Rangers vs. Sabres: Carter Hutton Shuts Down Rangers for Second Straight Loss
After a disappointing loss in their home opener, the New York Rangers returned to action this evening with a meeting with the Buffalo Sabres. Despite playing well enough to win, the Rangers fell to 0-2 on the season with a 3-1 loss in Upstate New York. Here are the goal breakdowns from tonight’s game.
1-0 Sabres
Conor Sheary (1) - Assists: Rasmus Ristolainen (1) & Casey Mittelstadt (1)
Much like last game against the Nashville Predators, a questionable penalty call led to the puck ending up in the back of the Rangers net. This time, however, a penalty was called on the play but they put the wrong player in the box. Both Chris Kreider and Jeff Skinner came together in the neutral zone, but it was Skinner who initiated the contact and hauled down Kreider.
To make matters worse, the officials also missed a too many men call on the ensuing Sabres rush as Conor Sheary sniped one past Henrik Lundqvist. It was just an unfortunate series of events, but the Rangers found themselves down by a goal.
2-0 Sabres
Conor Sheary (2) - Assists: Sam Reinhart (1) & Jack Eichel (1)
Conor Sheary was always a thorn in the Rangers side when he was with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he showed no signs of slowing down after moving on to Buffalo. For the second time of the night, the Sabres capitalized on the power play with Sheary finishing off a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play. Henrik Lundqvist didn’t stand much of a chance on the goal, and the Rangers suddenly dug themselves a little deeper.
2-1 Sabres
Brett Howden (1) - Assists: Adam McQuaid (1) & Ryan Spooner (1)
After coming up empty on the previous 39 shots, the Rangers finally buried one on their 40th shot of the contest. Following a hard working shift in the corners, Brett Howden was able to knock home a loose puck in the crease, and came away with his first career NHL goal. It also vaulted the Rangers right back into the game with under five minutes remaining.
3-1 Sabres
Jack Eichel (1) - Unassisted
With the goaltender pulled and looking for the equalizer, Kevin Shattenkirk’s attempted shot on goal was blocked by Jack Eichel in the high slot. Despite being injured on the play, Eichel chased down the puck and iced the game with less than two seconds remaining in regulation.
Following tonight’s second straight loss, the Rangers will immediately travel down to Raleigh for an early-evening matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow.
