New York Rangers Blow Late Lead, Fall to Vegas Golden Knights in Overtime
The New York Rangers continued their struggling home record this season, losing 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime. The Blueshirts have now played five sets of back-to-back games and lost on the second set every time after giving up a tying goal with just seconds left in regulation.
Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere scored two goals for the Rangers, but the team was unable to capitalize on its power play opportunities. Jonathan Quick made 26 saves in his first start since November 22nd but ultimately couldn't hold off the Golden Knights.
The game opened with a goal from Brett Howden, who took advantage of a turnover by Vladislav Gavrikov and beat Quick's glove for a 1-0 lead. However, the Rangers tied the game at 2-2 on Zibanejad's rebound shot late in the second period. Lafreniere sealed the tie with his seventh goal of the season just over three minutes later.
In overtime, Jack Eichel scored the winning goal on a breakaway with eight seconds remaining to send the Golden Knights to victory. The Rangers now have lost five games this season when leading going into the final minute of regulation.
The loss continues a disturbing trend for the Rangers, who have struggled in back-to-back games and at home. They are 3-9-2 at Madison Square Garden and 15-13-3 overall before their upcoming game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The New York Rangers continued their struggling home record this season, losing 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime. The Blueshirts have now played five sets of back-to-back games and lost on the second set every time after giving up a tying goal with just seconds left in regulation.
Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere scored two goals for the Rangers, but the team was unable to capitalize on its power play opportunities. Jonathan Quick made 26 saves in his first start since November 22nd but ultimately couldn't hold off the Golden Knights.
The game opened with a goal from Brett Howden, who took advantage of a turnover by Vladislav Gavrikov and beat Quick's glove for a 1-0 lead. However, the Rangers tied the game at 2-2 on Zibanejad's rebound shot late in the second period. Lafreniere sealed the tie with his seventh goal of the season just over three minutes later.
In overtime, Jack Eichel scored the winning goal on a breakaway with eight seconds remaining to send the Golden Knights to victory. The Rangers now have lost five games this season when leading going into the final minute of regulation.
The loss continues a disturbing trend for the Rangers, who have struggled in back-to-back games and at home. They are 3-9-2 at Madison Square Garden and 15-13-3 overall before their upcoming game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
They just can't seem to get it together! Five games lost when leading going into the final minute of regulation is insane! And let me tell you, I know they're trying hard but their power play game is SO lacking rn... 26 saves from Quick and still they couldn't hold off Vegas. That breakaway goal by Eichel was like a dagger to the heart 
. Madison Square Garden has been a disaster this season for them - it's like they're playing in front of zero fans! Maybe some lineup tweaks or changes to their strategy could turn things around?
. Zibanejad and Lafreniere are killing it, but can't get the power play going? 
. And Quick makes 26 saves, but that just isn't enough. The Rangers' home record is getting out of hand - 3-9-2 at MSG... yikes! 
. And at home, it's getting ridiculous... 3-9-2 is just not acceptable for a team with so much talent 
. They need to make some changes and get their act together before the season is over 
.
! Mika & Alex did ther thang 2 score goals but it wasnt enuf 2 save dem from losin 
, dey need 2 step up ur game ASAP 
! 5 sets of back2back games and dey lost every single one 
️! I feel bad for Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere, they're doin' their best out there but it's just not goin' in their favor 
. The power play is killin' them and it's gettin' frustrating to watch 
in 'em. Jack Eichel's goal was insane tho 
I'm so frustrated with the Rangers right now! 
I mean, Lafreniere and Zibanejad are scoring goals left and right, but the team can't capitalize on anything 
. And that power play is a joke, it's always getting shut down 
. The Golden Knights got lucky, plain and simple 
️.
. And Jack Eichel just torched Quick for that late game winner... how does that happen? 
! Brett Howden got that goal off a turnover and it was all good for like a sec 
!
