New York Rangers Rebound Behind Chris Kreider OT Winner

Feb 2, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) celebrates a goal during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers carried a two-game losing streak into Buffalo Thursday night. Henrik Lundqvist recorded 36 saves and Chris Kreider scored an overtime goal to secure the victory.

Game Action

Coming off a mixed effort against the Blue Jackets Tuesday, the Rangers traveled to Buffalo to face the Sabres.

The first period opened with plenty of speed by both teams, and Lundqvist was forced to prove Tuesday’s loss was behind him early. New York saw their first high-quality opportunity six minutes in when Pavel Buchnevich fired a wide-open shot into Robin Lehner’s pads.

Rick Nash was the star of the period, using his size and speed to cause havoc through the neutral zone and in Buffalo’s goal crease.

The period ended the way it started, scoreless. New York led Buffalo in shots on goal 14-12, despite being shorthanded four minutes in the period.

The Rangers continued to control play at even strength to start the second period. Buffalo gave the Rangers their first power play 4:18 into the second period on a Taylor Fedun tripping call. With Buffalo’s successful kill, the Rangers failed to convert on their last 16 power plays.

Following the power play, the Sabres began to apply sustained pressure in New York’s defensive zone.

Henrik Lundqvist made several difficult saves, including a point-blank shot from Sam Reinhart to keep the game tied at zero.

At 17:50 of the second period Mats Zuccarello scored on a redirection from a Ryan McDonagh blast from the point.

The Rangers took their one goal advantage to the locker room during the second intermission. They also led the game in shots on goal 29-21 at the time.

Third period action played out much differently than that of the first two periods. New York settled in early to defend their lead, while Buffalo tried to force opportunities through the neutral zone.

With the Rangers seeming comfortable sitting back in the defensive zone, Buffalo began to apply pressure. Cody Franson scored the equalizer at 14:29 of the third on an assist from Tyler Ennis. Neither team would score through the end of regulation.

The Rangers earned a power-play in overtime thanks to a Michael Grabner breakaway chance. After failing to score on the power-play, New York entered the Sabres’ zone with numbers.

Mika Zibanejad dropped the puck back to Chris Kreider, who slid it over to J.T. Miller, back to Kreider, and into the back of the net. Another overtime winner for the Rangers, this time on the 20th goal of the season for Chris Kreider. Big win!

Forward Analysis

Defense Analysis

Goaltending Analysis

Next: New York Rangers Score Four in Third Period, Still Lose 6-4 to Columbus