Rangers learn tough lesson in Whitby

October 8, 2014

4:11 AM EDT

This year so far as has been one of tough lessons for the young Rangers, and Tuesday in Whitby was no exception as North York (4-7) fell 5-3 to the Fury (8-2-0-1).

Gianluca Baggetta made 36 saves in goal for the Rangers while facing 11 power plays, including a four-minute five-on-three, and two other four minute man advantages for the Fury.

It all started so well for the visitors.

Ryan Takamatsu collected a pass in the slot 5:38 into the game and his deflected backhand hurdled over highly touted Whitby goaltender Tyler Feaver for the contest’s opening goal.

Gabriel Valenzuela doubled the lead at the 16:56 mark when he beat a defender wide and then slid a backhand just inside the far post.

When Jeremy Szabo converted on a three-on-one 9:28 into the second to make it 3-0, it looked as though the Rangers were well on their way.

Yet a tough four-minute five-on-three call at 10:15 of the middle frame put the Fury back into the game.

Jeremy Wu and Matt Fischer both beat Baggetta from the high slot on the man advantage, and the game was 3-2 going into the third.

Henry Thompson one-timed home a cross-seem feed at 8:27 of the final frame on yet another Whitby four-minute power play, and then Zach Elson’s tip at 14:38 was both the Fury’s only even-strength goal, and the game winner.

Patrick McAuliffe got the empty netter, also on a Whitby power play.

Takamatsu collected his second straight multi-point outing while Szabo’s tally was his second goal of the year after he only had one all of last season.

The Rangers will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Mississauga to battle the Chargers. Puck drops at 8 pm at Port Credit Arena.