Rangers end road trip on a high

Credit: AP / Paul Sancya)

The Rangers took care of business on Sunday night, defeating the out-of-contention Red Wings 4-1 in the teams’ last-ever meeting at historic Joe Louis Arena.  This was a solid all-around performance for the Blueshirts as they bounced back from Thursday night’s loss in Carolina.

This game was the Ryan McDonagh show.  The Rangers captain was all over the ice, making solid defensive plays, initiating the offense, and joining the rush.  McDonagh was rewarded with two goals on the night as well as First Star honors, and continues to carry a defense corps that is otherwise average at best.

Derek Stepan finally broke his 23-game goal drought with a power play tally in the third period, and the relief in Stepan’s goal celebration was evident.  Though Stepan is an understated player who always puts in a dependable three-zone effort, the Rangers need him to produce, especially as the playoffs approach.

After a slow start for both teams, the Rangers finally broke through while down a man late in the first. McDonagh initiated a fluid shorthanded 3-on-1 counterattack from behind his own net, and then used his speed to beat four Red Wings players down the ice.  Kevin Hayes made a quick deke to his backhand and dished the puck through Petr Mrazek’s legs, with McDonagh tapping in from close range.

The Red Wings got on the board with a brilliant tic-tac-toe passing play, with Frans Nielsen finishing off a cross-ice feed from Gustav Nyqvist.  There was not much the Rangers could do to prevent it, but it was another power play goal against, as the penalty kill remains an area of concern.

About 10 minutes later, the Rangers’ signature quick-strike offense was on display, as they potted two goals in 37 seconds.  McDonagh scored his second of the night after again starting the play in his own zone.  He smartly intercepted a Detroit pass at his own blue line and led the rush into the Detroit zone.  After a side of the net scramble, McDonagh centered to Marc Staal, whose initial shot was saved, but McDonagh was right there to slam home the rebound.  On the next shift, it was Grabner to Miller to Hayes for a slam dunk at right of Detroit’s net.

Derek Stepan capped the scoring in the third, getting just enough on his one-timer to flutter the puck over Mrazek and into the top corner.  Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello picked up assists on the goal.

A look at the possession and scoring chance charts shows a pretty evenly played game overall.  Detroit put on a decent push in the third, but the Rangers held firm and got the fourth goal to really put the game out of reach.  The Rangers’ superior talent was on display in this game, and when they were able to force turnovers, they looked like the more dangerous team throughout the game.

It will be a pleasant trip home for the Rangers, but another tough game against the desperate Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden looms on Monday night.