– We started better than (against Boston last time)… I liked how we came out to the game. They (Maple Leafs) are a good team, they pressed us all the time, they came back and equalized twice. And then we got a very nice third goal. After they (read: Auston Matthews) equalized, we got energy in our game and took the right path forward. After that we had sharpness in our game. And like I said, the third goal was a really good goal for us.
A goal with Rangers defender Erik Gustafsson in one of the main roles. Gustafsson played back colleague Braden Schneider for the practically match-winning goal, 3-2 just over eight minutes into the third period.
– I saw that there was a way to get forward, and Gustafsson hit a good pass. The ice opened up, I had a little speed and just tried to get the puck on goal. Fortunately, it went in, says Schneider.
Erik Gustafsson played until three goals. Gustafsson, like Zibanejad a former Zoo player, has scored four points (0+4) in the last two games for a total of 19 points (3+16) in 30 games. Among the defenders, only Adam Fox is better with his 18 points, including three goals.
– It was a good victory for us, and a good end to the road trip. We know that they are a good team and that they would come with speed; it was important for us to work well with the clubs and I think we did a very good job in front of “Shesty” (goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin), says Gustafsson.
The 27-year-old from Moscow saved 31 of the 33 shots Maple Leafs players fired at him, and in the two games on the road trip, Shesterkin has posted a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.5 and a nice 94.7 save percentage.
– He saved us a few times, says Gustafsson.
– But we have been good in the matches where we scored the first goal. Even if (the opponent) equalized or took the lead with a goal, we were able to bounce back, stick to our game plan, keep it simple and forecheck hard… we have a good confidence in the team and we showed that now.
2023-12-20 07:10:23
#Zibanejad #remains #hot #Rangers #NHL.comen
