NEW YORK, N.Y. — The New York Rangers defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.
It was the return of Vincent Trocheck to Madison Square Garden after being traded to Utah in the offseason for a package that included Sean Durzi, prospect Cole Beaudoin and a 2027 third-round pick.
The Rangers took the first penalty of the game at 3:31 of the first period as Marcus Pettersson went to the box for interference. The Rangers’ penalty kill has been very good in the young season, and they kept that trend going once again as they were able to keep the game scoreless.
The Blueshirts had a few solid chances after the Utah power play ended, peppering Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka with shots. During a stoppage in play, the Garden faithful saluted Trocheck as a video package played honoring the former Ranger.
After the break, Utah defenseman Mackenzie Weegar was called for tripping at 10:39, giving the Rangers their first power play of the game.
The Rangers were not able to convert on the power play and gave up an odd-man rush going the other way. Luckily, Adam Fox was able to make his way back and interrupt the pass across, a play New York probably didn’t execute in previous years.
With 4:26 remaining in the period, Andrew Peeke ripped a shot from just over the blue line, but a big glove save by Igor Shesterkin ignited a loud “I-GOR!” chant from the crowd.
At 17:18, the Rangers were able to score first as Vladislav Gavrikov ripped a long wrist shot from the blue line past Karel Vejmelka to give New York a 1-0 lead.
After a scrum off the draw, Will Cuylle and Barrett Hayton were both called for roughing. Shortly after, the Rangers went back on the power play as a cross-checking penalty was called on Utah’s Nick Schmaltz. The Rangers were unable to score in the period, but three seconds would carry over into the second period.
After one, the Rangers led the Mammoth 1-0.
With 15:32 left in the second period, Mackenzie Weegar was called for interference, giving New York its third chance on the power play.
The Rangers had a few good chances with the man advantage but were unable to score despite a flurry of shots on goal.
With 5:59 remaining in the second period, a load of penalties was dished out. Will Cuylle was handed two penalties, boarding and roughing, while Mikhail Sergachev was handed a penalty for cross-checking.
Utah went on the power play, and Nick Schmaltz scored with the man advantage to tie the game 1-1.
The score remained tied heading into the third period.
At 1:03 of the third period, it got a little scrappy as Will Cuylle and Jack McBain dropped the gloves, with both tumbling to the ice.
At 3:15 of the period, the Rangers had an odd-man rush as Mika Zibanejad sauced the puck across to Alexis Lafrenière. Vejmelka made the save, but Perreault came racing in as the trailer and blasted the rebound into the net to give New York a 2-1 lead.
With 7:11 remaining in the period, Vladislav Gavrikov threw the puck into a crowded crease. The puck hit off the skate of J.T. Miller giving New York a 3-1 lead.
Shortly after, Utah answered at 14:57 as Andrew Peeke scored to cut the lead to 3-2.
Eeli Tolvanen scored an empty-net goal to seal it, and the Rangers won 4-2.
The Rangers’ next game will be on Tuesday against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
