Rangers Recap: The Frolov Special Smokes the Wild 5-2
It feels good to hand out a beating the night after you took one yourself.
The Rangers picked up a 5-2 win against the Wild in what was a homecoming in way one or another for Marian Gaborik, Derek Boogard, Michael Sauer, and Derek Stepan. After an eventful first period that saw Marian Gaborik booed during introductions, the Rangers put up a three spot in the second getting goals from Artem Anisimov, Michael Del Zotto, and Alex Frolov.
With a 1-0 lead, Derek Stepan made a beauty of a play on the power play finding a pinching Michael Del Zotto across the zone for an easy empty netter. Stepan had an exceptional game registering four shots on goal and looking right at home on the top like with Gabby and Frolov. He surely did not disappoint the dozens of friends and family who were in attendance for the game.
If there was a drinking game that required you to chug your beer every-time Frolov attempted a wrap-around (and failed) throughout the course of a game, not even a seasoned Irishman would be able to walk out of the arena under his own power (I'm Irish so I can say that). Yet on this magical night, the Frolov wrap-around worked and staked the Rangers to a 3-0 lead. Anyone want to take bets that that will be the only time it works this season? Any takers?
More after the jump.
Brandon Dubinsky just keeps on scoring.
In the beginning of the third he took advantage of a turnover at center ice and beat Niklas Backstrom on a breakaway. The Rangers needed to make things interesting though when former Ranger Matt Cullen picked up a shorthanded goal as Kyle Brodziak managed to break through a Del Zotto hip check attempt and found Cullen on the ensuing two on one.
After Ruslan Fedotanko potted his 6th goal 4th goal of the season, Marty Biron gave up a softy to Martin Havlat. Although at times he was shaky in goal, Biron was able to manage the game. I'm sure he was just as shocked as the Wild fans were when Havlat actually shot the puck .
Playing two games on the road in two nights is difficult. Heading back to the Garden even is a victory in my eyes.