Lundqvist, Rangers Shutout Blues 5-0
Following last game’s rout over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the New York Rangers followed it up with another dominating performance against the St. Louis Blues. During their last meeting, the Rangers could have easily had a similar result, but Carter Hutton reeled in two points.
This time around, it was the Rangers finally get their revenge and putting up a five spot on the Blues, and chasing Jake Allen in the second period. Henrik Lundqvist picked up his first shutout of the season, along with the 60th of his career, and kept the Blues in check with 32 saves. Jimmy Vesey also had yet another big night, picking up three points including his sixth goal of the season.
Dan Girardi got the scoring started this evening with his second goal of the season, after receiving a pretty drop pass from Chris Kreider. Girardi’s shot wound up deflecting off of Vladimir Tarasenko’s skate, and hopped over Allen’s pad to make it a 1-0 game.
A few minutes later, Jimmy Vesey capped off a beautiful passing play in the corner from Derek Stepan, and slammed home a shot from inside the hash marks. Following a rather dominating 20 minutes, the Rangers continued to pour it on and added three more goals during the second period.
Rick Nash picked up the first goal of the period after being denied on his first attempt, but followed up the shot, and banked the puck in from behind the goal line. A little over six minutes later, Mats Zuccarelo converted on the power play, and tapped home a ridiculous feed from Chris Kreider in close.
Finally, Kevin Hayes closed out the scoring on yet another pretty passing play between J.T. Miller, and Jimmy Vesey, and rifled the puck under the crossbar. That goal wound up ending Jake Allen’s night, and Carter Hutton came in to relieve him for the remainder of the game.
Throughout the last two games, the Rangers have put up 11 goals against two really good teams, which just shows that this offense is for real. I’m not entirely sure they’ll be able keep up a five goal per game pace, but they will win the Rangers plenty of games this season. With the defense still being a major question mark, this is a very good sign for the Rangers as the season carries on.
After two solid outings, the Rangers will get ready to take on the Edmonton Oilers this Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.