Rangers Vs. Lightning: Rangers Suffer Disappointing Overtime Loss After Late Surge
The New York Rangers took a tough loss tonight as they dropped to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-3 in overtime, after a late surge. Brandon Dubinsky got the tying goal with just under four minutes to play, and got the Rangers at least a point in this game. Unfortunately, Henrik Lundqvist wasn't able to get a win on his 30th birthday, but he played his heart out once again.
After a sluggish start to the game, the Rangers were able to grab a 1-0 lead just ten minutes into the game. Artem Anisimov made a great play to corral the puck, and ripped it on net to beat Mathieu Garon under the arm. The Lightning were able to amp up the pressure again late in the period, but the Rangers and Lundqvist were able to hold them off to secure the lead.
Just about a minute into the second period, the Lightning took two quick penalties which would eventually send the Rangers to a 5-on-3. They were able to gain to zone on the Lightning, or get any good chances early on the power play. Finally, John Tortorella decided to take his timeout with about 30 seconds remaining on the power play.
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The timeout surely put some fire under the Rangers as Marian Gaborik would eventually snipe Garon to put the Rangers up 2-0. Derek Stepan and Brad Richards worked a nice little passing play which found it's way out to Gaborik who smoked it.
Five minutes later, Tom Pyatt was able to get the Lightning on the boards after he found a loose puck behind Henrik Lundqvist. Once again, the Lightning got some momentum near the end of the second period, but once again the Rangers were able to keep them off the board to end the period.
Teddy Purcell would eventually tie the game for the Lightning just three minutes in the final period of play. Shortly after, Steven Stamkos would put the Lightning ahead for the first time this game, and the Rangers looked out of it at this point.
However, after starting the game on the fourth line, Brandon Dubinsky was able to come up the ice and absolutely snipe Garon with just under four minutes to play. The Rangers would eventually get a point out of this game as it would need to be decided in overtime. However, Ryan Malone would eventually give the Lightning the victory with a quick wrist shot that beat Henrik Lundqvist far side.
The Rangers will be back at it again, Sunday afternoon where they face-off against the second place Boston Bruins.