Monday, October 31, 2011

Rangers Get First Home Win With 5-2 Victory Over Sharks

After blowing a three goal third period lead against Ottawa on Saturday, the New York Rangers responded with an impressive 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Ryan Callahan led the way with two goals as the Rangers played their most complete game of the season.

The New York Rangers played a very good opening period jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead before surrendering a late goal to end the period 2-1.

Brandon Prust created an early buzz when he dropped the gloves with Ryan Clowe just seven seconds into the game.

After failing to convert on an early power play, the Rangers got on the board when Ryan McDonagh scored on a one-timer from the left faceoff circle at 4:46.  Dan Girardi played it down low to Callahan who showed patience behind the net before finding McDonagh.

The Rangers got another power play chance which Derek Stepan converted a beautiful feed from Brandon Dubinsky at 14:53. Big for Stepan to get on the board with his first goal of the season.

The Sharks got one back with just 2:10 left as Joe Pavelski found a rebound just laying in front. Dan Girardi had to clear the crease on that play and remove Pavelski from the rebound.

The Sharks tied it up midway through the second after the Rangers were trapped in the zone for nearly two minutes. New York got it out but failed to get the pick deep which didn't allow Eminger and Woywitka to get off the ice.  Logan Couture made them pay with a beautiful snipe top shelf.

The Rangers retook the lead when Ryan Callahan scored as time expired on a power play.  Callahan's goal was set up by a beautiful cross ice pass from Christensen.

The Rangers extended the lead 2:42 later when Artem Anisimov joined the party with his first goal of the season on a backhander over Niemi.

Callahan pushed the lead to three with a great effort to score, as he, was going to the ice at 19:12.