FINAL: New York Rangers 6, Vancouver Canucks 4
The Canucks jumped on the board first with an early goal against the reigning Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s best goalie, Igor Shesterkin.
The lead didn’t last. Fifty-nine seconds later, Mike Zibanejad tallied for the Rangers, followed by Artemi Panarin 1:12 after that. So quickly it became 2-1 Blueshirts.
Welcome to Vancouver Arturs Silovs. The 21-year-old Latvian goalie prospect, having played 35 matches with the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League this season, got the call up and his first ever NHL start with Collin Delia backing him up.
In case you’re wondering, franchise number-one goalie Thatcher Demko is supposed to finally be back after an almost three month absence and dress as the back-up on Saturday at home against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Canucks would tie the game up on the power play before the 1st period was over.
Unfortunately for the Rogers Arena faithful, the Rangers would untie it on another goal by Panarin on a deflection. The goal was originally credited to defenceman Niko Mikkola, who came over from the St. Louis Blues last week in the deal for Vladi Tarasenko.
Canucks Goal Scorers:
1st Period
1-0 Canucks – Even Strength – Curtis Lazar (3) from Dakota Joshua and Quinn Hughes, 4:52
Apparently a laser rebound shot from Joshua in the slot hit Lazar on its way through traffic in front.
2-2 Tie – Power Play – J.T. Miller (19) from Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, 12:45
Miller ripped a one-timer from the right wing circle.
2nd Period
4-3 Rangers – Even Strength – Conor Garland (11) from Andrei Kuzmenko and Sheldon Dries, 9:26
After creating the turnover in the Rangers end, Garland headed to the net and chipped home a backhander.
3rd Period
5-4 Rangers – Even Strength – Andrei Kuzmenko (23) from Elias Pettersson and Anthony Beauvillier, 8:51
On a simple 3-on-3 rush, “Koozy” stepped into the high slot and ripped one glove-side.
— The Rangers picked up an empty net goal for the final margin. The Canucks outshot the Rangers 29-28. Power plays: New York 0-for-1, Vancouver 1-for-2.
— The Canucks fell to 3-5-and-1 under new head coach Rick Tocchet.
— The Canucks get two days off from games before hosting the Philadelphia Flyers and former Vancouver head coach John Tortorella (2013-’14) on Saturday night.
