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The Rangers put forth an awe-inspiring comeback Wednesday night but would  ultimately fall in overtime to the league-best Lightning 4-3. After being down 2-0 and 3-1 in the game, the Rangers tied the game at three in the second frame, but could not get the job done. Jimmy Vesey led the Blueshirts with his second multi-point game in the past three games but  Nikita Kucherov continued his tremendous season and recorded three assists for his 104th point of the season. In addition, newly acquired forward Connor Brickley, who was sent over to New York from Winnipeg at the trade deadline, led the team in hits and recorded over 15 minutes of ice time.

David Quinn and his players were clearly not upset at their hardworking performance against Tampa Bay after the game:


The first period was one the Rangers(and their fans) would like to forget. Although the shots on goal were nearly even, the Blueshirts were lucky to escape with only a two goal deficit. They looked lifeless, weak, and undetermined. Tampa Bay came out strong and pressured Alexander Georgiev often. Only 7:52 in, the Lightning struck–and it was well deserved. Nikita Kucherov delivered a wonderful sauce into the slot and Tyler Johnson made no mistake sending the shot straight upstairs. Shortly after, Tony Cirelli, who is a breakaway specialist for Tampa, skated in all alone but rang the puck off both pipes and out. It wouldn’t bite the Lightning so much though as they would capitalize on the powerplay with five minutes remaining in the period. Initially n the man advantage, All-Star Brayden Point nailed a one timer off the bar and over the netting. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay’s second unit came out and former Ranger Jt Miller finished a rebound out in front to double the Lightning lead.

Nobody knows exactly what David Quinn said to his young team at the intermission, but whatever it was, the Rangers took it to heart. Under a minute into the frame, Mika Zibanejad gave the Boys in blue some life with a nice top shelf off a saucer pass from Jimmy Vesey. Madison Square Garden became increasingly electrified shortly after the goal as a net front scrum led to a old-school scrap between Pavel Buchnevich and Yanni Gourde. The fighting majors ignited another six penalties to come in the period. Even with the momentum in New York’s favor, another former Ranger Dan Girardi scored a weak goal. He sent a very soft shot on goal from the circle but a misplay from Georgiev let the puck glide into the back of the net. At the 3:23 mark, Jimmy Vesey cut the lead in half with an incredible goal in which he featured his brute strength on a partial breakaway.

With the Rangers fans on their feet, Boo Nieves completed the second period comeback with a cheeky goal at 14:24 to tie the game at three.

Let’s not forget to mention that the Rangers nailed  two crossbars of their own n the twenty minutes.

The last period of regulation was played conservatively both teams with few scoring chances and no goals. Only fifteen shots were recorded. The overtime period was thrilling, yet controversial. After Tampa lost control of the puck in the offensive zone after holding it for over a minute, Mika ZIbanejad and Vlad Namestnikov had a great opportunity ona two on one but Vladislav deflection was steered away by Vasilevsky. Vasilevskiy stopped 33 of 36 on the night. The Lightning stomped back down the ice in the final two minutes and Victor HEdman flicked a wrister past Georgiev. 18:00 strong booed for minutes even after the goal due to this missed interference call on Kucherov which would have negated the goal and given the RAngers a great chance to seal the deal on a 4 on 3 powerplay.

Following tonight’s devastating loss to Tampa Bay in overtime, the Rangers will have a day off tomorrow before returning to action on Friday night against the Habs.

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By Andrew Chodes

Andrew Chodes Back in 2012, I started to become a big fan of the rangers. Ever since Adam Henrique scored the goal we know and love to forget, I became a die-hard fanatic. I’ve witnessed some unbelievable moments along with some heartbreaking ones throughout the years, but my love for the Blueshirts will never die. Recently, I have partaken in some classes at Hofstra University to hopefully propel me to become a sports journalist or broadcaster when I become older. With being so dedicated to the Rangers, joining BSN is a big step in my dream of working in this field. LGR

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