Pittsburgh Penguins Show How to Defend a Title

Rangers would grab a 2-1 lead at the 9:15 mark of the third period only to see E. Malkin score on a power play goal thirty one seconds later. Another minute later penguins would strike again to regain the lead and eventually take the win adding an empty net goal.

Rangers rookie Artem Anisimov would score both New York goals last night and finally get the Rangers back on the board in more than two games. More important the goal tied the game at one 13:04 into the second.

Penguins would get on the board early in the first off of Chris Conner's wrist shot, his first of two on the evening. Conner was called up the same day from the minors and put home two big goals for the pens, his second of the night would prove to be the game winner. Crosby assisted on both Conner's goals and continues to kill the Rangers.

With Malkin scoring the tying goal on the power play to make it 2-2, Conner's game winner would be next exactly a minute later. Pascal Dupuis would add an empty net goal for the Penguins and that my friends would add up to another Rangers loss.

Rangers had their chances in the third period with power play opportunities but couldn't convert. A score less night from their star and that adds up to trouble for the Blue Shirts.

Rangers would out shoot the Penguins 30 to 28 on the night and did play well enough to win but not executing on special teams and scoring chances cost them the game. Although the Rangers played better last night then their pervious two games they have not gained a point in any of the their last three.

Three losses to Eastern Conference teams and the Rangers find themselves in the middle of the pack. Tied for sixth put hold the eight seed, teams six though thirteen are separated by only three points. Very very tight, they need to get out of this funk and hopefully it will begin as their next opponents arrive in New York, the last place Hurricanes.

Wednesday night at the Garden, a very big game that I would have to say the Rangers must get points out of. If not a fall for playoff contention will be near.

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