The New York Rangers stumbled to a 4-3 loss last night in Toronto. In a measuring stick game, the Blueshirts failed to measure up. In a game hampered by their own mental mistakes, the Rangers squandered a opportunity to move up in the standings. In what has become a on again off again season, the Rangers did their part to ensure this was a off night.
Unwilling to match the Maple leaf’s intensity over the first forty minutes, the Rangers dug themselves 3-1 hole after two periods. Showing character in the third, Rick Nash and Derek Stepan scored to tie the game at three. Thirty-nine seconds later Phil Kessell took advantage of a total defensive breakdown to find himself in all alone on Henrik Lundqvist. His resulting goal sealed the deal and sent the Rangers on their way pointless.
The teams meet again Wednesday night in New York in what is a must on game for the Rangers.
PIT
CBJ
NJD