New York Rangers make history with OT road win over Jets
The New York Rangers erased a late deficit on their way to making franchise history Monday night in Winnipeg.
Chris Kreider’s late power play goal forced overtime, and Mika Zibanejad’s tally with 25 seconds remaining in extra time lifted the Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Jets.
The win swept the western Canada trip and marked the first time in franchise history, the Rangers won all five games of a road trip.
It’s a great way to end the road trip,” a smiling Peter Laviolette explained. “Seems like we’ve been on the road for a long time. For the guys to throw in an effort like that, and to come back, is pretty amazing. Great win.”
Related: Blake Wheeler returns to Winnipeg
New York Rangers 3 vs Winnipeg Jets 2
Artemi Panarin, who scored the opening goal in the first period on his 32nd birthday, drove the slot before feeding Zibanejad at the left circle for the one-timer and the win. It was Zibanejad’s second goal in as many games.
New York’s second-ranked power play came up big on a night when the team mostly struggled at five-on-five, outside of a pair of missed breakaways in the first period.
With the team down 2-1 with less than 7 minutes remaining, Adam Fox’s shot from the point was tipped home by Kreider. It was his sixth of the season and fourth with the man advantage. For Kreider, he is now one goal away from tying Andy Bathgate (272) for fourth all-time in goals with the Rangers.
Panarin picked up the secondary assist, giving him three points on the night. He’s scored points in all nine games this season and has 15 overall.
An incorrect call nearly wiped out the good feelings for the Rangers. Ryan Lindgren was called for tripping with about 18 seconds remaining in the game, though a second look showed there was no contact on the play.
The Rangers’ penalty kill shut the door on the ensuing 4-on-3 in overtime, leaving the door open for Zibanejad’s game-winner.
“Massive, obviously,” a happy Zibanejad said. “Everyone did a good job eliminating any big chances. We get a little bit of a confidence boost and a little bit of momentum after that happens and are able to finish it off in OT.”
New York now heads home after the historic road trip to host Carolina Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. And after more than 10 days on the road, the trip back east is all the sweeter after a victory.
“Just winning the game is nice,” Zibanejad continued. “This game is the last game of the road trip, especially when you’ve won four — everyone wants to go home. We were determined to finish it off in the right way. Just battle through it and try to get these two points. This one feels really good.”
Blake Wheeler returns
Wheeler, 37, returned to Winnipeg for the first time since being bought out and signing with the Rangers this summer after 13 seasons. Although he didn’t register a point, he was happy to get the win.
Earlier in the game, the Jets former captain was given a special tribute video.
“It was a day I was really looking forward to,” Wheeler said. “We feel really grateful that our kids got to spend so much time in this community.”
Rangers Notes
- Igor Shesterkin stopped 27 of 29 shots
- New York has power play goals in 8 of 9 games this season
- This is the Rangers fourth comeback win of the year
- K’Andre Miller registered 2 assists
- Artemi Panarin registered 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) extending his season-opening point streak to 9 games
The Rangers will have a day off tomorrow before returning to practice at the MSG Training Center, scheduled for 11 a.m. ET.
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