Filip Chytil can't hide feelings after snapping 11-game goal drought
The Rangers' Filip Chytil, right, celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL game against the Flyers on Saturday in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Derik Hamilton
PHILADELPHIA – It had been 11 games since Filip Chytil last scored a goal. So the 22-year-old wasn’t going to pretend that scoring in the third period of Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Flyers didn’t feel really good.
"I’m not gonna lie, it’s a great feeling,’’ Chytil said of his tying goal at 10:48 of the third period. "That’s, for me personally, it’s great, after a lot of games. And also for the team, that we tied the game and then we won.’’
Chytil’s goal came 37 seconds after Philadelphia’s Cam York had scored to put the Flyers ahead 2-1. Chytil drove to the net and swept in a feed from Artemi Panarin.
Coach Gerard Gallant was happy for Chytil and thinking what a goal might do for his confidence.
"I think it’s great,’’ Gallant said. "I think he’s got four points in the last four games, you know, three assists, and going to the net hard, and you know, things are going to go in for him.
"So it’s all about confidence and playing well, and hopefully he’s turning the corner here.’’
Greco to taxi squad
With the return of forwards Julien Gauthier and Ryan Reaves from protocol, the Rangers moved Queens native Anthony Greco off the 23-man roster and back onto the taxi squad.
Gallant, who exited COVID protocol Saturday, said it was difficult making some roster moves, given how well Greco and the other fill-ins from Hartford played during the road trip. "That’s what happens. But it’s a good thing," he said.
You’ve got guys coming back… and you make your decisions. And there are rules, with the taxi (squad) rules and the 23-man roster, so you’ve got to work around that. But I was really happy with the way they performed.’’
Blue notes
F Jonny Brodzinski and Ds Libor Hajek and Jarred Tinordi were scratched ... G Keith Kinkaid was moved off the taxi squad and sent to Hartford. Tyler Wall was called up to replace Kinkaid on the taxi squad ... F Dryden Hunt (upper-body injury) was eligible to come off injured reserve, but he did not. He did take part in the morning skate ... Forwards Barclay Goodrow and Alexis Lafreniere will be eligible to exit COVID protocol in time for the Rangers’ next game, Wednesday at the Garden against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
