Recap: Rangers Edge Islanders 3-2 in Overtime on Noah Laba’s Game-Winner

It’s the final week of preseason and the New York Rangers still have three games and plenty of decisions ahead of them as they geared up for a rematch with the New York Islanders. While the New York Islanders went into this one with close to a full line up, the Rangers seemed to be using this game as a trial run for third lines with a  surefire fourth line, at least initially. There would be one change closer to game time as Carey Terrance would get a chance with Sam Carrick sitting this one out in precaution to a lower-body injury. 

First Period

It was a fast paced, yet low event start in this one as the Islanders had the only shot on goal through the first five and a half minutes of non-stop hockey. That quickly took a turn as Will Cuylle bounced a simple little back hander off the far pad of David Rittich which set up an easy rebound for Jusso Parssinen to tap home for the first goal of the night, 1-0 Rangers. 

About a minute after the midway mark of the first, Taylor Raddysh caught a fortunate break and ended up on a partial 2-on-0 up close with Brennan Othmann. Raddysh dished it over to Othmann who opted for the quick pass back to Raddysh. Unfortunately, there wasn’t  enough time or space for him to put the puck home. 

Other than that, it was all Islanders for the majority of the opening period. The Rangers were held to just one shot on goal for a large portion of the period that was mainly spent in their end of the ice. Relatively understandable on account of the fact that the Islanders were playing close to a full lineup, but nonetheless, there was plenty of room for improvement heading into the first intermission. Shots on goals were 12-2 in the Islanders favor as Igor Shesterkin was certainly tested. Aside from him, there wasn’t a ton that stood out early in this one. 

Second Period

It would be a rocky start to the second for the Rangers on the Island as just 74 seconds into the period, Matthew Barzal sent a backhanded pass to former friend Anthony Duclair who was cutting hard to the net. He was able to get a shot off that rolled off the blocker of Shesterkin and ended up bouncing in to tie the game up 1-1. 

Just a couple of minutes later, the Rangers were finally able to generate some offensive zone time. Connor Mackey did a good job of keeping the puck in the zone and moved it down low to Cuylle. Cuylle went behind the net and came around with a quick shot that snuck through Rittich to regain the Rangers lead 2-1. Definitely one Rittich would want back and another case for the Rangers to shoot the puck some more seeing as that was just their fourth of the night. 

Despite the go-ahead, the game continued to be all Islanders as they were constantly buzzing around the Rangers’ zone, moving the puck with ease, peppering Shesterkin with plenty of shots on goal. With about six minutes to go in the second, the first penalty of the night was called as the stick of Matt Rempe got tangled up with Barzal earning him two minutes for tripping. 

As time expired on the penalty, Rempe ended up with a breakaway coming out of the penalty box but a tremendous defensive effort from Matthew Schaefer broke up the initial move. Rempe was still able to get a shot off as he regained possession and nearly moved the puck around Rittich. 

Shortly after which, Rempe got a second chance with a slap shot that Rittich was able to turn away. Once play came to a stop, some extracurriculars resulted in Mackey and Cizikas heading to the box for coincidental roughing minors, bringing on two minutes of 4-on-4 hockey. The extra room on the ice wouldn’t result in much as time wound down, wrapping up two periods of play. The Rangers were still being out-shot (22-11) and out-played but they still have that one goal lead, now 2-1. 

Third Period

Dylan Garand would take over goaltending duties to start the third as he was on the hunt for redemption after a brutal last outing. After a back and forth start, Noah Laba broke the stick of Bo Horvat while defending which sent him to the box for slashing. The Islanders maintained possession through the power play and kept it up through the first half of the third as they continued dictate play.

With about eight and a half to go, Tony DeAngelo was able to get a shot through some traffic in transition to beat Garand, tying the game up 2-2. Tough break for Garand who was otherwise, having a much better showing than the last game.

In the final minutes of regulation, Brett Berard took a shift with Rempe and Brodzinski which resulted in tons of net front activity that nearly resulted in a goal for Rempe. For what it's worth, Rempe was at the forefront of some of the Rangers' best scoring chances of the night. That would become the final push of regulation as there wasn't much to write home about in the final three minutes aside from Matthew Robertson and Kyle Palmieri exchanging some notable hits.

Shots at the end of sixty were 31-18 Isles.

Overtime

Parssinen, Cuylle, Schneider began the overtime but it was the second trio that had the big play that ended the game. A strong breakout from the Rangers resulted in Gabe Perreault setting up Noah Laba for a great zone entry and a beautiful little forehand-backhand move to beat Rittich and win the game 3-2.

It can't be overstated, Noah Laba has gone above and beyond to earn a roster spot with this team. Whether or not he does, will be determined by the end of the week.

The Rangers are back at it for their second to last preseason game Thursday Night against the Devils back on home ice.