Sometimes, all it took was an innocent shot thrown toward the net. On December 17th, 2011 against the Phoenix Coyotes, the New York Rangers experienced that firsthand. A Brad Richards game winner fired a backhander from the left circle found its way into the net after a deflection off the post, crossing the goal line with just 0.1 seconds left in regulation lifting the Blueshirts to a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Credit went to the Rangers for not giving up on the play. Brandon Dubinsky maintained possession in the offensive zone, Ryan McDonagh recognized the urgency and pinched in to recover the puck, then flipped a pass to Richards for the finish. The team deserved recognition as well for staying focused through an uneven game.
New York opened the night with a dominant first period. Marian Gaborik netted his 16th goal of the season on the power play, finishing off a pinpoint stretch pass from Michael Del Zotto that sent him in alone. The Rangers outshot the Coyotes 9-5 in the frame, but the period ended sourly when a lost defensive-zone faceoff resulted in a shorthanded goal by Lauri Korpikoski.
The Rangers battled through a tougher second period, and their chances of snapping a two-game losing streak took a hit when Cal O’Reilly scored a power-play goal with 52 seconds left, capping off a net-front scramble. Earlier in the period, at 3:16, Steve Eminger exited the game after taking a big hit from Martin Hanzal. He was later diagnosed with a separated shoulder, forcing the Rangers to play more than half the game with just five defensemen. Eminger had been solid in a second-pairing role since Michael Sauer’s concussion, showing more poise and responsibility this season. Tim Erixon was expected to be recalled to fill in during what looked to be an extended absence.
Early in the third period, Keith Yandle mishandled a pass behind his own net, allowing Gaborik to pounce and score his 300th career goal. From there, the game remained quiet until Richards delivered the stunning, last-second game-winner.
Here’s how it sounded on the MSG and Fox Sports Arizona feeds!
