Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
The New York Rangers led a 6-2 victory over the Dallas Stars in their first home game since the start of the new year with help from the team’s newest blueshirt, Jayson Megna who made his Rangers debut. Madison Square Garden was the loudest it’s been in a long time with a booming and exciting New York victory.
Center Derek Stepan scored twice during the game. Stepan’s first goal came early in the first period, at 1:56 in the period, with assists from forward Rick Nash and his new linemate Megna. Stepan’s second goal came later in the game when he notched a short-handed goal against Dallas Stars goalie Antti Niemi. These goals were Stepan’s first two goals since he returned from the broken ribs he sustained in November. Stepan’s line, Nash-Stepan-Megna, was hungry, each of the forwards notched at least a goal or assist in the game.
Nash, in his 900th NHL game, got three assists in the victory, assisting Stepan on both goals and Megna on the last goal of the game. Nash would later leave as the Rangers second star of the game while Stepan received first star of the game honors and would later wear the Broadway hat.
As for the third star of the game, it went to newcomer Megna. In New York Rangers debut, Megna assisted Stepan’s second goal and in the third period he scored his first as a blueshirt; the team’s sixth and final goal of the night. In a pass from Nash, Megna shot the puck passed Niemi and rejoiced in the glory of a very impressive debut night.
Megna, who was brought up to the Rangers from the team’s AHL Hartford Wolf Pack to take forward Emerson Etem’s place in the lineup, contributed a good amount to the Rangers win. Megna added a great speed aspect to Stepan and Nash’s play. He played skillfully and speedily as he worked the ice to support his linemates. The work put forth by the forward pushed the line to be the busiest of the night, notching three goals and four assists.
Other Rangers goals came from defenseman Keith Yandle, center Derick Brassard, and forward Viktor Stalberg. These goals plunged the Rangers to a 6-2 win. Dallas scored on a goal in the first period from defenseman John Klingberg and in the third period on a goal from forward Antoine Roussel.
Rangers forward Chris Kreider missed the victory Tuesday night due to a hand injury he sustained in the team’s game against the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. He received the cut on his hand during an on-ice scuffle, while forward Kevin Hayes returned to take his place in the lineup after being a healthy scratch for the team’s last two games. After returning, Hayes had good puck handling and possession and during Yandle’s goal in the first period he kept in front of Niemi to assure a goal was scored.
The Rangers played a strong game, and grabbing a win against a team who sits high in the NHL standings is a big confidence boost given some of the team’s previous performances. A new year, and a seemingly new team dynamic, could push the Rangers right back where they want to be, winning games. The team has been emphasizing how important it is for them to play as a unit and work together for the win, and the dynamic they had when they took the ice on Tuesday night is exactly the image they’ve been looking for.
The Rangers take the ice again on Saturday when they host the Washington Capitals home at the Garden. Fans are expecting to see the team use the same dynamic they used Tuesday night to play a strong game, and hopefully come out on top again.
