We apologize for the delay in getting this posted. Apparently all of us thought someone else was writing this. I know great organization skills right? Anyway, since we are bit late publishing we are only going to breakdown the goals scored, which I think is what most of you are looking for anyway.

Rangers open scoring 1-0

The Rangers opened the scoring on a rebound goal by Ryan Callahan in the first period. The Rangers were applying zone pressure and Ottawa was scrambling a bit. Artem Ansimov had clean possession down low and fed Anton Stralman at the point. Stralman was then able to put one on net.

Kuba was defending the slot and was late picking up Callahan, who successfully got between Anderson and Kuba. As Cally was skating into the slot he quickly lifted Kuba’s stick. This little play gave Cally an extra second to get to Anderson’s bad rebound for the putaway.

Rangers go up 2-0

In the second, the Rangers were again applying zone pressure and Cowen of the Senators was unable to clear the puck from his own end zone. Gaborik received the puck along the rightwing wall and skated by Cowen, who was kinda picked by Hagelin. Gabby cut through the slot undefended, out-waited Anderson, and put one right through his five-hole. Not sure if Anderson could have made a better save attempt though, I’ll leave that to Justin.

Rangers go up 3-0

Later in the second, the Rangers were again applying zone pressure (sense a pattern here?) and Girardi fired a shot from the point, which hit Anisimov. The puck dropped right on to Arties stick and he was able to get a pass off in the high slot while being tripped up by the Senators. Ottawa center Jim O’brien went to Artie, leaving Boyle open, who was able to capitalize on Artie’s pass.

Rangers go up 4-0

The Rangers fourth goal is pretty easy to breakdown. Hagelin just straight up stole the puck from Foligno on the forecheck. Everyone else on the Senators was thinking offense and Richards was left open in the slot for the putaway.

Senators get on board 4-1

The Senators got on board in the third thanks to a neutral zone turnover. Stepan/Dubinsky lost the puck at the Senators blueline and Alfredsson was able to create a transition rush. The Rangers were able to get back and defend the open men, but in the process Prust lost track of Alfredsson. Daniel was undefended in the slot and was able to tip in a point shot past Hank.

Senators make it 4-2

The Rangers got all messed up and wounded up with four of their five skaters going for a loose puck at their own blueline. The Rangers weren’t able to come away with possession and were trapped up high, leaving Del Zotto alone to defend a wide on 2-on-1. Del Zotto went down to take away the passing lane (as he should), but just missed breaking up a lateral feed from Foligno to Condra. Condra roofed a shot past Lundqvist, who just missed the save.

So there are your breakdowns on scoring plays. Overall, it was solid game by the Blueshirts who were able to capitalize on Ottawa’s many defensive breakdowns.  I really liked that Torts kept his team pressuring the puck despite having an early lead and his timeout after a Senators surge proved to be beneficiary. I’m sure Maclean will have his team adjust accordingly and I’d expect a tighter game from them on Saturday.

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