Will Cuylle delivers as Rangers rally past Jackets

Field Level Media|published: Sat 8th February, 21:57 2025

Feb 8, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) shoots and scores a goal against New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) in the second period at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Will Cuylle scored two third-period goals to lift the visiting New York Rangers past the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 on Saturday.

Cuylle picked off a clearing attempt from Columbus defenseman Ivan Provorov and scored the game-winning goal with 1:39 left.

Mika Zibanejad tallied a goal and an assist, Arthur Kaliyev scored a goal and Vincent Trocheck picked up a pair of assists in the triumphant effort.

Jonathan Quick stopped 22 shots, while Elvis Merzlikins' 36-save night wasn't enough to secure the victory for the home squad. Kent Johnson, Justin Danforth and James van Riemsdyk scored for Columbus.

The Rangers wasted no time in grabbing the lead as less than two minutes into the contest, Kaliyev beat Merzlikins on a wraparound.

Johnson was left all alone and made the Rangers pay with 5:29 left in the first period as he recorded his 17th goal of the season.

Danforth gave Columbus a 2-1 lead just under a minute later as he redirected the puck past Quick.

Quick was forced to make an unorthodox save with 8:20 left in the opening frame. He mishandled the rubber behind his net, then made a last-ditch effort, reaching his glove out to turn aside Cole Sillinger's one-handed shot.

With 13:22 left in the middle frame, Zibanejad took advantage of a 4-on-4 as he took a pass from Adam Fox and then sailed his shot into the top corner to knot the game up for the Rangers.

Van Riemsdyk regained the lead for the Blue Jackets with 2:43 remaining in the second as he deflected in a pass from Damon Severson to make it 3-2.

The Rangers found the equalizer less than two minutes into the third as Cuylle turned around and fired a shot that found its way into the back of the net.

Columbus' Adam Fantilli eyed the tiebreaking goal with 6:50 left in regulation, but rang his chance off the crossbar.

The Rangers got a bit unlucky moments later as Chris Kreider saw his rebound shot find iron.

Zach Aston-Reece continued the streak of posts with 2:25 left in the third when he slammed his shot off the crossbar.

--Field Level Media

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