The Rangers closed out 2018 in fine fashion, defeating the Blues 2-1. Henrik Lundqvist was a beast throughout the contest, stopping 39 shots, including several at point blank range, especially down the stretch. The defense actually didn't play poorly, despite getting pinned in their zone much of the second and third periods.
New York started and ended 2018 in winning fashion, defeating Buffalo in overtime at the Winter Classic and then this evening in St. Louis.
2018 Started and ended with #NYR wins! pic.twitter.com/fzt86Uqn9n
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 1, 2019
Game recap:
David Quinn Post-Game:
Hear from #NYR Coach Quinn after the Rangers hold on for the win against the Blues. pic.twitter.com/rPTxgfKsLX
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 1, 2019
Lines: Kreider-Zibanejad-Fast Namestnikov-Hayes-Zuccarello Nieves-Howden-Buchnevich McLeod-Strome-Vesey
Skjei-McQuaid Staal-Pionk DeAngelo-Shattenkirk
Lundqvist.
A few thoughts:
1) Power play - tallied once in three chances. Decent puck movement, okay player movement, but on the goal, you can see how the five forwards have the capacity to pressure the puck. Brilliant pass from Kreider to Zuccarello for the goal, his first since October 30.
MATS ZUCCARELLO WIRES HOME CHRIS KREIDER'S DISH!#NYR pic.twitter.com/0VVHBMykzW
— Hockey Daily (@HockeyDaily365) January 1, 2019
2) Lundqvist - the first, second and third star, Robbed Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz from right in front. Defense mainly gave him clear looks, which helped, but he was a beast. St. Louis outshot New York 31-8 in the final two frames, Lundqvist was the reason why New York was able to rally from a 1-0 deficit and earn the win.
Steve Valiquette:
“The Blues have the blues!…@BillPidto, @VallysView & @AnsonCarterLA look at how Henrik Lundqvist inspired the #NYR to a huge win in St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/4nMWunESJq
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) January 1, 2019
Some late saves:
HENRIK LUNDQVIST MAKES A FEW MASSIVE STOPS IN TIGHT TO MAINTAIN THE RANGERS LATE LEAD!#NYR pic.twitter.com/yP8vF5M76O
— Hockey Daily (@HockeyDaily365) January 1, 2019
Post-Game:
After making 39 saves Henrik talks about the big #NYR win in St. Louis to close out 2018. pic.twitter.com/ApnSQMgXLU
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 1, 2019
3) Boo Nieves - great read on the goal. Picked up the puck at the blue line, found open space, created additional room and was able to beat Jake Allen on the backhand for his second goal in three games. Cody McLeod provided traffic in front, but Nieves, who was scratched last week, made the play.
HAPPY BOO YEAR! Nieves with the game winner for #NYR to close out 2018 with 2 straight wins! pic.twitter.com/U76e7X5pdt
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 1, 2019
Boo with the backhand! #NYR take the lead! pic.twitter.com/ch6TEI76op
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) January 1, 2019
World Juniors:
Nils Lundkvist - tallied a goal in Sweden's 4-1 over Kazakhstan
.@NYRangers prospect Nils Lundkvist gives @Trekronorse a 3-0 lead over Kazakhstan at the @iihf_wjc #LGR #NYR pic.twitter.com/SmDxtBJBQS
— Zak (@Zak4B) January 1, 2019
Vitali Kravtsov - sublime dish to Gregori Denisenko for the PPG, second straight game with a similar connection, in Team Russia's 2-1 win over Canada. His vision and skills have been on display through the first round of the tournament. Kravtsov's passing ability is even better than first thought.
Vitali Kravtsov (@NYRangers #9 in 2018 // Traktor) sauces an absolutely GORGEOUS pass over to Grigori Denisenko (@FLAPanthers #15 in 2018 // @hc_lada) who slams one home to tie it up!#RUS 🇷🇺 1 - 1 🇨🇦 #CAN pic.twitter.com/zUu3MKk4HS
— Hockey Daily (@HockeyDaily365) January 1, 2019
K’Andre Miller joined Jack Hughes in the press box for Team USA’s 4–1 win over Finland, clinching the team a berth in the quarterfinals.