New York Rangers: Late Game Heroics by Evgeny Grachev Leads Team to Victory

Today began the 2010 Traverse City Prospect Tournament, and the New York Rangers prospects took on the prospects of the Columbus Blue Jackets. For anyone that missed today’s game, here is a period-by-period box score for both teams:

First Period

5:12 - Tomas Kubalik of the Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) prospect team jammed home a power-play goal to give the Jackets a 1-0 lead. The penalty was taken by Ranger prospect Sam Klassen (High-Sticking). (CBJ 1-0)

10:26 - Derek Stepan scored a pretty goal for the New York Rangers (NYR) prospects to tie the game at 1-1; Assists to both Evgeny Grachev, and Ryan Bourque.  (Tie 1-1)

16:31 - Tomas Kubalik scored his second goal of the game, giving the Jackets a 2-1 lead which they would take into the second period. (CBJ 2-1)

Second Period

1:03 - Second Round pick by the New York Rangers in this past entry draft, Christian Thomas, scores unassisted to tie the game at 1-1 (Coast-to-coast goal for the speedy youngster). (Tied 2-2)

2:35 - Ryan Bourque gives the Rangers prospects a 3-2 lead with a power-play goal from the slot; assist to Derek Stepan. (NYR 3-2)

5:32 - Chris Francis scored a rebound goal tying the game at 3-3 for the Jackets. (Tied 3-3)

8:45 - After a huge save by goalie Scott Stajcer (NYR), Jackets defenseman, Ted Ruth, put’s in the rebound to give them a 4-3 lead. (CBJ 4-3)

10:22 - Evgeny Grachev scores on a two-on-one with Derek Stepan to tie the game for the Rangers at 4-4, which would hold until the third period. (Tied 4-4)

Third Period

19:53 - Evgeny Grachev scores his second goal of the game making the score 5-4, and winning it for the New York Rangers! Goal was assisted by Ryan Bourque straight off the face-off. (NYR win 5-4)

My Star of the Game:

Evgeny Grachev - As I said in my Traverse City Tournament preview, expect Grachev to have a huge Tournament. Tonight Grachev led the Rangers through the game with two goals and an assist, including the game winning goal late in the game. There is no doubt in my mind he deserves to be the “Star of the Game”.

The New York Rangers prospects will take a record of 1-0-0-2 (win-loss-overtime loss-points) into tomorrow’s game against Carolina at 5:30 PM EST.

Looking for the most recent box-score (Sep. 12)? Here it is: 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/460396-nhl-goaltending-duel-ends-in-shocking-defeat-for-the-new-york-rangers-prospects