Toronto’s fourth line of Duhaime, Blueger and Zack MacEwen (two assists) combined for seven points (two goals, five assists).
“Everybody always loves it when those guys get rewarded with goals and points because they do the dirty work, blocking shots, getting forechecks going,” Toronto coach Jim Hiller said. “I think that’s what makes the night extra special. And then a guy like Stecher who quietly gives you everything he can and then scores a big goal in a moment like that.”
The Rangers tied it 2-2 at 2:37 of the second period. After Justin Dowling drove to the net producing a rebound off Bobrovsky’s right pad kick save, Oliver Bjorkstrand, who scored twice on Monday in a 5-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks, got to the loose puck and shot blocker side from the slot.
Tye Kartye put the Rangers up 3-2 at 6:30 when he deflected Fox’s shot from above the right circle while battling with Kirill Marchenko in the slot.
Duhaime tied it 3-3 at 8:00 when he got to his own rebound in the slot and shot over Garand’s blocker.
Marchenko put Toronto up 4-3 at 19:09 on the power play when he skated down the slot and jammed his own rebound between Garand’s pads.
“I really liked our game,” Hiller said. “That was probably our best game of the year through 60 minutes for me. The Rangers played good, pushed us hard but we didn’t have those lulls and dips, in fact I thought we ended up pushing and got momentum back.”
NOTES: Stecher’s goal was Toronto’s latest go-ahead goal since Nov. 13, 2021 (Rielly at 59:48). … Maple Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury sustained in a 6-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Hiller said he is week to week. … The Rangers signed forward Luke Glendening to a one-year, $850,000 contract. … Fox had his third career four-assist game. Only two Rangers defensemen have as many: Brian Leetch (six) and Brad Park (five).