Rangers Recap: Rangers hold off Hurricanes 2-1
I wasn't able to watch the whole game tonight, so we are going to use the TSN recap. Obviously a better effort than last night, but I am definitely seeing a "Jeckyl and Hyde" complex developing with this team.
Sports Network | December 31, 2009
Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - Brandon Dubinsky scored the game-winner near the midway point of the third period, as the New York Rangers edged the Carolina Hurricanes, 2-1, in the opener of a home-and-home series at RBC Center.
Erik Christensen had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who bounced back from a 6-0 loss to the Flyers on Wednesday night. Marian Gaborik dished out two assists for New York, which got 17 saves from Henrik Lundqvist.
Joni Pitkanen had the lone goal for the Hurricanes, who have lost four of five. Cam Ward turned aside 33-of-35 shots in defeat.
With the score tied 1-1, the Rangers scored with 8:11 remaining in the third period. Gaborik's shot from in front set up a rebound for Dubinsky, who backhanded a shot past Ward.
Lundqvist stopped all six shots he faced in the final 20 minutes to preserve the victory.
The Hurricanes scored on the power play at the 11:08 mark of the first period to take the early edge. Ray Whitney slid a pass to the point for Pitkanen, whose one-timer snuck past Lundqvist.
Christensen's first goal of the season with 2:24 left in the first deadlocked the tilt at 1-1. On the power play, Gaborik fired a shot on net and Christensen was there to put home the rebound.
Ward made 15 saves in a scoreless second, while Lundqvist stopped seven shots.
The Rangers beat the Hurricanes, 3-1, at RBC Center on December 21. New York will host the Hurricanes on Saturday to complete the home-and-home series...Christensen now has 100 points in his NHL career...Rangers head coach John Tortorella coached his 600th career game.