Redemption in Carolina!

After a disgusting display of hockey on home ice the night before the Rangers played with more urgency in Raleigh. The two points earned them a lone spot in eight place in the wild mix of teams fighting to get into the second season.

The Rangers would trail in this one early on a J. Pitkanen power play goal at the 11:08 mark of the first. The Rangers would get even on a power play goal themselves off of E. Christensen blade assisted from Gaborik and Kotlik.

The Rangers picked up Christensen off of wavier's on DEC. 2nd from Anaheim and he played one of his best games for the Rangers last night in Raleigh.

Period one would end 1-1 even though the Rangers were out shooting the Hurricanes 14-5 and getting better quality chances.

The Rangers would pour more pepper at stingy Canes goalie C. Ward in period two as he said no stopping all 15 shots in his direction. The shots on goal difference in period two was 15-7 and 29-12 overall.

But in period three B. Dubinsky would break on through the C. Ward wall redirecting a M. Gaborik and E. Christensen feed through the legs of C. Ward for a 2-1 Rangers edge with 8:11 remaining.

Rangers would protect that 2-1 lead the rest of the way in a game where the post was their best friend as the Canes hit pipe three times.

The Rangers came out strong in this game following their worst loss of the season in a game they needed in the worst way. Two points earned on the eve of a New Year and a playoff hopes for 2010 as they now own the lone eight seed spot in the standings. With many teams on their tail this was a big win and they will have to continue this into the New Year if they want to be playoff bound.

Next up for the Rangers are the Canes again followed by the Bruins and Stars all on home ice. With a four game consecutive road streak the Rangers need to be able to spark some home cooking and start a streak like this at home.

For New York Rangers Video Recaps http://www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10-dec-jan.htm