An overtime goal by Brad Marchand was a sour note to end a game where the Rangers went stride for stride with the Boston Bruins.
A case could be made that the Rangers deserved better than a 3-2 loss. Yet, the Bruins’ renowned ability to deliver at crunch time, and the Blueshirts’ overtime futility, is evidence of the difference between a veteran team’s rich chemistry and a young team that still has much to learn.
One Ranger got what he deserved for his recent uptick in play. Julien Gauthier opened the scoring at 13:50 of the first period by capitalizing on a loose puck opportunity.
The 23-year-old wing finally scored his long-awaited first career NHL goal. Gauthier had gone 23 career NHL games combined with Carolina and New York without lighting the lamp. His 19 games in a Rangers uniform had been promising, and his most recent performances suggested that a goal was coming.
On paper, one goal and three assists in 24 games doesn’t look encouraging – but Gauthier possesses an intriguing combination of size and speed. His 6-foot-4, 227-pound frame and powerful strides make him look somewhat like a locomotive on ice. He uses his size effectively, he has good instincts around the net, and excels at protecting the puck.
So, there’s a lot to like about Gauthier, who was acquired from the Hurricanes for defenseman Joey Keane on Feb. 18, 2020. The fourth line of Brendan Lemieux, Kevin Rooney, and Gauthier have struck up a solid rapport.
Rooney’s goal at 11:22 of the third period forced overtime. The former New Jersey Devil has given the Rangers optimal value after signing a two-year, $1.5 million contract in October, recording three goals and one assist through his first 10 games as a Ranger. Lemieux recorded two assists in Wednesday’s contest.
The trio of Lemieux, Rooney and Gauthier are firing on all cylinders – but the Blueshirts need improved performances from their more highly-paid, more recognizable stars to rocket up the Eastern Division standings.
Follow Sean Hartnett on Twitter: @HartnettHockey
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