The New York Rangers got the best of the San Jose Sharks on their last night in the Empire State. Scoring in each period, the Rangers broke out of their mini-slump and sent the San Jose Sharks home with their second straight loss.
In an attempt to jump start their team, the Rangers sat Henrik Lundqvist and started back-up goaltender, Antti Raanta. After a day off against the Islanders, Martin Jones was back in net for the Sharks. Jones, who prior to this start could do no wrong, allowed four goals on 28 shots. Jones wasn’t helped very much (at all) by the Sharks offense, which struggled with turnovers and throughout the game. Sharks managed a total of 22 shots, all of which were stopped by Raanta.
San Jose has been presented with some obstacles early on with injuries to key players like alternate captain Logan Couture (who was placed on the IR with a broken leg until December at the earliest) and defenseman Paul Martin. Unless you’re an older team like the Boston Bruins, you don’t really come into the season expecting injuries, but they happen, and the Sharks are going to need to adjust to these losses. It was evident against the Rangers that San Jose “was not all there;” (that is, the physical absence of some of their players, but if you want it to be metaphorical too, go for it.)
The Sharks didn’t put one past Raanta, but New York tallied four against San Jose. So in case you missed it or relive it, here are the Rangers four goals.
Marc Staal from Derick Brassard and Jesper Fast (1st period):
Another look at Staal’s goal! #LGR pic.twitter.com/FKzjJB9snS
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 19, 2015
Mats Zuccarello from Rick Nash and Dan Boyle (2nd period):
Zuc with the shot, Nash with the screen. @NYRangers lead 2-0 after 2. #SJSvsNYR https://t.co/Z5sjgrObuP
— NHL (@NHL) October 20, 2015
Jesper Fast hustles to score on a long pass from Chris Kreider and Keith Yandle:
Fast times at MSG! #LGR pic.twitter.com/2QWgKH4yxc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 20, 2015
Victor Stalberg from Marc Staal:
Congrats @VStalberg on your first #NYR goal!! pic.twitter.com/6J75906MA9
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 20, 2015
The Sharks return to home ice Thursday to take on Pacific Division rivals the Los Angeles Kings. That’s sure to be high energy match-up, and with a few days of well-earned and much-needed rest, I’m sure the Sharks will be up to the challenge.
Sharks Goal (Assists): None today. Come back later.
Sharks Saves: Martin Jones – 24
[Fancy Stats] – [Rangers Reaction] – [Event Summary] – [PBP Log] – [TOI Log] – [Faceoff Report]
Fear the Fin Three Stars
1. Antti Raanta
2. Mats Zuccarello
3. Marc Staal
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