There’s something about teams of destiny that defies logic. Everyone thought the Rangers would be good this season, but no one thought they would be this good. A large reason why they are: Number 30.
1) Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers – Lundqvist followed up his Winter Classic gem, stopping 37 of 38 shots for the Rangers for his sixth straight win as they downed the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1. Brad Richards, Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan all scored for New York.
2) Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks – Just a few days after General Manager Bob Murray put the proverbial “For Sale” tag on nearly his entire line up, Bobby Ryan responded/auditioned with a two-goal performance against the New York Islanders. Ryan now has five goals and six points in his last five games. Also scoring for Anaheim were Teemu Selanne and Ryan Getzlaf. Jonas Hiller stopped 19 of 21 shots for the 4-2 win.
3) Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche – Varly was on fire at the beginning of the season for the Avs before losing seven straight games in November. With his 27-save shutout against the Chicago Blackhawks, Varlamov has now won five of his last six and given up just five goals in his last four games. David Jones, T.J. Galiardi, David van der Gulik and Chuck Kobasew all scored for the Avs in their 4-0 win.
Play of the Night
Ryan Callahan drags the puck past a sliding Penguin before feeding Brandon Dubinsky, who ends up looking at a wide open net.
Save of the Night
This is why strong positioning is important for goaltenders. Jacob Markstrom doesn’t even have to move to make what is still a difficult save.
.png)
