rangers lightning mats zuccarello dan girardi

The Lightning came into New York looking like they were going to cruise to an easy win. While the Rangers gave them a run for their money in the first, the Bolts eventually pulled away to a 3-0 lead and never looked back. This is why they are one of the best teams in the league and a Stanley Cup favorite.

The Mats Zuccarello farewell tour continued with another goal and some feisty play. HIs revival has been fun to watch over the past few weeks. The Rangers did make it close though, with two goals in a row after the Bolts opened up their lead, but could not get the equalizer.

Bolts 1, Rangers 0

Yanni Gourde started the scoring for the Bolts. This play began when Brady Skjei turned the puck over in the neutral zone, and the Bolts just turned it quickly. There was some bad luck, as Matieu Joseph’s initial shot ricocheted to Ryan McDonagh, and then the puck barely squeaked through Henrik Lundqvist and sat there for Gourde to finish.

Bolts 2, Rangers 0

Not pictured here is Cody McLeod finishing his check and leaving the Rangers hanging on a 4-on-2. Erik Cernak got the finisher, and Ryan Callahan got the primary assist. That’s two ex-Ranger captains with primary assists, if you’re keeping track.

Bolts 3, Rangers 0

Steven Stamkos. Nikita Kucherov. Victor Hedman. That’s just unfair. There is nothing wrong with how this was played. That’s some amazing skill putting the puck in the net.

Bolts 3, Rangers 1

Zuccarello took the feed from Mika Zibanejad and was very patient. He dragged the puck back to get a better angle, then waited the extra half second for Zibanejad to get to the slot for the screen.

Bolts 3, Rangers 2

Lundqvist assist alert! Also what a pass by Zibanejad to set up Hayes for the one-timer. Hank caught the Bolts in a change, which is why Zibanejad was so open.

Shot Heatmap

The Blueshirts actually controlled the first period in this game, but it was the second where the Bolts pulled away. By the time the third rolled around, the Lightning were sitting back on their lead. What’s worth noting is that the Lightning got a bunch of chances in front, breaking a streak of two straight games where the Rangers did a good job there. But again, they are the Lightning.

The Rangers have today off, but are back at it tomorrow and basically every other day for the rest of the season. It’s a rough stretch for the Rangers.

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