NHL Update – New York Rangers win 5-4 on shootout against the Ottawa Senators
One of the most exciting matches of ice hockey took place this Friday, 1st October 2010 in the 82nd game of the NHL preseason. The match took place in Madison Square Garden, as the New York Rangers were up against the Ottawa Senators
in front of a capacity 15,000 crowd. The game was balanced throughout until the time when the Rangers won the shootout.
First period
During the course of the first period, neither of the teams was able to come up with something extraordinary. The defence that both teams were able to form, was one of the main reasons that the period was goalless. Without much to do for the keepers, the
backline stayed on their toes to cut down ant play that might result in a goal for the opposition.
Ottawa Senators, on the other hand, were looking to contain rather than to attack. Though they shifted gears in the middle part of the period, it was of no use as they couldn’t break past the backline. The defence dominated period saw both teams managing
to take hold of the possession at the right time. As for the offences, everything seemed to go completely wrong.
Both teams were losing the puck just at the crucial moment. This resulted in them not scoring and the defences’ confidence to such an extent that during the last part of the period almost no goal attempts were observed.
With the period ending goalless, the Ottawa Senators made 5 goal attempts and the New Jersey Ranger made 5 shots. But neither of the team was able to break the deadlock.
Second period
The second period was very productive in terms of goals, if it is compared with the first period. This time the Ottawa Senators were able to dominate. The team talk seemed to be working as the Senator’s passing and shooting seemed flawless.
Unfortunately for the Ottawa Senators, the New York Rangers scored in the 11th minute, when Brian Boyle scored shot from 50 feet. This put the home team in the lead as the fans cheered jubilantly.
The home fans cherished team was able to score once more and established a 2 goal lead in the 16th minute, when Derek Stephan scored from 12 feet. Taking the score to 2-0 the Rangers were looking a comfortable position.
Though after taking the lead the Rangers were able to come up with a good and tight defence, but a little lapse of concentration gave the Senators a chance to score. They didn’t let it go and scored in the 20th minute to pull one goal back with
the score on 1-2. The goal scorer was one of the talented players in the squad, Jason Spezza.
At the end of the period, the Senators had massive 17 chances to score but only scored once. The New York Rangers had 10 chances and also scored twice.
Third period
When play began, the Ottawa Senators scored as early as the 40th second through Erik Karlsson. This levelled the match with 2 goals apiece.
But the New York Rangers managed to score once again, and stun the home fans when they scored in the 6th minute. The goal was again scored by none other than Jason Spezza.
The New York Rangers didn’t let the Ottawa Senators enjoy the lead for long and scored as with their second shot after the restart through Derek Boogard. This once again gave the levelled the score at 3-3.
Senators didn’t back down from the offence even though a goal was scored against them. They managed to come up with some decent attempts and scored in the 12th minute. The goal scorer was Chris Campoli.
The to and fro swing of the match continued and the New York Rangers were able to level the score once again in the 17th minute through Mark Staal. The period ended with the score on 4-4, and when the game went overtime, at the end it remained
the same.
However, after the shootout the New York Rangers emerged victorious winning the game 5-4.
Ottawa coach Cory Clouston wasn't unhappy with what he saw from his team."I liked our game," he said. "We got down 2-0 on the road, and I thought we did a lot of good things. We got a lot of opportunities, a lot of puck possession. They forced us to play
hard, and I thought our guys responded well."
Stepan scored for the second game in a row, “I am happy with what I have done," he said. "I have put my best foot forward. Whatever happens, happens. I know I gave it everything I had. We will see from there."
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