Rangers get Skapski a shutout over Sabres, face Panthers tonight (NYR 2 v BUF 0)

Anthony Scultore Updated: Mar 15, 2015

It was a bit slow going in Buffalo for the Rangers last night but they eventually got it done. Not before the young kid in goal showed his chops on a few very impressive saves in the first and second periods.

RANGERS 2 vs. SABRES 0

Mackenzie Skapski got his 2nd NHL win (both versus Buffalo) and his first career shutout. After the game he raved about how good the Rangers defense is including offensively. That’s what makes us the best team in the NHL right now,” Skapski said.

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In the third period, it was deadline acquisition Keith Yandle finally notching his first point as a Blueshirt. It came on a goal that would break the scoreless tie. “I thought for a second that I didn’t know if it got tipped, so maybe I shouldn’t celebrate,” Yandle recalled. When he did realize it was his, he gave Marty St. Louis a high five and an expression that some weight was off his shoulders.

The net was empty with time winding down when MSL would pot the empty netter and secure the win for the kid. All that remained was keeping the goose egg on the board. NY killed final 33 seconds of the period with ease and Skapksi notched his first shutout of his career. It was the Rangers 11th of the season and the first time in team history 3 different goalies have recorded a shutout in the same year.

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“I didn’t even digest the win yet, let alone the shutout,” the Red Ranger said. Skapski’s nickname was given by some fans on social media and may just catch on. What the kid did digest was a face full of shaving cream.

During his post game interview, Chris Kreider came in with a towel and smashed the rookie in the face. As John Giannone identified the culprit while Skapski dug cream out of his eyes, the kid said “I’ll get him.”

He may get a chance at revenge tonight, when the Rangers host the Florida Panthers at MSG at 5PM.

GAME 68: FLORIDA PANTHERS AT NEW YORK RANGERS, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NY 5PM

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NOTES

#NYR Stats: @Skaps29 is the first NYR goalie to get a shutout in one of his first two NHL starts since Paille in 1957.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 15, 2015

The #NYR closed out their five-game road trip 4-0-1 and are now 9-1-1 last 11 on road..their 22 road wins lead the league — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 15, 2015

Skapski said save on breakaway in first period settled him down. Two on one save in second period propelled him through the rest of the game

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) March 15, 2015

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