The New York Rangers finally broke their four-game losing streak when Alexis Lafrenière scored the winner of the overtime against Buffalo Sabers. There was a lot to like about the Rangers game tonight, as they dominated the offensive side of the record and finally came out with a victory. Igor Shesterkin returned to form tonight after an unstable match against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and took his first win of the season.
1st period
Ryan Strome (2) – Artemiy Panarin (5) and Pavel Buchnevich (4) – 9:44
The Rangers came out in this game with some jump to their game and were rewarded with the opening goal. Ryan Strome crowned a beautiful passing play between Pavel Buchnevich and Artemiy Panarin, and buried his second goal of the season. Buchnevich created the opening chance with a low touch pass and that left Panarin plenty of room to do his job. Ryan Strome was able to slide down the right side of the ice undetected, and Panarin hit him right on the tape. Linus Ullmark never had a chance with the quick pass against his momentum, and New York jumped to a 1-0 lead.
Jack Eichel (2) – Sam Reinhart (3) – 19:38
Although Rangers played one of their best periods of the season, the goal of the end of the season was scored again with the Buffalo equalizer at 19:38. After a misreading dump in the area, the Sabers were able to quickly turn the disc back on the ice in a strange man race. Sam Reinhart found Jack Eichel driving by the back post and Eichel somehow opened his stick to receive the pass. K’Andre Miller did everything he could to avoid the chance, but he simply failed to tie Eichel’s baton in time to avoid redirection.
2nd period
Artemiy Panarin (3) – Without help – 16:10
Over the first 40 minutes, the Rangers zone and forecheck entries were better miles than they have been so far. Artemiy Panarin finally managed to break the deadlock at the end of the second half, hitting a quick shot and overtaking Linus Ullmark on the short side. Ryan Strome managed to attract two defenders to the front of the net and, as a result, they left Panarin unoccupied in the left circle of the confrontation.
3rd period
Sam Reinhart (3) – Taylor Hall (6) and Victor Olofsson (4) – 4:47
It would not be a third period for Rangers this season if it did not result in some kind of lost leadership. A very dangerous blow by Ryan Lindgren on Kyle Okposo resulted in a power game at Buffalo, and they responded immediately with a goal. Sam Reinhart redirected home a beautiful pass from the old woman’s pass, and Igor Shesterkin was unable to stretch in time to make the save.
Over time
Alexis Lafrenière (1) – Colin Blackwell (2) – 2:47
Alexis Lafrenière could have scored at least one hat-trick tonight with the amount of quality looks he had in front of the net. After losing in the previous two attempts, the third time was the charm for the 19 year old, as David Quinn sent him over the top in overtime. Colin Blackwell made a great defensive play in the neutral zone to fire a 2 on 1 attack, and none other than Alexis Lafrenière broke through the ice. Blackwell hit Alexis with a beautiful central pass and beat Linus Ullmark after a bomb, faking his original shot.
It was the perfect end to a game where you could say that Lafrenière was more than late for his first NHL goal. At the same time, the Rangers can use that victory to build some confidence as they return home to Madison Square Garden after a four-game trip. Rangers gave up another draw goal in the third period, but I think their response is what stood out the most. They soon returned with a strong offensive move, felt no pity for themselves and found a way to end the game in overtime.
After tonight’s thrilling victory, Rangers will return home for two more games against the Pittsburgh Penguins starting on Saturday night.
Alexis Lafrenière has arrived.