaking of the man between the pipes, Alexandar Georgiev recorded his first NHL win, backstopping the Blueshirts with 35 saves. Conor McDavid snuck a shot by Georgiev that he’ll want back, and the second goal Patrick Roy wouldn’t have stopped. Other than those two blemishes, it was a very good night for the rookie goaltender.

Georgiev, who was born in Bulgaria and grew up in Russia, is the first Bulgarian-born goaltender to earn a win in @NHL history, and he is also the first goaltender of Russian nationality to earn a win with #NYR in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/rjsMyL4Rrc

— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 4, 2018