Rangers Unable To Solve Hart In Final Game Before Holiday Break
In the team’s final game before the league’s holiday break, the Rangers were in Philadelphia to face some familiar faces. But it would be Alain Vigneault, Kevin Hayes and the Flyers skating off the ice at Wells Fargo Center with a 5-1 win.
Jesper Fast – The longtime Rangers jack of all trades got the only goal for David Quinn’s squad, finishing off a shorthanded rush for his sixth goal of the season. After Brady Skjei was denied by Carter Hart, the defenseman stayed with the play and found Fast in front for a one-timer and the second-period lead.
Fast’s goal was the eighth goal the Rangers scored this season while killing a penalty, which is tied for the NHL lead.
Missed Opportunities – Perhaps the biggest reason the Rangers didn’t pull out the two points would be the inability to cash in on their many chances. Four man-advantage opportunities, including a 64-second 5v3, were unable to generate a goal. In addition, the Rangers had 24 attempted shots that either missed the net or got blocked; and that doesn’t include the handful of saves that Carter Hart made on ”Grade-A” chances.
Yes, this was a game where both goaltenders were on top of their game. But when you get multiple high-quality chances to score, you have to take advantage of them. The Flyers, on the other hand, seized their opportunities and skated away with the win.
Henrik Lundqvist – While the scoreline may indicate otherwise, it was a strong game for Henrik Lundqvist. The Flyers started the game strongly and Lundqvist was forced to be sharp in the opening seconds. King Henrik made a handful of 10-bell saves to keep the Rangers in the game. But after former Ranger Kevin Hayes scored on an odd-man rush to give the Flyers the lead, the Rangers pressed hard to tie the game, which gave Philadelphia many high-quality chances to extend their lead. Had it not been for Lundqvist early on, this game could have been over early in the second period.
Next Game: The Rangers return to action on Friday when they host the Carolina Hurricanes at MSG. Puck drops at 7!
LETS GO RANGERS!!
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