Mats Zuccarello saves Talbot and Rangers from disaster (NYR 5 v. TOR 4)
That was a close one. New York was up 4-2 to start the third period with a 22-0-1 record when leading after two. The Leafs played with a nothing to lose attitude and tied the game. Panic!
RANGERS 5 vs. LEAFS 4
Alain Vigneault admitted that in the third period the Rangers “got on our heels a little bit.” Fortunately for them Rick Nash’s nifty passing and not his goal scoring ability saved the day. Nash set up 3 goals, two by Mats Zuccarello.
Prior the game, AV said he wanted Zucc to shoot more. Norway’s biggest star listened and delivered. Zuccarello fired 5 shots on goal and notched 2 tallies including the game winner late in the third period. His play in February has seen a resurgence with 3 goals and 7 points in 5 games. That’s the kind of production that the Rangers need and may earn him his new contract on Broadway.
On the opposite end, Cam Talbot has struggled in his new role as leading man. A solid goaltender in his own right, he seem to be lacking that big save ability that covers up mistakes his teammates make. The kind of saves that Rangers fans take Lundqvist for granted on.
Talbot is 2-1-1 in 4 starts as the #1 guy, but his numbers are awful beyond that. His GAA is at 4.00 and his SV% is .882 in these games. After the game, Talbot spoke about letting up in the third, “we can’t have any letdowns, myself included.”
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Ultimately, the Rangers found a way to get two big points in the face of adversity. Alain Vigneault said, “They had a real strong push, but at the end of the night it’s about finding ways to win and that’s what we did.”
NOTES
“Both of my goals were good passes by Nasher. That first one, not even I could have missed that one!”-#NYR @zuccarello36
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 11, 2015
I know Rangers have cap issues to consider, but you watch this team enough & the idea they might not re-sign Zuccarello is laughable #NYR
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 11, 2015
Alain Vigneault’s 498th win breaks tie with Glen Sather for 22nd all-time. Next up Terry Murray (499), Toe Blake (500), Pat Burns (501).
— Rangers Report (@rangersreport) February 11, 2015
Cam Talbot says Robidas goal was a “bad goal” on his part. He was anticipating Lupul deflecting the puck in front so he was out of position
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) February 11, 2015
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