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Game 31: NYR 6 SJ 3, Panarin/Zibanejad lead the way in big third period |
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The Rangers rode a dominant third period to a 6-3 win over the Sharks. Artemi Panarin notched his first hat trick as a Ranger while Mika Zibanejad tallied twice, both players scoring a pair in the third stanza. New York - 7-3-1- in their last 11 games - closes out their four-game West Coast trip in Anaheim at 4pm local time Saturday.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) Panarin - superstar. If you can be underpaid at $11.6 mil, he might be. better defensively than we expected. Can play any type of game. Stepped up to score big goals last night, completing the hat trick with an empty netter, showing he can play in tight situations late.
2) Zib - still not back to where he was last night, but getting there. His first goal was due to a tremendous screen by Chris Kreider in front of Martin Jones, who wasn't very good last night. Zib's second should have been stopped but a good shot nonetheless. When he really starts to get rolling, the offense will follow.
3) Defense - much better last night. After allowing 16 shots in the first two periods, New York allowed just two in the third, taking 10 shots on their own. The Rangers controlled the final stanza.
4) Resilience and response - after blowing a 2-1 lead in the second and falling behind 3-2 on Brendan Dillon's first goal in 107 games, the Rangers rallied. San Jose upped the physical quotient in their game and New York responded in kind. First, by matching that style of play. Second, by upping their compete and skill level, taking control of the game.
5) Alexandar Georgiev - not spectacular but solid. Made the key saves when needed. Allowed three goals on the 18 shots but wasn't under siege, as he has been in the past.
6) Filip Chytil - what a move.
7) Vitali Kravtsov - officially, official coming back to New York.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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