Rangers Vs. Lightning: Huge Third Period Gives New York Rangers Fifth Straight Win
The New York Rangers took their fifth straight contest tonight with a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a slow start to the game, the Rangers found a way to fight back and take the win. The Rangers have also won 12 of their last 14 games, and continue to stay hot.
Just 1:24 into the game, Steve Downie gave the Lightning an early 1-0 lead off of a slap shot from the slot. Steve Stamkos spun around and slipped out to the slot where Downie stepped into it. Although, it looked as if Derek Stepan slightly screened Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers came out strong in the second period, and finally got back to their regular game. Ruslan Fedotenko was able to tie up the game off of a rebound by Mathieu Garon. Brad Richards made a great play to get the shot on net, and Feds tapped it past Garon.
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After a bad defensive play, Tom Pyatt was able to speed past the stumbling defensemen and beat Lundqvist low. Again, the Rangers gave up another late goal in the period, and had to go into the locker room down by a goal. However, once again the Rangers were able to rebound and get the game tied once again. Ryan Callahan made a great play and Derek Stepan got the shot on net. Garon let up yet another rebound and Artem Anisimov was standing on the doorstep to tap in the loose puck.
With consistent pressure by the Rangers, they were able to get their first lead of the night coming from Derek Stepan. Anisimov got the pass from McDonagh, and drove towards the net. Garon was able to get a piece of it but it scrambled out to the front of the net, where Stepan was waiting. He settled it and put the puck into the empty net for a 3-2 Ranger lead.
Brad Richards sealed the deal with an empty net goal at 19:34 to give the Rangers a 4-2 win. Both Ruslan Fedotenko and Brad Richards played a great game in their return to Tampa. Artem Anisimov, Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh also had a strong game, and played a large part in the Ranger goals.
The Rangers kept up their wining ways, and have remained consistent over the last 12 games. The Rangers will be back at MSG this Monday to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. The last time these two matched-up, the Leafs spoiled the Rangers home opener.
Here are tonight's three stars of the game, along with the recipient of the Broadway Hat. You will also find tonight's game highlights below as well.
