First Period:
- Ryan O’Reilly (11) Assists: Liam Foudy (3), Philip Tomasino (7)
- Roman Josi (5) (Power Play) Assists: Gustav Nyquist (14), Ryan O’Reilly (10)
Second Period:
- Jacob Trouba (2) Assists: Vincent Trocheck (13), Jonny Brodzinski (1)
- Colton Sissons (7) (Shorthanded) Assists: Yakov Trenin (2)
- Chris Kreider (14) Assists: Vincent Trocheck (14), Adam Fox (9)
- Vincent Trocheck (6) (Power Play) Assists: Mika Zibanejad (12), Adam Fox (10)
Third Period:
- Ryan Lindgren (1) Assists: Adam Fox (11), Jonny Brodzinski (2)
Stats:
Adam Rotter:
- This was an ugly win for the Rangers. They had a terrible first period, started to find their game in the second period, got the game tied up and scored the winner off a skate. They turned the puck over a bunch and gave Nashville a bunch of chances, including a few very late, but they found a way to win.
- It’s a hard working team, everyone has bought in and they believe they are never out of a game. They have shown time and a again this season that they can win in different ways and in different types of games and this was another. Nashville gave the Rangers trouble, like they did in the first meeting, but they managed to chip away and then cash in on the PP.
- It sort of felt like Igor Shesterkin decided that the Rangers weren’t going to win if Nashville scored a fourth goal and he didn’t allow it. He was strong, especially in the third period, and gave the Rangers a chance to win and they did.
- It was an interesting change to see Mika Zibanejad go between Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, Vincent Trocheck with Chris Kreider and Jonny Brodzinski and Blake Wheeler being shifted to the third line. I’m not sure if those lines will stick for tomorrow, but it’s pretty notable when Peter Laviolette changes the lines. Their success hasn’t necessitated many line changes, except the Wheeler and Kaapo Kakko and where injuries forced them, and it’s a very stark contrast to the last few years where the lines were being shifted constantly.
- Vincent Trocheck has turned into one of the better second-line centers in the league. He’s noticeable every time he’s on the ice, is making plays, going to the net, scoring, and winning faceoffs at an insane clip. He had 64 points last season, but he just looks like he has gone up a level or two in his second season with the Rangers.
- David Quinn returns to MSG tomorrow evening with the Sharks.