Panthers Defeated Rangers 2-1 at BankAtlantic Center Wednesday

Photo Credit AP

The New York Rangers were defeated by the Florida Panthers Wednesday (11/23/11) night 2-1 for the Blueshirts’ second straight loss. The offensive struggles continue for the Rangers who only mustered 20 shots on goal. Jason Garrison and Kris Versteeg scored Florida’s goals and goalkeeper Jose Theodore had 19 saves on the night. Theodore did not live up to his nickname “Jose Three or More” unfortunately. Ranger forward Derek Stepan scored at 4:18 in the 2nd period, his 4th of the season, to narrow the score to 2-1. Ranger goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist made 36 saves and was easily the best player on the ice. The Blueshirts had their chances but just could not score. The Panthers made major personnel changes this year and they’re a much better club. Midway through the 2nd period the Rangers killed off a 5-minute major penalty called on Andre Deveaux, who skated across center ice and elbowed Fleischmann in the head. Fleischmann left the game but came back later in the period. Deveaux will most like be fined by the NHL for his hit. The three stars of the game were Fleischmann, Lundqvist and Garrison.