Del Zotto penalty leads Rangers to defeat

Two teams looking for the playoffs, two teams needing points, two teams from different conferences, and the road team leaves with two points. After a game in which Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played a ridiculous game against their arch-rivals, the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist would play just as well in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.

The problem with this game was that Gaborik, minus the Rangers, ran into a brick wall with the name of Dan Ellis and a rookie defenseman letting his emotions get the best of him.

The Rangers would fall into a 1-0 hole at the 17:45 mark of the first when Jordin Tootoo would find the back of the net and take the goal lead in the second. Vinny Prospal would even the game at one in the second he would push home when Jokinen was credited for the assist.

After Rangers tied the game at one, Del Zotto would commit a hook penalty that he disagreed with and advise the referee. His comments about the call result in an unsportsmanlike penalty and double minor for Rangers. As the Rangers did a great job killing the penalty kick, the Predators were able to connect on the second penalty kick to build a 2-1 lead.

Del Zotto came slowly out of the penalty area returning to the bench and knew his coach would have words for him, as can be seen from Tortorella’s anger, he gave Del Zotto a full ear and benched him for the remainder of the period though opened it from the beginning. in the third Then, Tortorella would say that Del Zotto has been one of his best defenders this season, plus the Rangers needed his offensive ability to score a goal in the third.

Well, the Rangers came out strong in the final session launching a barrage of shots at Predators net keeper Dan Ellis, equalizing 18, but they couldn’t find the back of the net on any of those opportunities. Another defeat by a goal for the Blue Shirts, in games I have to say that they have played well. But since these games go by fast, the Rangers need to find a way to score points.

Rangers’ last four games have been lost by one goal. The Rangers could have easily found a way to win some of those games, but mistakes lead to losses in a tight playoff hunt with all teams fighting to improve their position or get in.

The Rangers are still on the outside looking in with two more games to go before the Olympic hiatus. Next up is the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, ruff one. They then ended up in the Garden on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a very important game as the two teams are separated by only four points. Tampa Bay is in eighth place, while the Rangers are in tenth. A very big game indeed.