NHL: The Rangers finish on a high with a late win over the Bruins

Boston, Massachusetts - The New York Rangers played the role of a spoiler to perfection in their hard-fought win against the Boston Bruins.

Mika Zibanejad scored two goals to help the Rangers end their season with a big win over the Bruins on Saturday night
Mika Zibanejad scored two goals to help the Rangers end their season with a big win over the Bruins on Saturday night  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

The Rangers don't have much to play for, since they were knocked out of playoff contention earlier in the week, but that didn't stop them from sneaking out with a big 5-4 win over the rival Bruins. New York came into Saturday's game with a five-game losing streak but played with tenacity. Mika Zibanejad's (28) two third-period goals gave them a tough, but meaningful win on the road.

The game started quietly before the action finally picked up in the second period when the Rangers scored first thanks to K'Andre Miller. Boston responded with one of their own by Nick Ritchie, while both teams carried their momentum into the final period. Just seconds into the third, Boston went ahead 2-1, but then Zibanejad kicked off the Rangers' three-goal run. Brad Marchand scored on a power play to finally answer back for the Bruins.

But Zibanejad scored his second of the game to bring New York's lead back to two, followed by a late rush by Boston which could only amount to one more goal scored by Patrice Bergeron.

Rangers fan arrested after knocking Tampa Bay fan's lights out in viral video
NHL Rangers fan arrested after knocking Tampa Bay fan's lights out in viral video

For the Rangers, Pavel Buchnevich was a big contributor, scoring three assists, while Alexis Lafrenière and Vitali Kravtsov each scored a goal. For the Bruins, David Pastrnak scored a goal and Charlie McAvoy pitched in with two assists.

The New York Rangers close the regular NHL season with a 27-23-6 record for fifth place in the East Division, while the Bruins have just two games to go, with their matchup against the Islanders on Monday.

Around the NHL

Senators Left Wing Tim Stutzle scored three goals as the Senators beat the Jets 4-2 on Saturday night
Senators Left Wing Tim Stutzle scored three goals as the Senators beat the Jets 4-2 on Saturday night  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

In Buffalo, the Penguins clinched home ice in the playoffs and their third-straight win, shutting out the Sabres 1-0. The Islanders manhandled the Devils 5-1, while the Capitals beat the Flyers 2-1 in overtime.

Alex Wennberg scored a hat trick to lead the Panthers over the Lightning 5-1, while Tim Stützle also scored a hat trick as the Senators beat the Jets 4-2. The Maple Leafs scored three times in the second period to win 3-2 over the Canadiens. And the Blue Jackets won in overtime over the Red Wings 5-4.

The Predators clinched their division's final playoff spot by beating the Hurricanes 3-1. And the Wild also needed extra time to beat the Ducks 4-3. The Coyotes beat the Sharks in overtime 5-4.

The Avalanche held on the defeat the Kings 3-2. In Edmonton, the Oilers held on the win against the Canucks 4-3. And the Golden Knights were just too much for the Blues, winning 4-1.

On Sunday, the Stars are in Chicago to take on the Blackhawks, while the Senators go to Calgary to face the Flames.

Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI

More on NHL: