Rangers Vs. Penguins: Rangers Earn Big Win Over Pittsburgh Penguins

by Bryan Winters on Nov 29, 2011 11:51 PM EST in New York Rangers Recaps

The New York Rangers earned their third straight victory, with a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brad Richards lead the way for the Rangers with a goal and two assists. Henrik Lundqvist also back stopped the Rangers after a long night on the penalty kill.

Sean Avery and Tyler Kennedy got into a scuffle just 16 seconds in the game, and received matching roughing penalties. As soon as the two came out of the box, they dropped the gloves once again. Avery got in a few good shots, and it absolutely electrified MSG. After multiple penalty kills in the first period, the Rangers weren't able to fight off James Neal. Sidney Crosby made a great pass over to Neal, who buried it blocker side on Lundqvist.

After a mediocre first period, the Rangers came out strong in the second period. On the Penguins first penalty of the second period, Ryan Callahan cashed in with his 9th goal of the season. Marian Gaborik made an incredible pass over the Callahan, who tapped it under the sprawling Marc-Andre Fleury. Just six minutes later, John Mitchell gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead, with a great wrist shot from the circles. Carl Hagelin registered his third point in the last three games, assisting on the Mitchell goal.

Follow after the jump for more.

Brad Richards made it 3-1, just over a minute later with a laser of a shot that found the top right corner. Richards can be very dangerous when given room in the slot, as we saw with his goal tonight, just a pure snipe. The Rangers were sent to the power play once again, with just under two minutes left in the second period. Michael Del Zotto made a great cross-ice feed to Gaborik, who was sitting on the doorstep, that made it 4-1 Rangers.

Ryan Callahan took a late penalty, after a hard check in the corner. On the delayed penalty the Penguins rushed down ice, and Malkin tapped it into the empty net with just seconds remaining in the second period.

Things got a little tight in the third period as Pascal Dupuis scored just three minutes in to erase the Rangers three goal lead to a goal. The Rangers had a big kill in the third period after Ryan McDonagh was penalized for holding the stick.

The Penguins handed the Rangers three straight, late power play opportunities. They had two 5-on-3's, but they were unable to convert, despite having a few good chances. With Fleury pulled, Marian Gaborik broke down the ice, and somehow shot it wide of the empty net. It looked as if the puck was on edge, and Gabby didn't realize how much time was left.

The Rangers went on to win their third straight game, over very, very tough Eastern Conference opponents. With this win, it puts the Rangers three points behind Pittsburgh for the division lead, with four less games played. The Rangers will be back in action on Thursday when they face the Carolina Hurricanes in Carolina. I will leave you with tonight's three stars, the Broadway Hat recipient, and the game highlights as well.

Nyrpit_3stars_medium

Game Hightlights:

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Why would anyone ever

Want to see wolski rupp or Christensen play for this team ever again. I will be pissed if rupp steals anyone’s spot. Ec obviously and wolski I feel bad he never really got to prove himself but I hope he doesn’t come back next year.

"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards

by -19-AgainstAll on Nov 30, 2011 12:04 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Wolski got a fair shot. dude shows up once every 2 or 3 weeks. plenty of chances to succeed. he never capitalized. i hope he never puts on a rangers uniform again. other than that i agree with everything you said

by nyrangerfan521 on Nov 30, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions

Fair shot? I think his max was 2 games in a row this season.

by teknics on Nov 30, 2011 12:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

hes been hurt all year. last season he was given every chance to succeed. was the best player on the ice for 2 games, invisible the rest

by nyrangerfan521 on Nov 30, 2011 12:23 AM EST up reply actions

Hagelin is a revelation

Hags, Boyle and Mitchell are fast, grinders but also have a lot of finesse and scoring ability. Its to early to say they are here to stay but lets see how good they can be before changes are made.

Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...

by Major on Nov 30, 2011 12:22 AM EST up reply actions

I didn't realize that the Rangers had allowed only 43 goals going into

tonight’s game. They are at 46 now and still tops in the NHL in GA. Great job so far for a team without it’s best defenseman.

Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...

by Major on Nov 30, 2011 12:18 AM EST reply actions

Sweet win but the 5 on 3 needs a little work. been stale all year. not enough movement.

Hagelin drafted with a 6th rd pick and has already surpassed 98% 6th rd picks as far as production. he actually did that a couple games ago but i am still very excited to see this kid become the next homegrown star.

Acquired Mitchell for a 7th rd pick at the deadline and i think we already got more from him than any 7th rounder would have given us. definitely a good trade for us.

As much as i hate him, Crosby made some sick passes tonight that his guys didnt put in the back of the net. Girardi and McD did a god job on him for the most part and Staal will do even better when he comes back. The best thing Staal does for the team when he comes back is that MDZ wont have to go up against Malkin for every one of his shifts. I like MDZ and think hes improving defensively, but hes not close to being ready to play against guys like Malkin

by nyrangerfan521 on Nov 30, 2011 12:18 AM EST reply actions

Hey be careful there, wasn’t Henrik a 7th rounder?

"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Nov 30, 2011 12:28 AM EST up reply actions

yeah. he was the steal of all steals

by nyrangerfan521 on Nov 30, 2011 12:29 AM EST up reply actions

Here are some late round picks to give you perspective.

1. Henrik Zetterberg- 7th round 210 overall
2. Daniel Alfredsson- 6th round 133 overall
3.Micheal Ryder- 8th round 216 overall
4.. Pavel Datsyuk- 6th round 171 overall

Lets not forget Dan Girardi and Martin St.louis who just never drafted at all. Scouting helps but they sure misses some great players.

by smitty046 on Nov 30, 2011 1:14 AM EST up reply actions

wtf detroit.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Nov 30, 2011 2:43 AM EST up reply actions

for every one of those guys theres 100 that never record a pt in the NHL

by nyrangerfan521 on Nov 30, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

Fortunate to attend this game.

When Kreider announced he was going to stay in school for his junior year I was a bit disappointed (though I understood), but this kid Hagelin – he might be just as good.
I mean, he can flat out fly, just leaves D-men in his dust.
Richards scores another big goal, and Gabby…what can you say.
His move to set up Callahan, and Hagelin’s move to set up Mitchell, both just a privilege to witness.

"To everybody else we're underdogs, but we go in thinking we can handle any team in the NHL."
Brandon Prust, #8, New York Rangers

by Joe1969 on Nov 30, 2011 12:22 AM EST reply actions

where were you? I was there (first game of the season as a b-day gift from the lady, If i ever find a scanner i’ll post the card she gave me with it) hellva game! We were up in sec 426

"and they're on their feet at the Garden"

by SIRangers on Nov 30, 2011 12:45 AM EST up reply actions

Haha looks like you were near me tonight, my regular seats are up in 428.

by Bryan Winters on Nov 30, 2011 1:04 AM EST up reply actions

I was there too, row C.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Nov 30, 2011 1:09 AM EST up reply actions

I was in 313, Row K. Not a Penguins fan in sight, always a beautiful thing.

"To everybody else we're underdogs, but we go in thinking we can handle any team in the NHL."
Brandon Prust, #8, New York Rangers

by Joe1969 on Nov 30, 2011 1:36 AM EST up reply actions

I was right next to you

313 usually has a bunch of away fans. Not last night for some reason.

by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Nov 30, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

Great game, being there for the Philly game then this one has to be the two best back to back games this year. Sec 422 seasons

by dbest6808 on Nov 30, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions

Hagelin is unbelievable. He better be staying for good, we need his speed. He might be the fastest skater in the league right now.

by CrazyRangerFan on Nov 30, 2011 12:31 AM EST reply actions

I think Darren Helm might give him a run for his money, but the list is very, very short

by Kritikal on Nov 30, 2011 12:49 AM EST up reply actions

He’d have to show me he’s faster then Gaborik first.

Gaborik, Helm and Grabner – top 3

Let me know how that works out for you . . .

by SimpleManiac on Nov 30, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

Idk the difference between Gabby and Hagelin isn’t much, It looks like Hags is a little faster to me…

by CrazyRangerFan on Nov 30, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

I’ve only seen Hagelin is about 10 games, but he seems like he has higher top speed and better agility, but Gaborik has that phenomenal burst.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Nov 30, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

BR had 2 assists

by thenyrangers on Nov 30, 2011 12:44 AM EST reply actions

These two are unbelieveable. Hagelin, Mitchell has done a great job since they were called up and are producing on the spot. Wolski, gone, EC, Gone. Trade them for two bags of pucks.

Great win, a little hairy in the end, but a great win against these diving bitches.

by NYR #35 Richter on Nov 30, 2011 12:46 AM EST reply actions

Haha speaking of diving, they had a pretty funny clip playing on the MSG scoreboard tonight. They overlayed a guy dancing in a Penguins jersey to What Is Love (Baby Don’t Hurt Me), over the Penguins bench. I got a good laugh out of it.

by Bryan Winters on Nov 30, 2011 1:09 AM EST up reply actions

The Rangers deserved this one

I think, for a slightly majority of the game, the Rangers outplayed the Pens, but couldn’t bury all of their chances. I’m curious to see how the official ‘scoring chances’ stat came out from this game. There were a number of very good opportunities for the Rangers that they just failed to bury (I can think of a couple by Gabs alone), not including both 5 on 3s on which they SHOULD’VE had chances but couldn’t even manage a shot. This team is solid, but I can’t see they maintaining this pace all year. It’s just frenzied, and they’re getting outshot too often. Pick up the shots, though, and this team will get into the second round no problem.

Ironically, their PP looked really solid actually. Lots more movement, especially on the first two. I loved the idea of having MDZ drop down from the weak side point, though they never managed to get him the puck. Enjoyed Gabs shredding the D on that move and the pass – I’m not sure they knew what was happening.

And I’ll definitely jump on the Hagelin/Mitchell bandwagon. I think EC, WW, and Rupp ought to be looking for new teams. Get some picks for them – they’re not worth much else. Unfortunate because they all definitely have their uses, just not on this team right now.

If they go out and play like that all year… well, Boston managed to win with less talent, right?

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come."
-- Al Gore (founder of the internet)

by bkny on Nov 30, 2011 4:30 AM EST reply actions

Unofficially, I had scoring chances basically dead even, 19-18 Pens. (unofficial because there’s a few I still need to check again) Not sure about the even strength totals.

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Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf

by George E. Ays on Nov 30, 2011 8:41 AM EST up reply actions

Dave Maloney summed it up perfectly after the game: Rangers moving the puck well but the players are standing still, giving the PK unit an easy job of getting in shooting lanes.

We can blame the Rangers but give the Pens full marks for outstanding work on the PK.

Let me know how that works out for you . . .

by SimpleManiac on Nov 30, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

Although I like the way Devo was playing, I want to thank him for his boneheaded move that brought up Hags and Mitchell. Not only are they playing well, they are elevating Boyle’s play. If kept together, I think Bigfoot is going to start scoring too. Especially if he parks his ass in front of the net, or crashes the crease. That line is going to start earning some respect from other teams. We will then have three linse with scoring potential. Looking good right now, and we are still not firing on all cylinders. If we can get Dubi, BB, and AA to score like they should be doing, first is not out of reach.
To be realistic about WW and Rupp, although it would be nice to go an entire season without injuries, it is not realistic. It is nice to know we will have them there when needed.

PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!

by nathansfamous on Nov 30, 2011 6:37 AM EST reply actions

It was painful....

Watching the Penguins tripping all over themselves in the 2nd period. And then a couple of bonehead penalties in the third pretty much ended any shot we had (although I thought the boarding call on Kunitz right at the end was complete garbage).

by Matt Shaffer on Nov 30, 2011 8:16 AM EST reply actions

Kunitz had already gotten two passes. The hit on Woywitka was a clear head shot. Later in the game, he actually left his feet for the head shot on Sauer. Look, I am not for the “wussification” of the NHL, but we are forced to follow their logic. Those were the epitome of a player making an effort to target the head. Plus, Kunitz is a cheap, “I’m bitter about being traded for Ryan Whitney because I am a poor man’s Bobby Ryan and frustrated so I am going to take a run at someone,” type of player crafted from the same mold as all those dirks on Anaheim. However, I do agree that the hit he took the penalty on was the weakest of the hits, but still worthy of a penalty.

by purinton on Nov 30, 2011 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

To be honest, no Penguins fan should be complaining about the officiating over that game.

Do you forget the elbow to the head of Woywitka that went uncalled, or the guy who left his feet and hit Sauer, or what about the first missed tripping on Gaborik, or the missed slash on Orpik on the PP before the tripping was called, or how about how RIchards and Orpik I believe were given coincidental minors, yet you guys got a PP due to the scrum infront of the net.

Sure, maybe that one call was garbage, but the whole game was in your favor.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Nov 30, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

dubi will not do anything for this team he is invisable i have said it time and time again hes over rated player and dezotto should not be playing in the nhl .but the team did play good earnered the points. thats three top teams in the east they beat way to go

by nytrueblue on Nov 30, 2011 8:20 AM EST reply actions

Dubi is having a rough go of it, but he’s also got enough of a track record to suggest he’ll be more productive at some point. He did have a hand in a lot of important goals last year and his all around game hasn’t slumped to nearly the extent that his scoring has.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Nov 30, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

Best Point percentage in the league after that win!! And something else to keep in mind, the Rangers have gone 10 for 12 since being called ‘soft’ with all but one of those wins in regulation. There may have been a few that have been ‘close’ like last night’s game coming down to the wire, but we aren’t letting other teams pick up points in three point game and our ROW is being padded nicely for any tiebreakers.

~R.I.P. Derek

~Those Caps fans sure think they can make some noise.... too bad their team can't.

by Ranger84 on Nov 30, 2011 8:34 AM EST reply actions

Anisimov looked awful. He made his usuals defensive plays and did lead to some chances. Wasn’t all bad. But wow did he choke with the puck on his stick. Stone hands. Watching him try to take a pass from gaborik with on odd man rush developing was painfull

by nhl21 on Nov 30, 2011 10:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions

It was two plays calm down, Anisimov didn’t have an awful game at all. Just those two plays at the end. Arty is one of the best forwards for us right now, don’t get down on him.

by CrazyRangerFan on Nov 30, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions

Ehh I respectfully disagree sir. He’s great defensively and creates space for the other 2. But I noticed quite a few more boneheaded plays from him then im used to

by nhl21 on Nov 30, 2011 12:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

He played a good game overall, but had two pretty bad mess-ups on offense.

At this point the defensive value he brings is awesome enough.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Nov 30, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

Good win!

Congrets Rangers!Three nice wins in a row against best teams in East conferance!I am glad that rangers brought those two young kids..Hegelin and Mitchel,keep them on a roster,they will be better and they will help team!..Its still too early in a season and a lot of things can happen,injuries etc,but I do hope that this year Rangers will go deeper into play-offs! Work on power play and transition and shoot the puck more!Go rangers!!!

by captain_ivo on Nov 30, 2011 11:49 AM EST reply actions

Anyone else notice how good our transition game looked last night? Defensive play springs hagelin for the Mitchell set up. Feds puts good forecheck pressure in the neutral zone to set up riches rush into the zone and snipe. I want lots more of that and this team is developing the talent to do so

by nhl21 on Nov 30, 2011 12:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions

And to add to that. Dump and chase is our bread and butter, but having the transition game working makes the team exponentially more dangerous

by nhl21 on Nov 30, 2011 12:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

the addition of Hagelin has had a ripple effect through all 4 lines. Now, even the 4th line has a balance of speed (Avery) and grit (Dubi and Pruster). Most importantly, the 3rd line is contributing offensively, which is what has been missing since the beginning of the year. It is awesome to see Hagelin and Mitchell with 3 points apiece in 3 games played. 3rd line players generating top 6 stats!!!

by MRichter35 on Nov 30, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Nov 30, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

bingo

by nhl21 on Nov 30, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

They also have the additional affect of elevating Boyle’s play. He had some good scoring chances, and I think all three are going to earn some respect from other teams.

PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!

by nathansfamous on Nov 30, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

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