The New York Rangers extended their winning
streak to five with a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. Marian Gaborik had two goals, Derek Stepan
had a goal and two assists, and Anisimov was credited for two assists. While Gaborik and Stepan will draw most of
the headlines it was Anisimov who was the critical piece to all three goals the
line generated.
The Senators took the lead 8:39 into the
second period Milan Michalek converted on a 3-on-2 with a beautiful shot over
Lundqvist shoulder. The Rangers
responded with the tying goal just 42 seconds later when Stepan found Gaborik
for the practically open net. Michael
Sauer started the play with a strong play in the neutral zone and then Artem
Anisimov’s hustle on the forecheck caused a turnover by Sergei Gonchar to
Stepan.
Stepan would give the Rangers the lead 2:17
later when his pressure on David Runblad led to a chance for Anisimov. After Anderson stopped Anisimov, Stepan slid
the loose puck in on the backhand.
Gaborik picked up his second of the game 8:30
into the third with a beautiful shot over Anderson’s shoulder. Once again it was Anisimov making the smart
play defensively that ultimately created the offensive chance. The goal gave the Rangers a cushion they
would need as Nick Foligno scored to cut it to 3-2 with 10:12 left.
- Overall the Rangers were outplayed, but when you have a line going like the top line was tonight, and has been, you can steal these types of games.
