Hartnett: Rangers Put NHL On Notice Ahead Of LA Showdown
By Sean Hartnett
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The New York Rangers proved they're for real on Wednesday night, defeating the NHL-leading Anaheim Ducks 4-1 at Honda Center.
Everything went to plan for the Blueshirts. They successfully disrupted Anaheim's ability to capitalize in the transition game, expertly defended the big-bodied Ducks in five-man units and are continuing to execute confidently in the offensive zone.
At 22-11-4, the Rangers are now six points behind the Metropolitan Division-leading Pittsburgh Penguins with three games in hand. This is the first time they've won 11 of 12 games since their Stanley Cup-winning season of 1993-94. The Rangers have outscored opponents 44-18 over that span.
Henrik Lundqvist made 24 saves to earn his 19th victory of the season. King Henrik is 10-1-0 with a 1.62 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage over his past 11 games. He's back to Vezina Trophy form.
Look up and down the lineup. Every player is contributing. The Blueshirts are third-best in the league in goals per game at 3.11.
On Thursday night, the Rangers will take the ice at Staples Center for the first time since their Cup run ended last June and the Los Angeles Kings lifted Lord Stanley over their heads. It's going to be a must-watch event. Die-hards better brew up some coffee before another 10:30 p.m. Eastern time face-off.
NASH LEADS THE WAY
All season long, Rick Nash has led the way for the Blueshirts. The 6-foot-4 winger excels in the transition game and continues to be a near unstoppable offensive force. Nash frequently creates transition opportunities through his intelligent defensive positioning and his ability to force turnovers.
This was evident on Nash's goal at 2:32 of the third period. He created a two-on-one opportunity by anticipating a defenseman-to-defenseman pass by the Ducks and stepping up to throw the body. Nash then fought through the check and hustled down ice to join Derick Brassard. Following a Ducks turnover, Kevin Klein fired the puck from the high slot and Nash tipped in his 25th goal of the season.
The sequence was another example of Nash's outstanding two-way aptitude. Nash should be considered an early Selke Trophy candidate and along with being a Hart Trophy candidate near the halfway point. Nash only trails league-leader Tyler Seguin by one goal and has played two fewer games. He could be on his way to another Rocket Richard Trophy season. Nash previously earned the award in 2004.
J.T. THRILLER
With every passing game, J.T. Miller solidifies his place in the Rangers' lineup. Miller played a big role in the game's opening goal at 9:10 of the second period. After carrying the puck across the blue line and into the Ducks' zone, Miller protected the puck along the boards, waited patiently and unleashed a perfect pass to goal-scorer Brassard. He also assisted Dominic Moore's empty netter to complete a two-point night.
Miller has looked the part since his Nov. 28 recall. He's making the most of his 12-to-14 minutes per game by making confident plays in all areas of the ice. Defensive awareness was formerly Miller's biggest weakness. He has greatly improved this aspect of his game.
Fellow youngster Jesper Fast is continuing to look really steady defensively and for a somewhat undersized player, he really loves throwing the body. Miller and Fast are both looking like mainstays in Alain Vigneault's lineup.
ZUCCARELLO SNAPS GOALLESS DROUGHT
Mats Zuccarello snapped a nine-game goalless drought by hammering a slapper past Bryzgalov at 14:27 of the third period. There's a lot of talk of Zuccarello needing to become more of a shoot-first player. Zuccarello tends to occasionally pass up clear shooting opportunities because of his extreme unselfishness.
The pint-sized Norwegian packs a heavy shot and could stand to use it more often. Zuccarello signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract in the offseason. Per terms of the CBA, Zuccarello became eligible to sign an extension on Jan. 1. Zuccarello has collected 11 points in 12 games. He'll have to keep up the production to convince the Rangers to offer him a long-term contract.
Follow Sean on Twitter – @HartnettHockey.
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