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Rangers win a big one Noah Borer (HV) While the Senators were worried about getting back on track due to their 6-2
loss to the Capitals Friday night, the Rangers wanted to just keep on
winning after their huge shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This game started off fast paced, with a huge hit by Chris Neil on Michael Roszival. That got a
sold-out (19,192) Scotiabank Place crowd on the edge of their seats awaiting an impressive game
in this unusual mid afternoon hockey matinee in Ottawa.. That anticipation quickly changed when
the chemistry between Martin Straka, JaromirJagr, and Michael Nylander took over. It was very
impressive during the first part of the period. This line kept the Senators players on their
feet, because they knew that they couldn't take a rest at all
in this game. That was the difference. The big veteran players for the Rangers showed up to play.
Jaromir Jagr had a goal and an assist, while Martin Straka also had a goal and an
assist. Although those players played well, the big desicion maker in this game was
by far, the brilliant play of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. He made 34 saves, and helped
his team to a great and needed victory over the Senators. He won the battle of the young goalies
against Ray Emery this afternoon- "Hank was great in the
nets, he made a lot of big saves" said Jaromir Jagr about his goaltender Lundqvist.
Even Jason Spezza thought Henrik played well. After the game he said "You have to tip your hat to Lundqvist".
Wade Redden and Daniel Alfredsson both didn't play again due to injuries.
"I thought our guys did a good job of playing well without them", said Spezza, the only
scorer for the Senators. Brendan Shanahan added an empty-net goal to top it off and seal the
victory. Afterwards he said "They've got an excellent hockey team. We did a lot of things good defensively.
We've come to expect that from him." he said about Lundqvist. "Emery made some great saves at the other
end and they came down and Henrik would do the same. That's what we need from him." Shanahan
is among the top scorers in the National Hockey League with 22 goals.
NOTE: Rangers defenceman, from Latvia, Sandis Ozolinsh was a healthy scratch for the
second straight game. The Senators go on a four game road-trip to face the Colombus
Blue Jackets on Sunday. The Rangers play host to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
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