Rangers vs. Predators: Rangers Fall to Predators 3-2 in Home Opener
The New York Rangers kicked off the 2018-2019 season this evening against the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden. Despite keeping the game close and keeping with the Predators, the Rangers were defeated by a final score of 3-2 in regulation. Here is the goal breakdown from tonight’s content.
1-0 Predators
Filip Forsberg - Assists: Kyle Turris & Craig Smith
After a scoreless first period, the Predators finally broke the scoreless drought just 3:54 into the second period with a goal coming Filip Forsberg. There was a bit of a defensive miscommunication on the Rangers’ part with both Neal Pionk and Vinni Lettieri going to the player driving the net, which left Forsberg plenty of space. Forsberg was able to absolutely wire a shot past Henrik Lundqvist and gave the Predators the early 1-0 lead.
1-1 Tie
Jesper Fast - Assists: Filip Chytil
Nearly four minutes after the Predators took the lead, the Rangers came right back and scored a goal of their own to tie up the game. Filip Chytil created the entire goal with a beautiful no-look feed out to the front of the net and Jesper Fast chipped the puck past Pekka Rinne.
2-1 Predators
P.K. Subban - Assists: Mattias Ekholm & Colton Sissons
This was a bit of a controversial goal for the Predators, and it came immediately after a missed call on a blatant high stick in front of the Rangers net. Adam McQuaid took a pretty nasty high stick, but the play went uncalled and resulted in a faceoff in the Rangers end. Right off of that ensuing faceoff, P.K. Subban bombed a point shot through traffic to give the Predators another one goal lead.
3-1 Predators
Colton Sissons - Assists: Ryan Ellis & Mattias Ekholm
With the Rangers having the goaltender pulled and looking for the equalizer, Colton Sissons iced the game with an empty net goal in the neutral zone. The Rangers were unable to get control of the puck after an offensive zone faceoff, and the Predators quickly capitalized.
3-2 Predators
Pavel Buchnevich - Assists: Mika Zibanejad & Mats Zuccarello
The Rangers made this interesting with 30 seconds remaining as Pavel Buchnevich redirected home a slap shot from Mika Zibanejad. This gave the Rangers another chance at tying up the game, and despite coming close on a chance by Kevin Shattenkirk, the Rangers ultimately fell short in the end.
Following tonight’s loss, the Rangers will have a scheduled practice day tomorrow before heading up North on Saturday for a meeting with the Buffalo Sabres.
