Rangers Recap: Rangers win 4th in a row, Valley shuts out Ducks 3-0
Henrik Lundqvist got the night off, but the Garden pipes were in good hands as backup Steve Valiquette turned away 18 shots to lead the New York Rangers to a 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Madison Square Garden tonight.
After two periods of scoreless play, Ales Kotalik got the Rangers on the board with a power play goal early in the period. Artem Anisimov's play continued to improve, and tonight notched his first NHL goal late with under five minutes remaining in the game. Dan Girardi added an empty net goal with the Rangers killing off a double minor and Jean-Sebastin Giguere on the bench to finish the scoring.
The Rangers power play continues to improve, they were 2 for 5 tonight.
Sean Avery made a triumphant debut, after missing the first four games of the season with a knee injury. The Garden faithful cheered every time Avery was on the ice, and Avery responded with an assist on Anisimov's goal. Marian Gaborik also added an assist on Kotalik's goal to keep his point streak alive at five games.
Michal Rozsival responded to his benching in the third period of the Rangers last game against Washington by playing a solid game, and logging over sixteen minutes of ice time.
Giguere was strong throughout for the Ducks, making 35 saves in a game dominated by the Rangers.
The Rangers hope to continue their winning ways when they face the winless Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
Blueshirt Banter Star of the Game:
More later when I receive the notes and quotes from the Rangers
