Pavel Dorofeyev scored his first goal as a Ranger, a crucial third-period tally that helped lift the team to a 3-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The goal came after Dorofeyev had already hit the post or crossbar six times earlier in the season.
Tye Kartye netted the game-winner with 4:39 left in regulation, extending the Rangers' home record to 8-2 this season. Head coach Mike Sullivan has experimented with various forward line combinations in an effort to boost Dorofeyev's scoring, as the player has generated numerous opportunities that didn't translate into goals through his first 17 games.
The Rangers dominated play for the first 30 minutes, demonstrating strong puck possession and winning more races. In their third consecutive game without defenseman Sean Durzi, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, the team's defense limited the Flyers' high-danger chances in the first period, aiding rookie goaltender Dylan Garand, who has started 12 consecutive games.
J.T. Miller opened the scoring for the Rangers less than five minutes into the game, deflecting a Marcus Pettersson shot in off Gabe Perreault. However, the Flyers capitalized on their chances when the Rangers' energy dipped. Simon Benoit scored from the blue line with Noah Cates screening in front, beating Garand. Shortly after, Noel Acciari scored the tying goal on a turnaround feed from Denver Barkey, giving the Flyers their first lead of the night.
