The New York Rangers were just two points away from clinching a postseason spot and they could have achieved that feat if they defeated the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. Unfortunately, that was not the case as Anaheim got the best of New York and won, 6-3, at Honda Center.
Rick Nash opened the scoring for New York, and he now has a goal in four straight games. Unfortunately, Patrick Eaves knotted things up less than three minutes later. Derek Stepan broke the 1-1 tie, until Ryan Kesler made it 2-2 after one. The Ducks broke the 2-2 tie early in the second, but then Brady Skjei scored for the Rangers on his 23rd birthday, and that would be the last goal New York would net as Anaheim completely dominated the rest of the way. Ultimately scoring three goals to take the victory.
This was Henrik Lundqvist’s first game back since March 7th after dealing with a hip strain, and he was expected to be a bit rusty, but nothing of this nature. He is still scheduled to start Tuesday’s game in San Jose despite giving up the five goals, Anaheim’s final goal was scored on an empty net. On the bright side, he did make 28 saves in his first game back.
The Rangers are still two points away from clinching a spot in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. The team is off until Tuesday, but if the Nashville Predators defeat the Islanders on Monday night, New York will make it in.
