In a game full of emotions and unexpected twists, the Anaheim Ducks pulled off an impressive comeback to beat the New York Rangers 5-4 in overtime. The night featured a stellar performance from Mason McTavish, who sealed the win with a decisive goal 59 seconds into extra time.
Leo Carlsson shone with a goal and three assists, while Olen Zellweger and Cutter Gauthier each contributed a goal and an assist. Lukas Dostal made 26 crucial saves for the Ducks (32-32-8), who showed remarkable tenacity by scoring twice in the final six minutes of regulation to force overtime.
On the other hand, J.T. Miller, Alexis Lafrenière, and Adam Fox each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (34-32-7), with Artemi Panarin adding two assists and Igor Shesterkin making 28 saves. However, the Rangers suffered their fifth loss in six games, deepening their struggles.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette expressed his frustration after the game, stating, “We made mistakes, and the mistakes ended up in the back of our net,“ according to NHL.com.
McTavish’s game-winning goal, a deflection of a pass from Jackson LaCombe, capped a comeback that began with a goal from Gauthier, who capitalized on a rebound from Carlsson to cut the deficit to 4-3. Shortly after, Zellweger tied the game with a precise shot from the right circle, just after the Ducks had killed a penalty. “We were in charge of the game going into the third period, twice,” Laviolette said. “We don’t execute and get it done, so that’s disappointing. As disappointing as it gets.“
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The ineffectiveness of the Rangers
The game was marked by the Rangers’ struggles on the power play, as they failed to capitalize on a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:36 in the third period. “Our [power play] unit basically gave them the game tonight,“ Miller said. “They scored, basically, twice against us.” This proved to be a turning point in Anaheim’s comeback, as the Rangers’ inability to convert their opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
What’s next for the Rangers?
The loss leaves the Rangers in a precarious position in their playoff fight. A lack of consistency and defensive lapses continue to hurt them at a crucial time in the season.
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The Ducks, on the other hand, showed impressive resilience, pulling off a comeback that could boost their morale for the remainder of the season. With the Eastern Conference playoff race tightening, every game becomes increasingly vital for the NHL teams involved.
