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 Although, they did that, too.
Eight days after the Rangers lost captain Ryan McDonagh to a
concussion, center Derek Stepan scored twice as New York dispatched
the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 in a contest that featured two fights
during the opening minute.
McDonagh and Flyers right winger Wayne Simmonds came together during
a Feb. 6 contest in Philadelphia; Simmonds absorbed a crosscheck to
the head and retaliated with a gloved punched that knocked McDonagh
to the ice and out of the Rangers lineup.
On Sunday, Simmonds fought defenseman Dylan McIlrath 39 seconds into
the game and left the even bout with a bloody cut over his left eye.
Rangers left winger Tanner Glass and Flyers center Ryan White fought
20 seconds later to the delight of the sell-out crowd, but the true
joy was felt when the clock ran out on the Rangers' fifth victory in
six games.
"I have to be honest with you -- I think our group was really
focused more so on the hockey game," Stepan said. "We're in a spot
right now with teams on our heels and two points are so precious. We
can't get too emotional and wrapped up in too much chaos. We knew it
was going to be a rough game. It always is with Philly."
"I wanted to come in and play hockey, worry about that later,"
Simmonds said. "But obviously they wanted to do something about
that. That's the way it is. That's how hockey goes. I've got no
problem with that."
The win pushed the Rangers (32-18-6) seven points clear of ninth
place in the East and five points ahead of the New Jersey Devils for
second place in the Metropolitan.
The Flyers (24-21-10) lost for the fifth time in six games and are
six points out of a wild-card spot.
Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was 9.7 seconds from his second
consecutive shutout, but left winger Brayden Schenn scored during a
six-on-four attack with Glass in the penalty box. Lundqvist has
allowed two goals in his past three starts, both in the final
minutes of victories.
"I feel like I am doing a lot of good things," said Lundqvist, who
made 21 saves. "I changed a little thing here a few games ago. I
feel like I am reading the play well, being patient. They're not
giving up a lot of big chances, so I just need to come up with a few
extra saves here and there."
Rangers center Derick Brassard made it 1-0 at 5:08 of the first
period. With the teams playing four-on-four, Brassard skated around
Flyers defenseman Mark Streit and beat goaltender Steve Mason to the
post to score his 19th of the season on a wraparound.
Mason held the Flyers close for most of the game, but Stepan's two
third-period goals -- both assisted by right winger Mats Zuccarello
in splendid fashion -- put the game away.
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The Rangers also accomplished something for the first time since
late December: They scored a power-play goal in a second consecutive
game.
"It's coming," Stepan said. "We have to continue to work at it. We
want to make sure if we get a power play and we don't score a goal,
we build momentum. I screwed up some passes, but we found a way to
score a goal tonight."
The Flyers, who were held without a shot over an eight-minute span
across the second and third periods, have scored more than two goals
once in the past six games.
"We didn't get enough scoring chances tonight," Flyers coach Dave
Hakstol said. "That being said, we had a one-goal game going into
the third period. We just needed one push, and we couldn't get
that."
The Rangers responded for their injured captain -- they are 3-0-1
since he left the lineup -- and delivered one of their top defensive
performances of the season to move closer to solidifying a playoff
spot.
"There is no doubt guys were sticking up for Mac with what happened
in Philly," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "I can't say I'm
displeased about seeing that, but I am most pleased about how we
played and the fact we won the game."
NOTES: With Flyers D Michael Del Zotto (upper body) sidelined
indefinitely, D Andrew MacDonald was recalled from the AHL Lehigh
Valley to take his place. MacDonald, who signed a five-year, $30
million contract in 2014, played in his second NHL game this season.
... Flyers C Sean Couturier has not played since Feb. 4 due to a
lower-body injury. ... Flyers D Shayne Gostisbehere had an assist to
extend his points streak to 12 games, an NHL record for rookie
defensemen. ... Rangers D Ryan McDonagh (concussion) missed his
fourth straight game. Coach Alain Vigneault said there was a chance
he could return Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. ...
Rangers LW Rick Nash (bone bruise) missed his ninth consecutive game
and will be out at least another week. ... Rangers C Derek Stepan
scored the 100th and 101st goals of his career.
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