Rangers Vs. Coyotes: Rangers Finish Coyotes Off With Late Goal
The New York Rangers got back into the win column tonight, with a very close 3-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. This game came down to the final seconds, and I mean that literally. Brad Richards scored with .1 seconds left in the game, and gave the Rangers the win.
The Rangers struck first, just eight minutes into the game, with a breakaway goal coming Marian Gaborik. Michael Del Zotto made a great stretch pass to Gabby, who broke in alone. Gaborik finished it off with a shot that beat Mike Smith through the five-hole. However, with just nine seconds left in the first period, ex-Ranger, Lauri Korpikoski tied the game up on a quick shot off of the face-off.
The Rangers have been giving up some late period goals, which have ended up costing them in past games. Again, with a very back and forth period, the Coyotes were able to capitalize once again in the final minute of play, this time coming from Cal O'Reilly. It seemed as if Martin Biron had the puck covered on the play, but Shane Doan was able to poke it loose.
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The Rangers started the third period, down by a goal, but it wasn't long before the game was tied. Keith Yandle made a terrible turn over, while the Yotes were making a line change. It slipped out in front to the wide open Gaborik who was denied by Smith on the first attempt, but roofed the rebound.
With just under three minutes to play in regulation, the Rangers had a great chance to put home the game winner, but just fell short. Finally, the Rangers established great pressure in the final ten seconds, which led to a last ditch effort by Brad Richards. Richards threw the puck at the net, and somehow got under the arm of Smith. However, the play would be reviewed, and eventually was ruled a goal, as the puck officially crossed the line at the .1 second mark.
It's worth nothing that Marian Gaborik notched his 300th career goal in this game, and currently leads the Rangers with 27 total points. Also, the Rangers lost Steve Eminger to a shoulder injury in the first period, and he did not return.
With this win, Marty Biron picked up his sixth win of the season, which improves him to 6-1-1 this season. Overall, it was a much better game by the Rangers, and their offense is finally back on track. Mike Rupp also had a solid game in his return from his knee injury he suffered earlier in the season. He was finishing his checks, and even had a couple scoring opportunities this game. Solid game by him as well.
The Rangers next game will be this upcoming Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils at 7:00 PM. Here are tonight's three stars, as well as the recipient of the Broadway Hat.