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Gm 4: NYR 3 SJ 2, OT, Quinn gets first career win, Rangers win first of yr |
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The Rangers notched their first win if the season, defeating the Sharks 3-2 in overtime, Brady Skjei tallied the game-winner 37 seconds into the extra frame after Brendan Smith scored with 2:39 remaining to the game at one. David Quinn notched his first win as an NHL coach with the victory.
Game recap :
A few thoughts :
1)Skjei - after getting undressed with an inside, outside, ankle-breaking move by Marcus Sorensen shorthanded for the first goal of the game, Skjei rebounded nicely. Even beyond the goal, I thought he played well, seeing a team-high 24:24 of ice time. On the goal, great patince to wait and wait as he admitted he wanted to go to Mats Zuccarello, who was covered and then tripped. Top-shelf, short-side snipe over Aaron Dell's shoulder for the tally.
2) Smith read the play nicely for the tying goal. Good forecheck by him and Jesper Fast to keep the play alive, then a great backhand, no-look dish by Pavel Buchnevich. Smith beat Evander Kane to the slot for the goal.
3) Brett Howden may have had the team's goal of the year, which could last all season, for the Rangers. Backhand shot, between the legs in the slot to beat Dell to tie the game at the time at one, which stood up after a ridiculously long video review. If it takes that long to make a decision, keep the original call from the ice. Quinn rolled out Howden, Zucc and Chris Kreider a lot all night, as Howden has shown he can play in all situations while also winning 61.5% of his draws. If LIbor Hajek pans out, the acquisition of Howden will be even more of a steal for Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller.
Steve Valiquette on Howden :
4) Effort - never gave up and played hard all night, Was outplayed much of the first two periods, but still kept coming and coming. Effort was evident throughout the contest, rewarded late on Smith goal, then Skjei in OT to win it. If they can play like this nightly, the MSG crowd will live with losses because they can see how hard the squad is playing.
5) Henrik Lundqvist - brilliant again. Made 41 saves in the win and now has a .953 save percentage. Two great saves to end the first period. Valiquette said in the post-game San Jose had five odd-man rushes and deflections in the second, yet scored on just one by Joonas Donskoi after the poor read by Tony DeAngelo. Hank gave the team a chance to win and was rewarded by the Smith and Skjei goals.
6) I thought that the Vladislav Namestnikov-Filip Chytil-Vinni Lettieri line had some solid moments as a trio, creating chances and pressuring the Sharks in their own zone. That group could stick together Saturday, though I could see dropping down Vesey or Spooner and moving Lettieri or Nam following their effort tonight.
7) Quinn - stuck to his guns in scratching Kevin Shattenkirk and Neal Pionk. Made solid adjustments after the second to slow down San Jose a bit. Heck of a reaction and smile celebrating the win.
8) Shattenkirk is to get back in the lineup Saturday against the Oilers, who sits? My guess is ADA, who was fairly solid, or Claesson, same as ADA, since I doubt he sits Marc Staal. Smith and Skjei won't sit and Adam McQuaid likely has done enough to stay in the lineup.
9) i understand those that are embracing the tank, but I am sorry, I can't watch a game right now actively rooting for a loss or be upset when they win. Sorry, not in my DNA. Maybe later in the season once it's clear what the end result will be. At this point, still have to hope for wins. Plus please stop with the proposal of deals for elite players, that's not happening now. The team is rebuilding, they are not about to surround future assets for possible UFAs or skaters making a ton of money that are not part of the future.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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