Rangers vs Flyers: Zibanejad Nets Shootout Winner to Top Flyers 2-1
The New York Rangers picked up their second win of the preseason with a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers this evening. The game needed to be decided in the shootout, and Mika Zibanejad was the lone goal scorer in the third round. Henrik Lundqvist had his best outing of the preseason as well, and he looks ready for the start of the season.
The first period started off pretty rough for both teams as neither the Flyers nor the Rangers could get much of anything going. Passes were just barely off the mark, and a lot of broken plays led to some sloppy hockey throughout the first 20 minutes. Later on in the period, however, Philadelphia took a bit of the momentum back with several dominant shifts in the offensive zone.
Henrik Lundqvist looked extremely sharp during the period as well, and kept the Flyers off the board despite them coming in waves.
Lias Andersson (2) - Vladislav Namestnikov (1) & Tony DeAngelo - 19:47 1st Period
Finally, the Rangers got their legs going near the end of the period and were rewarded with the first goal of the evening. Tony DeAngelo did an excellent job of moving the puck across the blue line, and eventually getting a shot on net. DeAngelo’s shot gave Carter Hart some trouble and after a few bounces in front of the net, Lias Andersson tapped home his second goal of the preseason. Throughout the first period, the Rangers walked into the locker room with a 1-0 lead in their possession.
Travis Konecny (2) - Kevin Hayes (2) & Claude Giroux (4) - 6:26 2nd Period
After the Rangers jumped out to the early lead at the end of the first period, the Flyers were able to even the game early during the second. Kevin Hayes’ intended centering pass from the corner took a couple of deflections in front, and slipped behind Henrik Lundqvist. Just before the puck crossed the line, it ticked off of Travis Konecny’s skate and he was credited with the goal.
Shootout
Aside from a goal apiece for either team, this game needed to be decided in the shootout and the Rangers came out on top. Henrik Lundqvist played excellent all night long, and he continued to do so during the skills competition. Mika Zibanejad was the lone goal scorer in the shootout after making a quick move to the backhand, and flipping the puck over Carter Hart.
Following tonight’s shootout win over Philadelphia, the Rangers will have one final game remaining on their preseason schedule. They will take on the New York Islanders on Saturday in Bridgeport, Connecticut before cutting down to their final 23-man roster.
