The Rangers finally broke into the win column, thanks to a four-goal explosion in the final period to dispatch the Canucks in Vancouver on Tuesday. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist, working with no margin for error in the opening two periods, came through with 40 saves.
Rangers Vs. Canucks Score: Henrik Lundqvist’s 40 Saves And A Late Scoring Flurry Result In New York’s First Win
“It was intense,” said Lundqvist, according to NHL.com. “I felt like I tracked the puck very well. It’s been tough not getting any wins in the first couple of games -- we’ve been close. I kind of took that as motivation going into this game.”
Even after two scoreless periods, the Rangers had to figure they'd eventually get past Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo, who entered the game with a .871 save percentage and allowed at least three goals in his first three games. Two and a half minutes into the final period, it finally happened, with Mike Rupp ending the drought with his first goal of the year.
Ryan McDonagh followed several minutes later, with Brian Boyle and Marian Gaborik turning what once was a nail-biter into a full on blow out with goals of their own. The four goals were especially embarrassing for Luongo considering he only saw 19 shots on the night.
“Once we scored a goal, I thought it gave us a little bit of energy, something we’d been lacking,” Rangers coach John Tortorella said. “Henrik gave us an opportunity and we found a way.”
The Rangers, still mired in last place of the Atlantic Division, improved to 1-1-2, while the Canucks fell to 2-3-1.
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