The New York Rangers did everything they had to for two periods Wednesday night. But it was what they did, or didn’t do, in the third period that cost them game four, and likely the series against Washington.
The Rangers blew a three-goal lead in the third period, and had a complete mental breakdown allowing Jason Chimera to bury the game winning goal.
For New York it’s an awful loss to take, and might be too much to overcome. Now the Rangers need to win out, including games five and seven in Washington.
John Tortorella will certainly have his work cut out after this one. He’ll have to figure out how to keep this team upbeat despite taking the toughest loss of the season at the worst possible time.
Henrik Lundqvist, who’s been fantastic this entire season, was great again tonight; and absolutely cannot be blamed for the overtime goal.
After tonight’s overtime goal the Rangers have lost both extra stanza games this series thanks to defensive miscues. That’s not the way you win series, especially when you’re playing the best team in the East.
More when we have it.