No place like home as Rangers blank Flyers: 2-0

The New York Rangers (12-5-3) won their sixth straight game at Madison Square Garden, by blanking Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia Flyers (13-7-3) on Saturday afternoon hockey action. The Blueshirts once struggled mightily have now found a winning formula a home with a 6-1-1 record this season.

This bitter rivalry was immediately sparked by a fight four seconds into the start of the game as Brandon Prust dropped gloves and exchanged blows with Zac Rinaldo.  Prust dropped the gloves at the 11:26 mark for the second start of the game; the night was spirited as the two teams combined 56 hits in the game.

Brad Richards (8) opened the scoring for the Rangers at 0:54 mark of the second period, as the forward connected on a power play opportunity.  Richards now has six points in the last six games, and has seemed to settle in a nice scoring grove in a Blueshirts uniform.

After much grinding and great defense, Rangers rookie Carl Hagelin, making his MSG debut-tallied his first NHL goal at the 5:06 mark of the third period of play. It was a great overall effort by Hagelin’s line, as head coach John Tortorella as the forward teamed up with fellow young guns Ryan McDonagh (7) and John Mitchell (2).

Hagelin has impressed fans of the Blueshirts, with is ‘nose to the net’ type of play. The future star now has two points in his first two games with the team-and his energetic skating style thus far has been a source of energy for New York.

In the cage for the Rangers was Henrik Lundqvist, who earned his 40^th career shutout. The Swedish keeper finished with 29 saves, thanks to a great overall defensive effort by his team.

New York will have two days off before looking to extend their home record against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. The game between the Rangers and Pens is scheduled to air on the MSG network, with the face-off slated for 7:30 p.m.

Stacy Podelski

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