Recap: Robertson The Hero In Rangers 4-3 OT Win Over Bruins

Looking to snap another growing losing streak, the New York Rangers hosted the Boston Bruins for another original six matchup that would double as a centennial celebration. 

The big news heading into this one was that Carson Soucy would be held out for roster management purposes as a trade was in the works. It was reported during the game that the return would be a 2026 third round pick. As a result, Urho Vaakanainen would slot back into the lineup in his place. That wouldn’t come as the only change to the Rangers lineup as Matt Rempe would rejoin the lineup, leaving Jonny Brodzinski as the extra skater. Jonathan Quick would get the start in net.

The theme for tonight’s Centennial Celebration was “Legendary Blueshirts“ The Rangers brought out several members of the 94 Cup Champions Team among others with Sam Rosen doing the introductions. 

To cap off the festivities, the Rangers played a video of the late-great John Amirante for the rendition of the national anthem. 

First Period

It was certainly a physical start to the game as both sides were throwing the body around early and often. The Bruins of course were connecting on their hits a bit more effectively then the Rangers wore but generally speaking, it was a better start than the Rangers last outing against the Bruins. Or perhaps it just felt that way given the result of that one. 

Nearing the midway mark of the first, the Bruins had the best chance of the period as Elias Lindholm fired a one timer off a pass from David Pastrnak that Quick was able to shut down. Shortly after, the Rangers won an offensive zone draw and a shot from Urho Vaakanainen took a redirect off the stick of Will Cuylle to find the back of the net, making it a 1-0 game in the Rangers’ favor. 

The lead would be short lived as it wasn’t long before the Bruins were maintaining possession once again. Pastrnak held the puck with poise and made a great pass towards the slot which resulted in Lindholm sneaking the puck past Quick to tie the game up 1-1. 

26 seconds later, a great zone entry from the Zibanejad line resulted in a beautiful pass from Gabe Perreault across the zone to J.T. Miller. Miller let a one timer go that sailed right to the back of the net, regaining the lead 2-1. 

Despite regaining the lead, the Rangers continued to let the Bruins more or less dominate the play. Quick continued to be tested, specifically by Pastrnak as he had to come up with some big saves. In the final seconds of the period, Vladislav Gavrikov ended up in front of the Bruins net and was hit by the puck off a shot from Panarin. This allowed for Alex Steeves to end up on a breakaway as Quick made yet another key save. 

Shots at the end of the opening twenty were 10-7 in the Ranger’s favor. While the Bruins had some of the more noticeable hits, the Rangers were credited with 19, one of which came from Cuylle and left Charlie McAvoy in serious discomfort. 

Second Period

Just over three minutes into the period, an awful defensive zone giveaway from Miller created a scoring chance for the Bruins. Once again, Elias Lindholm found the puck in the slot and was able to beat Quick, tying the game up this time 2-2. 

Two minutes later, the Rangers would get the first power play of the game as Henri Jokiharju was called for holding. The man advantage was almost cut short as Mika Zibanejad was initially called for high sticking. However, upon further review, the contact was made on a follow through from Zibanejad throwing the puck on net, which is not a penalty. 

Shortly after, the Bruins were called for a penalty as McAvoy wrapped his arms around Trocheck, earning him two for holding. This gave the Rangers a brief 5-on-3 advantage but of course came out of it empty handed. Panarin had the best look as he ended up with the puck on a weird angle as Joonas Korpisalo scrambled to get over but the puck hit the side of the net. 

As the teams returned to even strength, the Rangers gave up another goal nearing the midway mark of the period. A skilled play by Morgan Geekie fooled Quick with a sneaky shot which beat him short side to make it 3-2. 

Soon after, the Rangers would take their first penalty of the night as Matt Rempe was called for holding. After a successful kill, the Rangers went back to the power play as Tanner Jeannot was called for hooking. Zibanejad had a fantastic chance to tie the game back up with a one timer but was turned away by Korpisalo as the Bruins fought off the remainder of the man advantage.

That would about do it for the second stanza as the Rangers trailed by one now out-shooting the Bruins 18-17.

Third Period

The Rangers would get anther look with the man advantage about eight minutes into the final period of regulation as McAvoy was called for Interference. Again, they would come up empty handed on the power play as they couldn't find a way to convert.

Back at even strength, Will Borgen would knot things up with close to six minutes to go. A hard shot from the point went through traffic to bring some life into the Garden, tying the game up 3-3.

The Rangers did a good job of picking up their game in the third which resulted in a decision needing to come in overtime. Final shots on goal tally in this one would be 28-24

Overtime

I had jokingly asked on X earlier in the game, "When did Matthew Robertson become the second coming of Raymond Bourque?" He was moving the puck well in the offensive zone early in the game and seemed to be one of the few Rangers doing what he could to generate offense. This continued throughout the game and paid out big time in overtime. With just over a minute to go, Robertson collected the puck in the Rangers zone, led the rush, pulled off a nifty move to take the puck to the net, shot and beat Korpisalo to win the game for the Rangers.

A highlight reel moment for a young player who continues to impress as the season goes on. The Rangers would stick with this one and pick up the extra point in overtime with a 4-3 win. They Rangers are back at it with a back-to-back with the New York Islanders as they'll visit them on Long Island Wednesday before hosting them at the Garden Thursday Night.