Rangers rock ’Canes
Blueshirts win for just second time in eight games
With players up and down the lineup producing multiple points, the Rangers broke through for a confidence-building victory they desperately needed.
Mika Zibanejad had two goals and two assists to help the Rangers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 on Tuesday night.
Pavel Buchnevich and Tony DeAngelo also scored twice for the Rangers. Mats Zuccarello had three assists and Chris Kreider added two as they won for only the second time in eight games.
Henrik Lundqvist made 34 saves for his 444th win, one behind Terry Sawchuk for sixth place on the NHL’s career list.
“I think we played faster, played simpler,” Zibanejad said after tying his career high with four points. “We scored on the power play, took advantage of the chances we had. It was a good response from the guys.”
Saku Mae- nalanen had two goals and Curtis McElhinney stopped 22 shots but the Hurricanes lost for just the second time since the new year.
Zibanejad scored his first goal after McElhinney misread a long carom off the end boards. Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk sent the puck deep from just inside the red line and Kreider controlled it a few feet in front of the goalie. McElhinney misjudged the bounce and came out too far, allowing Zibanejad an easy tap-in opportunity at 12:41 of the first period.
“I don’t think we had enough guys emotionally invested,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Special teams killed us. We needed a little more from some guys. Just didn’t have it tonight.”
Zibanejad scored again when Zuccarello delivered a backhand pass from below the goal line at 14:22 to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead. Kreider got his second assist of the game on the play.
Zuccarello has six points in the past three games.
“You just see a little bit more of a bounce in his step. His personality is back. He is playing with a lot of passion and enthusiasm,” Rangers coach David Quinn said. “Best hockey he’s played since the season started, for sure.”
DeAngelo, skating in his 100th NHL game, opened the scoring when a fluttering wrist shot sailed past McElhinney at 1:16 of the first. Jimmy Vesey and Boo Nieves assisted.
“The big thing when you have a good start and cash in a couple of goals is not to have a letdown,” Lundqvist said. “We continued to push hard and keep our focus. It’s a step for us in becoming a better team.”
DeAngelo scored his fourth of the season at 12:55 of the third to extend the Rangers’ lead to 6-2. Nieves and Vladislav Namestnikov helped set up the goal.
“We have to keep building off this,” Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei said. “One game is not going to change the season.”