New York, N.Y. — The Rangers fell to the Canadiens 3–2 on Thursday night, ending the Blueshirts’ three-game win streak.
It was a tough task for New York, but also an opportunity for the youth in the lineup to show what they are capable of.
The teams were even through the first few minutes of the game. Montreal managed a few shots, but both teams played steady defensively. The Canadiens held a slight offensive edge, but not by much.
With 12:39 remaining in the first period, the Rangers headed to the power play after Vladislav Gavrikov was the victim of a high stick to the face from Juraj Slafkovsky. It was a prime opportunity for New York, as the penalty was a double minor due to Gavrikov being cut open.
Despite several strong chances, the Rangers were unable to take advantage of the penalty, and the game remained scoreless.
Just after the power play ended, Noah Laba went to the box for hooking, giving Montreal its first opportunity with the man advantage.
The Canadiens were unable to convert on the power play, and the game remained without a goal.
The period ended with neither team able to convert, and the score remained 0–0.
As the second period got underway, both teams continued to search for the opening goal. The game remained evenly contested, with nearly identical shot totals and strong goaltending on both sides.
The first goal came with 15:24 remaining in the period, when Alex Newhook connected on a one-timer past Igor Shesterkin to give Montreal a 1–0 lead.
The Canadiens struck again shortly after. With 13:40 remaining, Cole Caufield fired a shot over Shesterkin’s pad to extend the lead to 2–0.
With 10:48 remaining in the period, Montreal went to its second power play of the game after Will Borgen was called for high-sticking.
Once again, the Canadiens failed to convert, and the score remained 2–0.
Penalties continued as the Rangers went back on the power play following a bench minor against Montreal.
However, neither team could find success with the man advantage, as both power plays came up empty.
After two periods of play, the Canadiens led the Rangers 2–0.
There was no scoring through the first 10 minutes of the third period until Adam Fox found the back of the net, cutting the Canadiens’ lead in half.
The Rangers continued to apply pressure, and at 5:52, the Blueshirts tied the game as Will Cuylle scored from inside the crease to make it 2–2.
Cole Caufield answered late in the third period, scoring his second of the game and 49th of the season to give Montreal a 3–2 lead.
Caufield’s goal ultimately proved to be the difference, as the Rangers fell to the Canadiens despite a valiant effort.
The Rangers’ next game will be on Saturday in the first half of a back-to-back, when they take on the Detroit Red Wings in an afternoon matchup at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
