Rangers knock off Muskies in last game of 2016
By: Jake Howorth
A relentless forecheck by the North York Rangers allowed six different players to find the back of the net as they out-duelled the Lindsay Muskies 6-2 on Sunday afternoon.
Since starting the season 1-10-0-2 the Muskies have bounced back to only sit four points out of the playoffs in the Northeast Conference. They took the lead early off Cameron Lamport’s stick around seven minutes into the hockey game. He walked in from the point and sniped it pass Rangers’ goaltender Jeremie Linter.
North York responded the only way Geoff Schmogyi’s team knows how: consistent forecheck and persistent pressure. The style of play paid off with a Ross Kieger goal with 35 seconds left in the period to tie it at ones after 20.
Just 13 seconds after the puck dropped in the second frame, Ture Linden finished a gorgeous pass from Kreiger to give the Rangers the 2-1 lead. It was Linden’s 21st point in 20 games for North York since being acquired from the Trenton Golden Hawks.
The teams exchanged goals before the mid-way point of the period, but the style of play displayed from the Rangers wore down the Muskies. It led to six powerplay opportunities for North York’s fourth ranked unit in the league, and they converted when needed.
Nick Campoli and Noah Robinson found the back of the net with the man advantage. Defensemen Adam Giacomin iced the game early in the third with his fourth goal on the season and the Rangers held on to the 5-2 victory over the Muskies.
North York goaltender Lintner rebounded after giving up an early one in the first. He ended the afternoon stopping 31 of 33 shots to pick up his 11th win on the campaign.
Lindsay goalie Tyler Richardson, who was recently acquired from the Mississauga Chargers allowed six goals on 42 shots.
With the victory the Rangers improve their record to 16-16-1-2. It marks the first time the team has a record of 500 since October 30th. North York sits seventh in the conference, but are tied with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and Toronto Patriots who sit sixth and fifth respectfully.
The Rangers have a week off before they host the division leading Oakville Blades on Sunday afternoon.
