The Rangers blew a 3-0 lead, but Ryan Callahan saved a victory in the shootout

The Rangers blew a 3-0 lead, but Ryan Callahan saved a victory in the shootout

The Rangers choked away a 3-0 lead, but were still able to pick up their second win over Boston this season. New York dominated for much of the game, but foolishly sat back in the third period and the Bruins sealed a comeback with 2 goals in the final 1:31. An extremely entertaining overtime period followed before the Rangers entered their first shootout of the year. Rick Nash’s beautiful goal gave the Rangers a chance to seal the victory, but Brad Marchand rifled a gorgeous shot past Henrik Lundqvist to even the score. Lundqvist stopped David Krejci and then captain Ryan Callahan scored the game-winner by roofing a shot over Tuukka Rask.

It wasn’t a pretty win and the blown lead was miserable, but the Rangers still picked up their 4th win in the last 5 games. Unfortunately, they allowed the Bruins to earn a point in the process. It was the 19th time in 24 games between these 2 teams that the game was decided by just 1 goal.

First Period

Rangers 1, Bruins 0 Carl Hagelin (10:37)

This play was all Rick Nash. First, Nash forced a turnover in the Boston zone that led to a shot. Gregory Campbell was able to guide the puck out to center ice, but 3 Boston forwards went for a change and Dan Girardi quickly hit Nash charging down the middle. 2 defenders not named Zdeno Chara (Andrew Ference and Adam McQuaid) converged on Nash and even though Nash was tripped up by Ference, he was able to fling a backhand pass to a waiting Carl Hagelin for an easy deposit into an empty net. It was Hagelin’s 4th goal in his last 5 games after going goal-less for 36 straight.

Second Period

Rangers 2, Bruins 0 Derek Stepan (8:17)

The Bruins had completely stolen the momentum of the game after yet another New York too many men penalty, but Derek Stepan momentarily silenced the crowd. Rookie defender Dougie Hamilton coughed up a pass from Milan Lucic at Boston’s blueline and Stepan scooped up the puck. He was able to cruise in 2-on-1 with Hagelin and rather than try to fit a pass by Zdeno Chara, Stepan elected to fire a laser far-side.

Third Period

Rangers 3, Bruins 0 Anton Stralman (2:07)
After the Rangers failed to capitalize on a length 5-on-3, Anton Stralman casually picked up the puck at the red line and came cruising down the wing to shoot a quick wrister on Rask. Tim Thomas’s replacement allowed the puck to trickle through his five-hole and over the line, an awful goal to give up down 2-0. Rask knew it, too; he smashed his stick into the ice in frustration after the play.

Rangers 3, Bruins 1 David Krejci (8:44)

The Rangers took a number of penalties at inopportune times tonight and it finally cost them. Just as a Nash hooking penalty was expiring, the Bruins got on the board. Lundqvist made the initial save on a tough deflection by Lucic, but Krejci was able to slip the rebound underneath a sprawled King.

Rangers 3, Bruins 2 Nathan Horton (18:29)

Boston pulled Rask with 1:45 left and the Bruins got the puck deep. Lundqvist was unable to control Ference’s high point shot and Lucic knocked it down on the doorstep. Nathan Horton was able to grab the loose puck and slip it under Lundqvist. Second time Lucic’s big body caused problems in front and there was little the Rangers could do about it.

Rangers 3, Bruins 3 Brad Marchand (19:17)

And again. With Rask again out of the net the Bruins were able to maintain offensive zone possession. After a few tries from the point, Marchand got the puck to Patrice Bergeron in the slot. Bergeron attempted to pass to Campbell in front of the net, but the puck ticked off Callahan’s skate right onto Marchand’s stick and he was able to easily sweep it home.

Shootout
Bruins: Seguin (stopped), Bergeron (stopped), Marchand (scored), Krejci (lost puck)
Rangers: Gaborik (stopped), Nash (scored), Richards (stopped), Callahan (scored)

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