The New York Rangers ended a four-game losing streak in the NHL with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild. Braden Schneider emerged as the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning goal just 1:51 into overtime, sparking euphoria on the Rangers’ bench. The win provided much-needed relief for the team, which had been struggling to find its rhythm in recent matches.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette acknowledged the challenges of the game, particularly after a series of third-period penalties allowed the Wild to tie the score. “I thought it was a really good game,” Laviolette said, per NHL.com.
“It’s unfortunate to have six minutes of penalties in the third period. … But it is what it is. It’s six on the board, so [the game] ended up getting tied up. Big goal by Jonny to respond and put us back up 2-1. Overall, though, just a really good effort. Guys played extremely hard. Got a big win and moving on.” Laviolette added.
Wild’s resilience: Hynes praises team effort
Despite the loss, the Minnesota Wild showed remarkable resilience, tying the game twice with goals from Marcus Johansson and Frederick Gaudreau. Wild head coach John Hynes praised his team’s effort, emphasizing the intensity and attention to detail they displayed during a pivotal moment in the season.
“I think we’re playing extremely hard with strong attention to detail, playing the way you really need to win this time of year,” Hynes said. “These are highly competitive games. Everyone’s kind of jockeying for position. It’s the most intense time of year, probably other than the playoffs. I think our guys have anted up for a while here now.”
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He added, “It was good. I’m glad. Two come-from-behind goals in the third period. Obviously, you’d like to have two points, but at this time of year, every point matters.”
Rangers vs. Wild: A hard-fought battle
The game was an emotional rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing their determination. Vincent Trocheck opened the scoring for the Rangers in the second period, but Johansson tied it for the Wild in the third. Jonny Brodzinski put the Rangers ahead again, only for Gaudreau to level the score once more on a four-minute power play. The resilience displayed by both teams highlighted the intensity of the playoff race in the NHL.
