It took them three countries and three periods, but the New York Rangers (1-1-2) picked up their first victory of the year over the Vancouver Canucks (2-3-1) on Tuesday night. The Blueshirts were led by their keeper Henrik Lundqvist, who stood on his head for most of the game.
The Swedish born keeper, led the National Hockey League in shutting down the opposing team, had one of his best displays against the Canucks.......stopping a whopping 40 shots that came his way.
One could see the Blueshirts pick up the energy from their keeper, finally playing the game that fans of the Red, White and Blue were hoping for in the final period of play. It was in the third that New York opened up the scoring as Michael Rupp scored on a scorcher of a shot.
Rupp was set-up on another booming shot by Michael Del Zotto, who had a great pass from Brandon Prust. Prust had his moments both good and bad on the ice for the Rangers, but did set up two-of the-four goals of the night.
Ryan McDonagh was another key element to the Rangers victory, as the defenseman had a huge night for New York. McDonagh finished with a plus three rating on the ice to go along with three blocked shots.
The defenseman, who is filling in for the concussed Marc Staal-who the Rangers will update the status of in a press conference tomorrow, is one of the emerging stars for the Blueshirts thus far this season.
Ryan was a part of a beautiful give-and-go with Brandon Prust for the second Rangers goal at the 9:57 mark. The Rangers continued their pretty play when Ruslan Fedotenko followed-up on a hustle play by Brandon Prust-to help Brian Boyle to his first goal of the season at the 11:30 mark.
Marian Gaborik but the icing on the victory at the 17:39 mark, as McDonagh made a beautiful play to get the puck to Gabby-who banged home the final goal of the game. Lundqvist was one of the biggest stories in the cage for the Rangers.
The New York keeper stopped all kind of shots that came his way, fighting through screens, getting his body in front of booming slap shots and the multiple barrages that came his way. Hank showed why he hopes to be the 'King' in the cage for the Blueshirts.
This victory was especially 'Swede' for New York, as this is the first victory for the Blueshirts in Vancouver since 10/11/97. The Rangers will look to continue the positive momentum, along with their tour of Canada.
Next stop is Calgary, where the Blueshirts have a 9:30 p.m. face-off against the Flames on Thursday night.
Stacy Podelski
http://www.smacksportvideos.com/
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