For the first time, instead of haunting the Blueshirts, Ranger newcomer Chris Drury helped the Rangers to a 5-2 victory with a goal (game winner) and two assists.
For most of the game, the Rangers were rather quiet. After they once again scored on the first shot of their season, this time on a goal by defenseman Michal Rozsival, they appeared to be out of sync.
The team missed passes, hardly took any shots and were actually getting heavily outplayed by the Panthers, who held a 2-1 lead after two as well as a 21-9 shot advantage.
The third period was a different story as the Rangers found their game and fired four goals past a bewildered Tomas Vokoun. Petr Prucha got the rally started taking a feed from Marek Malik (three assists) and trickled a shot past Vokoun to tie the game.
Two minutes later, Chris Drury picked up the game winning goal off a Jaromir Jagr rebound. Twelve seconds later, Ryan Callahan gave the team a 4-2 lead and just like that, the Panthers were out of it after holding their own during the first two periods.
Straka would add the team's fifth goal to close out the scoring as the Rangers went on to capture their first victory of the season.
News 'n' Notes
- Certainly a great way for Drury to start his tenure with the Rangers. He went hard to the net, moved the puck well and more importantly, looked comfortable playing with Jagr. Let's see what else can develop with the Jagr-Drury-Straka line.
- Yes, the Avery-Shanahan-Gomez line was quiet tonight but give them time. Remember, it is only the first game of the season.
- The team should thank Henrik for keeping it a one goal game after two periods. He had 19 saves through two periods and allowed the Rangers to get back into the game in the third period.
- So, how about Marek Malik? Gives up the puck a few times and yet, still manages to find a way to pick up three assists? If he could limit the amount of stupid passes he makes, he will do just fine, just like he did two seasons ago.
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