Alexandra Russo

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

The Rangers received their second loss of the pre-season against the Bruins at TD Garden in Thursday night’s matchup. Some key players to watch this preseason are Hayes, Gibbons, and Oscar Lindberg from the Rangers’ lineup. Patrice Bergeron and Spooner from the Bruins stood out, as well.

Some familiar faces, including Glass, Nash, Boyle, McDonagh, Brassard, Yandle, and The King, Lundqvist, were back in action for the Rangers.

Joe Micheletti said before the game that Rick Nash is in “superb condition”, and he proved it with his strong checking and physical play. He mentioned that the Rangers intend to focus on each individual game, a strategy that has been in play for this team for a while now.

An extremely slow start to the first period by the Rangers saw them down a goal when Tyler Randell deflected the Bruins first goal on a shot from teammate J. Morrow. The Rangers came back fast, though, largely because of one man’s play- Mats Zuccarello.

In Zuccarello’s first game back with the Rangers after suffering a serious brain contusion and skull fracture, he played just like his normal feisty self with a lot of aggression and passion. He got the primary assist, a backhander, on Brady Skjei’s goal that tied the game up at 1 with 8:08 left to go in the first period. Number 36 then scored on the Power Play to put the Rangers up 2-1.

Bruins’ goaltender, Jeremy Smith, seemed more comfortable in the second period, allowing only one goal, a PP goal by Kevin Hayes. Dan Boyle got his second assist and Skjei got his second point of the night on Hayes’ goal.

Kevin Hayes was much improved against the Bruins, scoring on the power play and playing a much more complete game. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

And speaking of Hayes, he had numerous chances, drove hard to the net, and even scored. His forechecking was superb, and he was definitely a dominant force. Alain Vigneault was disappointed in his play against the Flyers, and he certainly responded on Thursday.

Lindberg shined again against the Bruins, this time showing his defensive skill. He was a strong force especially on the Penalty Kill.

The Rangers were exceptional on the special teams, going 6/6 on the PK and 2/4 on the PP.

Brandon Carlos scored for the Bruins just about five minutes into the third period, only this time on another Rangers’ goaltender- Jeff Malcolm. Malcolm went down trying to save a shot that hit the post and couldn’t get up in time to save the rebound that resulted in a goal. However, he too is vying for a spot as the New York Rangers’ backup goaltender, a position that has yet to be filled. Coach Vigneault’s top prospects include Antti Raanta, Brandon Halverson, and Magnus Hellberg as of right now.

Spooner shocked the Blueshirts by tying the game with 53.3 seconds left in the third period, and the teams were headed to a newly implemented 3 on 3 Overtime.

Both the Rangers and Bruins had power play opportunities, but neither cashed in. The teams headed to the shootout.

Spooner and Zuccarello got things going in the Shootout, but it was Brad Marchand in the sixth round who put it away for the Bruins to give them the 4-3 Shootout win.

The Rangers look to bounce back after two consecutive preseason losses. They play again Saturday night in New Jersey against the Devils at 7:00pm.