Quick Shines with 23 Saves as Rangers Defeat Canucks in Miller’s Return
In an impressive performance, the Rangers secured a 2-0 victory over the Canucks, thanks to Jonathan Quick’s standout goalkeeping. This game marked Quick’s first shutout of the season, bringing his total to 64 career shutouts in the NHL. He is now tied with legendary Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist for 17th on the league’s all-time list, just two behind Patrick Roy.
Key Events and Performances
The Rangers ended their recent slump, breaking a streak of three games without a win. Notable contributions came from Mika Zibanejad and Sam Carrick, who each found the back of the net. Zibanejad opened the scoring at 17:28 in the first period, following a precise breakout pass from Adam Fox. He executed a clever play to evade backchecking forward Evander Kane and successfully chipped a pass over Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko.
Miller’s Return to Vancouver
This game also highlighted the return of the Rangers’ forward, who made a significant impact during his six seasons with the Canucks. In his first game back, he recorded two shots over 19:24 minutes of ice time. Miller, who accumulated 437 points during his tenure with Vancouver, received a warm welcome with a video tribute and standing ovation early in the match. However, he faced mixed reactions, facing boos when he interacted with the puck.
Canucks Struggle Continues
The Canucks, now holding a record of 5-6-0, have suffered losses in three of their last four games. They played without their captain and top defenseman, Quinn Hughes, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Demko, their goaltender, made 23 saves but was unable to prevent the defeat.
Quick’s Highlight Moments
Quick’s performance included several key saves that proved crucial for the Rangers. He successfully stopped:
- A quick shot from Canucks center Lukas Reichel only 42 seconds into the game.
- A partial breakaway attempt by Reichel in the second period.
- A close-range shot from Conor Garland in the first period.
- A cross-crease opportunity from Jake DeBrusk in the third period.
Carrick capped off the game, scoring into an empty net from inside the Rangers’ blue line at 18:25, securing the 2-0 final score. This victory is a much-needed boost for the Rangers as they strive to regain momentum in their season.
