Great start to the #NYRPlayoffs! http://t.co/ha9ueoj1F8 @PartyCity pic.twitter.com/ORuJDxGyLX
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 18, 2014
The New York Rangers gave the Philadelphia Flyers a run for their money in their first meeting for round one playoffs. The Blueshirts sealed the deal with a 4-1 win at home.
The first period brought intensity to the garden while the Rangers dominated shots on goal. The first shot on goal for the Flyers resulted in a fast goal by MacDonald. Zuccarello quickly answered back with 9:07 left and tied the game for the Rangers—this was his second career NHL playoff goal, according to Sports Illustrated.
Particularly unexciting, the second period was a constant attempt for goals but both teams came up short.
Carl Hagelin took one for the team—literally, when he endured a high stick from Akeson, resulting in a four-minute power play and a busted up mouth, reports NY Daily News.
Brad Richards gave the blueshirts their first lead of the game when he scored a power play goal at 8:22. That wasn’t the end of the rangers’ luck in the third period, though. Just 47 seconds later, Derek Stepan scored another power play goal on the open left side, making it 3-1.
After suffering a hit to the mouth, Hagelin pushed forward and gave the blushirts their fourth and final goal of the game with 4:08 left on the clock.
That four minute power play gave the rangers the push and opportunity they needed to lead the Flyers.
Game one went straight to the Rangers—the two teams will meet again for game two on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.