By Jim Cerny, newyorkrangers.com
Ryan Callahan’s name did not end up on the scoresheet when Dan Girardi scored the eventual game-winning goal in the Rangers’ 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames Monday night at Madison Square Garden. In fact Callahan was not even on the ice when Girardi’s power-play blast eluded Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.
But Callahan had as much to do with that game-winner taking place as any player in this hard-fought game.
At a time in the game when their play had leveled off and the Rangers needed a lift, Callahan crushed hulking Calgary defenseman Jay Bouwmeester -- who is six inches taller than the Blueshirts alternate captain -- to the ice with a perfectly executed check 12:27 into the second period.
Not only did the hit get The Garden crowd excited, it led directly a Rangers power play when Calgary’s Curtis Glencross jumped in to defend Bouwmeester and subsequently was penalized for high-sticking.
Fourteen seconds later, Girardi scored to snap a 1-1 tie and send the Blueshirts to their second straight win, and fifth in their last seven games.
“That’s part of Cally’s game, and that’s what he’s great at,” said Girardi, who also recorded an assist and now has four points in his last two games. “He may not get credit for it, but he’s a big part of that goal, for sure.”
Callahan’s hit was one of 11 credited to him on the night. That ...
• READ THE FULL STORY | PHOTO GALLERY
|
STAT OF THE GAME
The Rangers are now a perfect 10-0-0 when leading after two periods -- a testament to the value of Dan Girardi's tie-breaking goal with 7:19 remaining in the second. The Blueshirts are also now 11-4-1 when scoring first -- yet another indication of how well this team can play when it has the lead.
|
|
Flames
Rangers
Print
