Rangers Blank Oilers 2-0

The thing about the Edmonton Oilers is that they can’t score.  Their goals per game average of 2.1 is 29^th in a league of 30 teams.   It reminds me of the old Rangers – under John Tortorella who could defend but could not put the puck in the net.   

But – happily – this year’s Rangers are something of an offensive powerhouse.  They are – incredibly – 5^th in the NHL is goals scored with 2.96.  You out that together with what we think Henrik Lundqvist is capable of and this could be a special year. 

Last night – The Rangers did not get the huge opening jump they got against Vancouver the night before.  In fact, they didn’t get a shot on goal until 10:42 of the first period.  But at 16:04 it was Dan Girardi who ended up breaking through.  The Ranger defender threw the puck at the crease from an impossible angle – hoping to feed Mats Zuccarello.   Zuke missed the puck completely, but it caromed off an Olier’s skate and into the net – a lucky goal and – as it turned out – all the Rangers 

would need.

In fact, it was such a flukey goal (Editor – I’m not sure Flukey is a word) (Dave Pucks – I know and I’m using it anyway) that Girardi, despite notching the game winner – was not on of the 3 stars of the game.

But Henrik Lundqvist – with his 5^th shutout of the year (55^th lifetime) made sure the lone Ranger goal stood up.  Of course – the Ranger defense and the lack of Oiler offense were big contributors – Edmonton only managed 16 shots on goal. 

The final goal was by Carl Hagelin, who gained possession of the puck in the game’s final minute – with the Oiler net empty – and used his speed to become the only player on either team in the Edmonton defensive zone.  All alone – Hagelin scored the empty netter at 19:38 of the third to give the Rangers the 2-0 victory.

Loose Pucks:  One more item to note – Brassard had to sit out because he is the 14^th NHL player this year diagnosed with the Mumps. 

Did Special Teams Decide This Game?  Only sort of.  The Rangers killed off two power plays – but failed to score on their only man advantage.

Where We Stand:  The Rangers happy little three game win streak still has them 1 point behind the 3^rd place Capitals in the metro (with a game at hand) but their 32 points currently  has them with the 8^th and final playoff spot in the East.  We’ll take it

Now What?  After 2 games in 2 days – The Rangers get a day off before heading to Calgary to take on the Flames.