Rangers unable to cage Panthers in 2-1 loss

The New York Rangers (10-5-3) just fell one goal short in a 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers (12-6-3) in Wednesday night hockey action. The Blueshirts have now lost two games, but the team still sits in good position in the Eastern Conference.

Jason Garrison (8) tallied the first goal in the game for the Panthers, cashing in on a power play opportunity at the 10:06 mark of the first period of play. Kris Versteeg (12) netted a 21 foot wrister for the 2-0 Florida lead at the 1:09 mark of the second period.

Derek Stephan (4) recorded the first goal for the Rangers at the 4:18 mark, tallying a 45 foot snap shot, which was assisted by Marian Gaborik (7) and Ryan McDonagh (5). The Rangers finished the final two periods with a combined 12 shots, but could not find the equalizer.

 Blueshirts keeper Henrik Lundqvist earned the second-star of the game, making 36 saves in the cage. Newest New York blueliner Anton Stralman earned a plus-one rating, finishing with two hits in his first game.

The road trip for the Rangers continues on Friday, as the head to the Nation’s Capital for a Friday showdown against the Washington Capitals.  The game is scheduled to air on the MSG network, with face-off slated for 4:00 p.m.

Stacy Podelski

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