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New York Rangers know exactly who Tyler Johnson is after Game 2

By Nick Ziegler

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The New York Rangers got hit in the mouth in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals by Tyler Johnson and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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After a 2-1 win in Game 1, the Rangers lost at home in Game 2 by a score of 6-2. In Game 2, the Lightning would get a monster performance from their center. Johnson would set the tone for the Lightning in the first period with a short-handed goal to kill the momentum of the Rangers’ power-play.

Later in the first period, Johnson would break a tied game with a power-play goal, which was his 10th of the playoffs. In the second period, Johnson would complete the hat-trick with his third goal of the game at even strength.

“He’s the complete package,” said star Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman of Johnson’s play to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com. “He’s not just a playmaker and a goal-scorer; he’s not afraid to get physical, he’s not afraid to get in front of the net. You see that third goal, he’s in front of the net battling for it and it’s not a coincidence he got a stick on it. It’s just a lot of fun to watch. You sit on the bench and you see that, you’re really happy having him on your team. He showed last year how good a player he was and he showed this year it wasn’t a fluke. He’s been one of the best players in the league this year for a reason and he’s showing it in the playoffs.”

Johnson has been one of the best players in the NHL Playoffs, as he is continuing his great regular season. In the regular season, Johnson had 72 points in 77 games with 43 assists and 29 goals.

Despite having the great season, Johnson wasn’t drafted, and didn’t seem to be wanted.

“I don’t know if that’s really driving me to be honest with you,” Johnson said Monday night to LeBrun. “I think every morning I’m just happy to be here and I’m living my dream. So that’s what’s driving me is to try to be the best I can and play for my family. They sacrificed so much for me to be here, and I’m living my dream, so I want to keep living it as long as possible.”

After Game 2, the Rangers know exactly who Johnson is. The Lightning came into the playoffs with the highest scoring offense in the NHL, and Johnson is helping them try to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Next: Who is the best Ranger of all-time?

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