Zuccarello sends Rangers home happy in Brooklyn

The Rangers may be terrible, but at least they did give the Islanders fits this season, ending the four game set with the Isles with a 2-2 split. Yesterday afternoon’s final game was not as exciting as the one before. It didn’t have the same amount of action. But it did have the drama, with Mats Zuccarello deflecting the deciding goal off his skate with five minutes remaining in the third to secure the win.

The win may not have helped #TheVision, but it was nice to see the Isles lose. Alex Georgiev improved to 2-0 against the Islanders this year, with the 5-0 drubbing earlier this year being his first career shutout. The game wasn’t completely dominated late by the Rangers like Thursday’s contest, but this one did result in a win.

Isles 1, Rangers 0

I don’t understand how someone can be this open down low. Anthony Beauvillier has enough time to take the pass, spin, and move around Georgiev. Unreal.

Rangers 1, Isles 1

Boo Nieves made a great read to force the turnover. Then he drew the defenders to him before dishing to Filip Chytil on a great pass. Chytil is a finisher, and that’s what he did.

Rangers 2, Isles 1

Zuccarello’s deflection off his skate was done purposefully, even if the route the puck takes to the net is flukey. This may be the last great memory we have of Zuccarello in a Rangers uniform, so let’s enjoy it.

Shot Heatmap

This game was significantly closer in terms of overall possession, with the Rangers finally getting sustained pressure in front. However they also gave up the majority of the Isles chances in front. I guess that’s expected nowadays.

The Rangers don’t have much time to celebrate their first win of the 2019 calendar year, as they host Columbus tonight at MSG. The Blueshirts have played at least every other night this month, with this back-to-back. That’s a lot of hockey, but they will have nine days off after next weekend.