The New York Rangers (2-1-2) captured a 3-2 overtime thriller over the Calgary Flames (2-4-0) in late Thursday night, Friday morning hockey action. Blueliner Ryan McDonagh ripped the game-winning goal with half of a second left in the extra period.

In what was a thriller in Calgary, which saw fireworks and firepower throughout the course of the game. Things got physical early between the two teams, as Mike Rupp had a spirited exchange with Tim Jackman at the 2:07 mark of the first period.

Feeding off the fire of his teammates, forward Marian Gaborik tallied his fourth goal in five games on a 29 foot power play snap shot at the 4:53 mark. Helping to set ‘Gabby’ up on the first score of the game was Brad Richards, who recorded his 500th career assist with the helper.

Calgary responded when Captain Jarome Iginla (2) made the game 1-1 at the 5:51 mark. Iginla was set-up perfectly in front of Rangers cager Henrik Lundqvist, to push home the first score for the Flames.

New York attained the lead at the 13:42 mark when Brandon Prust (2) helped the Rangers regain their shorthanded scoring ways.  Setting Prust up on a beauty of a play was Brian Boyle, who continues to shine in his play for the Blueshirts. Kris Newbury is another player who has impressed since being called up from the Whale of the AHL.  The forward dropped gloves at the 14:59 mark, finished with three hits in the game.

The Flames tallied their second goal of the game, when Mark Giordano recorded his first goal of the season-on a beautiful set-up by Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay at the 15:51 mark. Both teams did a stellar job shutting down the other team, forcing the overtime frame.

Ryan McDonagh worked his magic with five tenths of a second left for the Rangers, recording the game-winning goal off a shot that went wide from Dan Girardi. McDonagh took the puck that rattled off the boards and immediately snapped it in, to lead the Rangers to their second win of the season.

The tour of Canada will continue for the Rangers, as the next stop will be in Edmonton on Saturday. Face-off is slated for 10:00 p.m. with the game slated to air on the MSG network.

Written on October 21, 2011