The New York Rangers scored three goals within a span of 1:17 tonight during the third period, and defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 to spoil their home opener festivities. Saturday’s contest marks the Rangers third of four “openers” as they also visit Montreal on Thursday for the Canadiens’ first home game.TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), MSG (New York)ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (0-1-0): It appeared the Columbus faithful would go home happy after big offseason acquisition Brandon Saad gave Columbus a 2-1 lead with 3:50 remaining. Oscar Lindberg got his second goal in two games, converting from the right side after a turnover created by J.T. Miller. In fact, the whole lineup will be the same, as Henrik Lundqvist does get the nod between the pipes.
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Cory Schneider made 27 saves and Jiri Tlusty scored the Devils’ only goal. As expected, the Blue Jackets came out flying right from the opening faceoff tonight, and started tossing their weight around with a few heavy hits.
“All of our guys are competitors”, said Alain Vigneault, who earned his 100th win as the Rangers’ coach.
“They came out like a team with their hair on fire”, Derek Stepan said.
Those people might feel validated through the Los Angeles Kings’ first two games, as he followed a rough loss to the San Jose Sharks with a true stinker against the Arizona Coyotes on Friday.
Columbus forward Brandon Saad had put the hosts ahead on the power play at 16:10 of the third period after a Ryan McDonagh delay of game penalty.
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Columbus had the Rangers where they wanted them but things unraveled in the defensive end. “We played 57 1/2 minutes of the game”, coach Todd Richards told reporters. “They are a good hockey team and are going to generate their opportunities”. Zuccarello scooped up the loose puck near the crease and flipped a backhand shot past Bobrovsky.
