New York Rangers extend overseas winning streak by stunning HC Slovan 4-1 -NHL Preseason Update
New York Rangers had another strong run overseas as they blanked HC Slovan, 4-1, at the sold-out Slovnaft Arena in Bratislava, Slovakia, as they play with clubs from foreign leagues being part of the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Compuware Premier Series.
It was Rangers first game in Slovakia after having played two back-to-back matchups in Prague, Czech Republic against Sparta and in Gothenburg, Sweden, against Frolunda HC.
With all that travelling non-stop, it has taken its toll on New York, but they still remain confident and excited for the upcoming days.
"It was pretty exciting and special to come back here and play", said Marian Gaborik, who had an assist on the Rangers first goal. "The atmosphere was unbelievable".
The journey does not stop here. New York Rangers will be flying to Zug in Switzerland Sunday night to play EV Zug in the morning to finish of their 2011 preseason run. It will not end there as well since New York’s first two regular season matchups are scheduled
in Stockholm, Sweden, against Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks on October 7 and 8, respectively.
"It's getting close", Rangers coach, John Tortorella, said.
Ivan Svarny inaugurated the scoring for HC Slovan by potting the first goal during New York’s first penalty of the period. Rangers managed to kill two other power play advantages and remained behind by one at the end of the initial 20 minutes.
"We talked after the first period that that was our morning skate", New York goalie, Henrik Lundqvist said, about his teams’ sluggish performance. "We got going after that".
Mats Zuccarello came up strong for New York during a power play followed by Brian Boyle for his second of the preseason 59 seconds later and Artem Anisimov, shorthanded with less than three minutes remaining to end the period, 3-1.
Ryan McDonagh scored the final goal of the match in favour of New York, midway through the last period of regulation to give the American franchise a three point lead. HC Slovan scrambled to score but could not overpower their North American counterparts.
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