Alexandra Russo

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Ending the horrible road streak the Rangers (26-16-5) had was their primary focus headed into Friday’s matchup against the Hurricanes. They said to get going on the road they would need to bring their confidence with them. Those words rang true to the Rangers, as they defeated the Hurricanes 4-1.

Carolina came out with a jump to start the game. Despite trailing in shots on goal, they found ways to sustain some pressure.

Though they’re the least penalized team in the NHL, the Hurricanes drew the first penalty. The Rangers didn’t score on the opportunity, despite a few good looks. This is an area that has struggled for this team as of late. 

But McDonagh took momentum from the solid power play. He intercepted a pass at center ice and maneuvered through a Carolina defenseman over the blue line. McDonagh wristed a shot from the circle that beat Lack. It was the captain’s first goal in his last thirteen games, but he’s been putting up points recently. He’s got seven points in his last seven games and has been playing his best hockey in the last few games.

All-Star shot by the captain @RMcDonagh27 for the first #NYR goal of the night. pic.twitter.com/cRgdAzuVwZ

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 23, 2016

Great pressure on the puck by Kevin Hayes led to the Blueshirts’ second goal of the period. Hayes finessed through the Hurricanes’ zone and found Oscar Lindberg at the side of the net. Lindberg gave it to Yandle in front of the crease. He easily put the puck past Lack for the two goal lead.

Sweet 👐 by Yands to give #NYR a 2-0 lead after 1! pic.twitter.com/XN3xI6ztr6

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 23, 2016

Stepan stole the puck from his own blueline and raced down the ice on a breakaway. He took a shot that rang off the post and play continues with the Rangers up by a pair.

A missed high sticking call on Dan Boyle led to Nordstrom’s goal that slashed the Rangers’ lead in half. 3:29 into the second, the Hurricanes thought they found themselves a way back into the game.

However, the Rangers seemed to want that two goal lead back. 9:41 into the middle period of play, JT Miller remained hot, scoring yet another goal after having the overtime winner at the Garden Tuesday night against the Canucks. Stepan wouldn’t be kept off the scoreboard, as he picked up a secondary assist on the goal. Fast received the primary assist.

MIller’s first of the night to put #NYR up two in Carolina! pic.twitter.com/M2UaOZtkfA

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 23, 2016

Obviously three goals in a span of four games wasn’t good enough for Miller because he wasn’t done impressing just yet. Just 2:10 later his strong forechecking led to a takeaway from Slater in the Hurricanes’ zone.

Another look at Miller’s second of the night! #NYR pic.twitter.com/xOCZxrkHqT

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 23, 2016

Strong overall play by the Rangers led them to a convincing 4-1 lead over the Hurricanes. They had 31 shots on goal through two periods, including 14 in the second.

A deflection off of Lundqvist’s skate was about to trickle behind the goal line, but Kevin Klein saved his team from giving up a goal when he cleared the puck in the crease.

Lundqvist came up with a huge save early in the period for his team, blocking the puck away with his chest.

Rick Nash went spinning into the boards midway through the third period and left the game with the help of Jim Ramsey.

The Hurricanes had a power play with under ten minutes left, and Nash was back on the ice. The Rangers had a strong penalty kill and play resumed.

Nash took a beating in the third period, though. After coming back on the ice, he blocked a slap shot on the penalty kill and was writhing on the bench. His toughness was evident with his determination to get back on the ice even after a second injury.

The Rangers, though outshot through the final period, played a solid game overall. Not to say that Lundqvist was sitting back and relaxing, but the Rangers didn’t allow many shots against and had many of their own.

This is their first back to back wins since November 21st to 23rd. It’s also the first time in franchise history have earned 19 wins in a span of 20 games against a single opponent.

The Blueshirts battle the Senators on Sunday afternoon in Ottawa and look to take solace in this win and build off of it.

Game time is set for 3:00pm so don’t miss the action as the Rangers seek to get hot.

THREE STARS

1) JT MILLER – 2 G, 6 HT, 16:11 TOT

2) Ryan McDonagh – 1 G, 4 SOG, 2 BS, 21:40 TOT

3) Kevin Hayes – 1 A, 2 SOG, 16:52 TOT