The Rangers got the secondary they have always needed and Alexander Georgiev stopped 31 shots as Vladislav Namestnikov scored two of New York’s three goals in the final minutes of a 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night. Georgiev has now won three tilts in a row, posting a 1.95 GAA in the contests.
Coach David Quinn had his thoughts on the lively action. “It was a relief for about four minutes because for 56 of them it was a one-goal game, and playoff-type hockey,” Quinn said.
“Seriously, we’re on the thread trying to get into the playoff picture, and they’re there,” he added. “There was a lot at stake especially when you’re this deep into the season.”
Early on in the first period, the Rangers were able to put on a ton of pressure in the offensive zone and it paid off quickly.At 4:09, Newly called up Connor Brickley setup the goal with a chance in front but would not get on the scoresheet. Nevertheless, the puck found Boo Nieves in the high slot, and he sent a wrist shot past Sabres’ goalie Linus Ullmark. 14:03 in, the Rangers doubled up their lead. Namestnikov long snap shot from the blue line was deflected by Jesper Fast at the top of the crease, and the shot slipped past Ullmark.
Only 53 seconds into the second frame,
The Sabres were able to bring the game back within a goal. Jeff Skinner continued upon himan an an an all-star season with his 35th goal of the season. Jason Pominville was able to strip the puck from Marc Staal behind the net and fed a perfect pass out to Jeff Skinner waiting out in front of the net. The one-goal game would be extremely short-lived though as the Rangers responded about a minute later to make the lead 3-1. Pavel Buchnevich shoveled a one-handed pass out to Jimmy Vesey and Vesey forced and the puck over the pad of Linus Ullmark. Then, with just about three minutes remaining, Jeff Skinner struck again. The former Carolina Hurricane corralled the puck in a wide open lane and wired a wrist shot past Georgiev for his second goal of the night.
The Sabres came into the third second period with an all-out attack, sending anything and everything on net. Luckily for New York, Georgiev stood his ground and shut down all 13 shots.
As the time grew shorter cor Buffalo, the Rangers shut down any hope for the home team with Kevin Hayes setting Pavel Buchnevich up with a beautiful pass in front for a spectacular deflection. deflection. Just EIGHT seconds after Buchnevich goal, Vlad Namestnikov forced Linus Ullmark in misplaying the puck and tapped home the loose puck in the crease. It may not have been picture perfect, but Namestnikov Definitely appreciated ending his 23 game goal drought, saying that it was a “huge relief” and “it was nice to see that one go in”. Namestnikov added an empty netter soon after to seal the deal.
Following tonight’s win over the Sabres, the Rangers will have a scheduled off day tomorrow before returning to action on Sunday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
@ChodesAndrew
Andrew Chodes
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