The New York Rangers took a bit of a risk converting their roster before the trade deadline, but they’re starting to reap the dividends. Saturday, they eliminated the Sabers 2 to 1, in Buffalo.
• Read also: Pyotr Kochetkov: the most entertaining goalie in North America
• Read also: Raw beef liver and heart: Here’s one of the weirdest diets in the NHL
After their snatch victory in a shootout against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, the Blueshirts once again needed extra time to end the debate.
In overtime, Artemi Panarin jumped on a return throw from Adam Fox. In doing so, he reached the 20-goal mark for the sixth time in seven league campaigns.
A certain Patrick Kane was the author of the other success of the Rangers. His pass deflected off Owen Power’s skate before ending up behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Don Granato’s squad headed more shots on net than their opponents, but 32 of their 33 attempts were denied by Igor Shesterkin. The last recipient of the Vézina Trophy reserved his best save for Victor Olofsson, in the third period, while a 1-1 tie persisted.
Only Jeff Skinner pierced his armor, in the middle period, thanks to a violent throw on reception.
The Sabers didn’t pick their moment to get through a tough streak. In the midst of the playoffs, they have suffered defeat in their last four games.
A period without a shot on goal for the Coyotes!
In Denver, the Arizona Coyotes came within a hair’s breadth of upsetting the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena, even though they didn’t direct a shot at the net in the third period.
Cale Makar allowed the “Avs” to breathe a huge sigh of relief by threading the needle in overtime with a superb maneuver. The hosts thus won the duel 3 to 2.
Despite everything, Connor Ingram’s performance between the posts of the “Yotes” was nothing short of spectacular. Left to himself for most of the game, he made 41 saves, including 19 in the third period alone.
The Coyotes held a 2-1 lead, thanks to Clayton Keller and Jack McBain, until halfway through the second period. Captain Nathan MacKinnon leveled the score, in massive attack, using a laser of surgical precision.
The Nova Scotian has had at least one point in his last 16 home games. In the history of the Colorado team, only Joe Sakic (23) has done better, with the Quebec Nordiques.
Denis Malgin also sparkled the red light for Jared Bednar’s troupe.