Ryan Reaves’ Two Goals help in win over Toronto Maple Leafs
By Jordan Laroche
This highly anticipated matchup between two of the highest-scoring offenses and two of the best goalies in the NHL was no letdown. The New York Rangers came out with a win in what was a very entertaining game that saw slick offense, stellar goaltending as well as some big hits.
The Rangers found themselves in a hole early, being down 3-1 at the end of the first period. Goals from Ilya Mikheyev, Mitch Marner, and Michael Bunting left the Rangers on their heels going into the second period.
Ryan Reaves scored his first of the season, and first as a Ranger, after 33 games with the club. This is just the second multi-goal game of his career, the last coming in 2013.
“You never want to go without scoring.” Said Reaves “I tend to do that a lot in my career. Feels good to get them out of the way, especially in this barn.”
But it wasn’t just Reaves, the whole fourth line made a mark on this game as Greg McKegg and Kevin Rooney had strong games. The line generated five shots on net and were rewarded with extra ice time.
Adam Fox continued his remarkable season as he became the first Ranger since Brian Leetch to reach 40 points in 40 games or less. Fox finished with two goals and one assist which puts him just one point behind Victor Hedman for the league lead in defenseman points.
Despite letting in three goals in the first period, Igor Shesterkin managed to rebound in the second period and made some critical saves down the stretch, including 17 saves in the third period. Shesterkin was stellar on the penalty kill, helping the Rangers kill three of the four penalties they took.
Five unanswered goals for the Rangers in the second and third put the game out of reach for the Leafs who had a disallowed goal late in the third period. The team looked flat during the second period and allowed the Rangers to climb back into the game, taking the win.
Box Score:
1st Period
G: Ilya Mikheyev (6) A: Pierre Engvall (9)
G: Mitch Marner (8) A: William Nylander (21) John Tavares (21)
G: Ryan Reaves (1) A: Greg Mckegg (3) Adam Fox (35)
2nd Period
G: Ryan Reaves (2) A: K’Andre Miller (5) Jacob Trouba (11)
G: Adam Fox (6) A: Ryan Strome (21) Artemi Panarin (29)
3rd Period:
G: Ryan Strome (9) A: Ryan Lindgren (4) Artemi Panarin (30)
G: Chris Kreider (25) A: Jacob Trouba (12) Mika Zibanejad (22)
G: Adam Fox (7) A: Mika Zibanejad (23)