The Rangers opened the game a little slow and tentative which led to early pressure from the Kraken. Was this going to be a repeat of the Predator’s game?
About two minutes in, play was stopped by the on ice officials as a few of the lights in one corner appeared to have gone out. Though slightly dimmer, the decision was made to continue play and for the teams to switch ends at the first stoppage after the 10 minute mark of each period.
Seattle got on the score sheet first with a goal by Schultz from the circle at 8:41. Definitely a goal Quick would like back, he had a good look at it but slid too far across the net to make a play on the puck. 1-0
About three minutes, later Lindgren made a smart dump in that drew much of the Kraken defense down low. Though they got to the puck first behind the net, Lafreniere caused a turnover. The puck, and most of the Seattle defense, moved out to Chytil along the boards. Chytil quickly spotted a wide open Panarin on the other side of the ice, passing the puck over to him for a shot up and over the shoulder of Grubauer. 1-1 at 12:15
That goal seemed to really pick the Rangers up and from that point they more or less controlled the pace and overall game. Seeing that Panarin had something going tonight, Laviolette got him extra ice time by sitting Wheeler on a few shifts.
The 2nd period (and the rest of the game) continued with the same lighting issue. This would not hold the Rangers back and at 13:02 Kakko cleaned up a loose rebound in the crease off a hard point shot from Trouba. 2-1
With two minutes left in the period, a nifty exchange began with Lafreniere stealing and then passing the puck from just behind the net back up to Chytil near the circle. Chytil skated and deeked down towards the net before dishing a pass back to Lafreniere, now up in front, who put the puck home. 3-1 at 17:59
The 3rd period would become a bit chippier with the Kraken down 3-1 (but not for long). Miller skated the puck up the ice from his own end into the offensive zone before passing it off to Chytil. Chytil again spotted Panarin, this time centered in traffic, sending him a wish pass that was deflected in the air. Panarin managed to get and steady the puck before wristing it behind Grubauer. This was Panarin’s second of the night and Chytil’s third assist. Miller notched his second assist as well. 4-1 at 5:30
Around the 9 minute mark was the first scuffle. Gourde put a hard hit on Chytil. Fox returned the favor with a shove and then Kreider with a cross check. Gourde and Kreider then quickly ended up on the ice with only a few swings by Gourde. The result was a 10 minute misconduct to Gourde and double roughing minors to both Gourde and Kreider. Gourde’s night was done and he was sent off ice.
Less than two minutes later, Trocheck had a tilt with McCann. They had had words not long before and Trocheck made McCann’s head look like a speed bag
The Kraken continued to play hard and Quick had to make a number of pressured saves in the last six or so minutes to preserve the win and prevent a last minute Chinese fireplace. He finished with 18 saves.
All in all, a good bounce back win and on to Canada and the Calgary Flames.
Rangers Report 2.0 