Geekie Halts Olympic Bid as Rangers Face Another Shutout at MSG
In a recent NHL matchup, Morgan Geekie scored twice, helping the Boston Bruins secure a 4-1 victory over the Utah Mammoth. This performance came just two weeks ahead of the Canadian team’s announcement for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. Geekie took advantage of a power play, scoring from a pass by David Pastrnak in the first period. He quickly followed up with another goal, capitalizing on a rebound just 23 seconds into the second frame.
With 24 goals and 37 points across 34 games this season, Geekie ranks second in the NHL, right behind Nathan MacKinnon. His impressive showing this season strengthens his bid for a spot on Team Canada. The Bruins added to their score with third-period goals from Casey Mittelstadt and Michael Eyssimont. Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman saved 20 shots, while the only goal against him was scored by Barrett Hayton. Charlie McAvoy made his return to TD Garden after nearly a month sidelined, demonstrating commendable performance with a plus-one rating in over 24 minutes of play.
Rangers Endure Another Shutout at MSG
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers faced a tough defeat, falling 3-0 to the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden. The loss marks the seventh time this season the Rangers have been shut out, and the sixth instance at home. Remarkably, they are now the first team in NHL history to be shut out six times within their first 17 home games.
- Thatcher Demko recorded 23 saves for the Canucks.
- Evander Kane, Liam Ohgren, and Conor Garland scored for Vancouver.
- Ohgren netted his first of the season after joining from Minnesota.
Additional NHL Highlights
In other games, the Toronto Maple Leafs came from behind to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2, thanks to Dakota Joshua’s late goal. Meanwhile, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks reached a remarkable milestone with 51 points this season, placing him among the fastest to hit that mark before turning 20.
The Minnesota Wild thrived, blanking the Washington Capitals 5-0, with the Wild achieving seven shutouts this season, leading the league. The Columbus Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing streak, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in overtime, while the Detroit Red Wings edged past the New York Islanders 3-2 with two goals from Alex DeBrincat.
As the NHL season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with players like Geekie and Celebrini proving their mettle on the ice, while teams like the Rangers seek to turn their fortunes around.
