It was their first road win. The previous two were losses to the Bruins and Flyers in which they mustered one goal in each. It took a while for them to break through on Mathieu Garon but persistence paid off. Encouraging was the improved play from Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin. Both had been called out in this space for not finishing. Tonight, their line with Taylor Pyatt was easily our best. They fore checked repeatedly, finally getting results.

Trailing 1-0 on a Steven Stamkos power play goal, Stepan finished off a play in front that tied it. Hagelin started it with a shot that caromed off Pyatt right to Stepan for a tap in. It was his first goal of the season, erasing a long drought dating back to last year’s first round against Ottawa. Maybe that’ll get him going. His line dominated Tampa’s D by repeatedly working the puck in and cycling for chances. They easily could’ve had more in the second if not for Garon.

Somewhat ironically, the Blueshirts scored two in the third despite being outshot 15-4. Thru two periods, they led in shots 26-17. The third was a bit tricky with the talented Bolts forcing Marty Biron to come up big in his first start. He was up to the challenge. While Biron kept Tampa at bay, another key performer delivered a clutch goal.

Rick Nash was acquired for such moments. For the first time in six games, he scored. It was much in the same fashion as his first in our jersey. Following a stellar defensive play from Marc Staal, Nash took a Brad Richards cross ice feed and abused Victor Hedman, tucking the puck past Garon at 3:04. It was a highlight reel goal from the power forward, who earlier failed to clear a puck that led to Stamkos’ PPG. Both Nash’s goals have been awesome. Now, let’s see if he can put together a hot streak. It would be perfect timing with the Devils and Islanders coming up.

Trailing for the first time, the Lightning came with everything. They dominated play with the trio of Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Stamkos buzzing. Our D bent but didn’t break. Neither did Biron, whose concentration was on. He made some key saves to retain the lead. He finished with 30 stops.

Predictably, John Tortorella went with three lines following Stu Bickel’s penalty. The only one a more disciplined Ranger club took. They definitely paid closer attention to detail. A trademark of last year’s roster. The big line of Nash, Richards and Marian Gaborik stayed together while the Stepan line continued to make things happen. Tort used Brian Boyle with Jeff Halpern and Arron Asham, who actually played within himself. Halpern drew a penalty and Boyle blocked shots.

With the Lightning threatening, some strong play from Pyatt, Stepan and Hagelin led to the clincher. Pyatt forced a turnover in the neutral zone and pushed the puck for a cutting Hagelin, who one-handed it past Garon for his first goal. A great hustle play by Pyatt and Hagelin, combining for a huge goal.  The Rangers led 3-1 with 5:13 left.

As often is the case, the clock hardly moved. Whenever you want a win, it seems to stand still forever. Eventually, Tampa Bay pulled Garon for an extra attacker. It looked like they’d get nothing. Our D was that good with even Mike Del Zotto playing strongly. However, the refs missed a Ryan Malone cross check on Staal. Eventually, the Bolts took advantage when Stamkos buried a rocket from Matt Carle to make it 3-2 with 21 seconds remaining.

Tampa got one last frantic chance but a one-timer hit Lecavalier in front as the buzzer sounded, giving the Rangers an important win. They’re back to .500 (4-4-0) with the Devils on Tuesday.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marty Biron, NYR (30 saves in 1st start, 14 in 3rd-could’ve been Pyatt but they don’t win without Marty)
2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (GW-1st of season, assist 4 SOG, +1-he was everywhere)
1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (1st of season, 4 SOG, 4 hits-very strong game)