Carey's Pair Leads Rangers to 4-1 Win Over Ducks

Alain Vigneault had a lineup decision to make ahead of Tuesday's game against the Ducks.
With the return of Mika Zibanejad, a player from his fourth line would have to be scratched. He ultimately chose Boo Nieves, opting to keep both David Desharnais and Paul Carey dressed.
It paid off as Carey had first two-goal game of his NHL career while Desharnais picked up assists on both as New York disposed of Anaheim, 4-1, at Madison Square Garden.

"It's nice to be rewarded," Carey said while wearing the Broadway Hat. "Our line has been playing really well and working really hard. It's nice to see some pucks go in."
The chemistry between Carey and Desharnais was evident off the hop, and the duo combined for the first time and broke a scoreless tie late in the first period. Desharnais sent a backhand pass from the corner to the front of the net, and Carey was there to bury it at 19:14 to give New York a 1-0 lead.

With the Rangers up 2-0 in the second on a goal by Kevin Hayes 38 seconds into the period, Carey potted his second of the night when he again converted on a rush with Desharnais, who hit a streaking Carey just inside the blueline and the winger fired a low wrist shot past John Gibson to extend the lead to 3.
"Davey himself," Carey said when asked what about playing with Desharnais clicked so quickly. "He's a great player. He sees the ice really well. He makes everyone around him a better player. He wins draws and you've just got to keep your stick on the ice when you're playing with him."
Henrik Lundqvist carried his strong play from the weekend into Tuesday's win over and finished with 39 saves - including 31 over the first 40 minutes - for his 17th win of the season. Defenseman Marc Staal said Lundqvist is looking as comfortable as he's ever looked, and No. 30 couldn't disagree.
"I feel really good," said Lundqvist, whose only blemish on the night came when Ondrej Kase beat him at 14:43 of the third. "I think the way I take care of myself … I try to do everything I can to stay on top of my game. I feel like the team is playing really well and that's helpful. I can focus on the shooter a lot and it's a big thing for me to commit to the shooter a lot, feeling that support from the guys around me. The last month and a half, I've been feeling good."

New York relied on its depth during Mika Zibanejad's absence due to a concussion. And while he returned Tuesday, the reliance on depth to carry this team did not sway and must continue, according to Alain Vigneault, for the team to have success.
"When we win, it's team-oriented," Vigneault said. "It's because contributions are from throughout the lineup, whether it be a blocked shot, making an offensive play, whether it be getting a save from Hank. You look at the way our minutes are spread out, it's a team-thing and that's how we're going to continue to win."