Little dude, big game. (Photo: AP)

Little dude, big game. (Photo: AP)

The Rangers came out, matched Philly blow for blow in the first, and then used an absolutely dominating performance in the second period to send their longtime rival packing for the season. The Rangers scored two in the second and held a 21-7 Fenwick advantage at even strength in the period. The Flyers made a run in the third, getting a goal from Jason Akeson and pressuring the Rangers for the tie, but in the end it was the even strength play that won out.

Dan Carcillo got the Rangers on the board after serving a too many men penalty, the second time he’s scored right out of the box. Benoit Pouliot added the second goal as a part of that huge second period that saw pure domination from the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist was stellar, making 26 saves, many of them difficult. But perhaps the best player on the ice was Anton Stralman, who played the best game I’ve ever seen him play as a Ranger. This was a solid win.

On to the goals:

Rangers 1, Flyers 0

unnamed

After a solid penalty kill following an ill-timed too many men infraction, Carcillo hopped out of the box and struck again. This time, he forced Andrew MacDonald into a turnover and fed it in front, leading to a great save by Mason. The Rangers were able to keep the pressure, eventually working the puck to Mats Zuccarello low. Zucc made a phenomenal backhand pass through MacDonald and Brayden Coburn right to Carcillo at the back door for the goal. Mason had no chance.

Rangers 2, Flyers 0

unnamed-1

Stralman picked up a loose puck at the point after it was poked away from Pouliot and got the puck to Derick Brassard in the corner. After Pouliot lost the puck, he cut to the slot, where BRass hit him with a perfect pass at the back door for the second goal. Mason stood no chance on this one either.

Rangers 2, Flyers 1

unnamed

Akeson had his initial shot blocked by Marc Staal, but the rebound went right back to him with Hank still moving and Coburn cutting right in front for a screen. The next shot beat Hank.

Fenwick Chart:

Courtesy of ExtraSkater

Courtesy of ExtraSkater

The Rangers get exactly one day to rest, and then it’s the Penguins in the next round. The Rangers match up well against them, so that should be a fun series. They sent one Pennsylvania team packing, it’s time to send another one packing.

Share: 

More About: