Grabner Posts Hat Trick in 5-1 Win Over Hurricanes

The Rangers' dominance at home against the Carolina Hurricanes continued Friday, as New York topped their division foe, 5-1, at Madison Square Garden.
Michael Grabner scored a hat trick, including two empty-net goals, to help the Rangers extend their winning streak over Carolina at home to 14, dating back to Jan. 5, 2011.
"Well, first of all, I try to kill off a little bit of time but when I get the chance, especially if it's a one goal game, I try to go and get that goal. It's a big relief I think when you go up two goals." Grabner said of his success rate with the net empty, in which he became the first Ranger since at least 1967-68 to record two empty-net goals in the same game. "I'm just trying to, not cheat but when I get the chance, turn a goal and try to beat some guys."

Just as they did last week in Carolina, the Rangers got a bit of puck luck thanks to goaltender Scott Darling. With the Rangers on the power play, Darling was unable to control a dump in on goal and allowed the puck to sneak through his legs. Desharnais was the first man on the forecheck and pounced on the loose puck for his third goal of the season and fourth point in his last two games.
Grabner gave the Rangers the lead just 1:15 later when he finished a gorgeous feed from Kevin Shattenkirk in front of the net for his 11th of the year that put New York ahead for good.
Shattenkirk said he was looking for Grabner the whole way and had more time to make the play because the teams were skating four-on-four.
"It was something where I just had a little more time. Obviously four-on-four, I had some time coming into the zone," Shattenkirk said. "You know that he's a straight line player. I've seen him do that in practice a lot, and that's just a play where I just put it out and hope that he goes for it and gets it. He's not only so fast, but he's so strong on his stick, and I think that's just a heck of a play for him to redirect that in."

Grabner added empty-netters at 17:47 of the third and again at 18:48 to complete his third hat trick as Ranger. Paul Carey added his second of the year on the power play at 19:40.
Despite allowing a goal to Justin Williams just 55 seconds into the game, Lundqvist rebounded well after being pulled in Tuesday's loss to the Panthers. He finished with 32 saves, and none bigger than his penalty shot stop on Jeff Skinner 3:20 into the third period with the two teams separated by just one goal.
"I felt like he got a pretty good opportunity to shoot the puck. He almost got two chances there," Lundqvist said of the call against the Rangers, before adding he had a chance to work on breakaways thanks to last week's shootout against Vancouver. "The timing was perfect. I felt good, I felt like I had him under control."
Ryan McDonagh, who returned to the lineup after missing four games with an abdominal strain, praised his goaltender for making the save at such an important moment in the game.
"Hank, he's really stepping up in big moments as we've continued on this season," McDonagh said. "It's great to see. He thrives in these situations and he wants to step up and make a difference there. It's great to see him do that."

With his two goals tonight, Grabner has 40 goals in 102 games as a Ranger dating back to the start of last season. The speedy winger said his situation in New York has been a good one and it's reflecting on the ice.
"I think so," Grabner said with a laugh after being asked if he's pleased with his production as a Blueshirt. "It's tough to score in this league. It's been working out for me here. I've felt comfortable with the guys here. Just seems to be a good fit. I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts."