New York Rangers' Kevin Hayes, J.T. Miller Rise in Victory
Feb 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) celebrates scoring a goal with Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers defeated the Nashville Predators Thursday night for their season-high fourth straight win. J.T. Miller scored two goals and Kevin Hayes added 3 assists to help aid the Rangers’ win.
Game Analysis
The New York Rangers hosted the Nashville Predators at home Thursday night. Things started quickly when Michael Grabner and Ryan Ellis collided at the board following the opening face off. Both stayed on the ice following the whistle, but skated off the ice on their own.
It looked as though the Rangers were on their way to several scores in the first period, as all four lines had opportunities in the first period. The teams played scoreless for the first 16 minutes, until Nashville broke the tie on a Cody McCloud goal.
New York went into the first intermission down 1-0, and were down 11-8 in shots on goal despite their solid play.
Second period play started similar to the first, with the Rangers creating chances in close and recording four quick shots. Ryan McDonagh gave the Predators the game’s first power play when he slashed Filip Forsberg in the defensive zone.
The Predators worked quickly to extend their lead on the man advantage. Calle Jarnkrok fired a shot past Lundqvist from the left side to give Nashville a 2-0 lead.
However, the Rangers would score a goal of their own shortly after.
J.T. Miller was the first man in the zone and fed Kevin Hayes in front of the net. Hayes forwarded a pass across the goal crease to Michael Grabner for his 26th goal of the season. New York cut Nashville’s lead to 2-1 with 12:48 left in the second period.
That line continued to cause havoc on the Predators late into the second period. Kevin Hayes made a heads-up neutral zone read to intercept a pass and entered Nashville’s zone. He out waited defenseman and the goaltender and passed to Miller who buried the one time shot to tie the game at 2.
Each team had another power play opportunity before the period ended, but the score remained the same heading into the second intermission. The Predators continued to lead in shots on goal, 19-15.
Unlike the first two periods, play started at a lull in the third period, with Nashville getting the better of the opportunities early. Neither team was gaining any momentum until Chris Kreider broke the tie 6:36 into the period. Nashville challenged whether the play was onside, but the score was upheld to give Kreider his career-high 22nd goal.
Ryan McDonagh added an insurance goal late in the third period, scoring off of a Nashville defenseman’s skate. It was the Rangers’ line of Grabner, Hayes, and Miller that created the opportunity yet again.
Nashville made their best attempt at a late comeback, scoring on the power play with two minutes left in the third period. However, the Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist held the lead to preserve a 4-3 victory at home.
Forward Analysis
Defense Analysis
Goaltending Analysis
Next: Michael Grabner is not Kevin Klein 2.0
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