Well the Rangers made it more stressful than that had to be, but took care of business with a 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils.  The Rangers have now won three in a row and have recorded points in five straight.  The win this afternoon leaves them 4 points behind Boston for the final playoff spot in the East Division, with the Bruins having two games in hand. Here are a few thoughts and reactions to the win.

  • Artemi Panarin recorded four points, putting him at 50 points in 33 games. He has a p/60 of 1.52, good for second in the NHL behind some guy named McDavid.  Jaromir Jagr is on my “Mount Rushmore” of favorite players of all time and was a FANTASTIC Ranger.  Panarin is the best offensive player this franchise has had since number 68…and Panarin is challenging for best of all time in a blue shirt.
  • Igor’s shutout streak was ended at 12:37 of the second period with a goal by Mike McLeod.  That being said he still broke the Rangers’ franchise record for longest consecutive shutout streak against one opponent (198:07), breaking Dave Kerr’s 81 year record which he did in the 1939-40 NHL season against the Montreal Canadiens.
  • David Quinn deserves some credit today.  Good use of a time out to settle down the troops in the third and getting Kreider on the ice with the empty net to end his goalless streak.  He has struggled with situational coaching.  He had a good day.
  • I love K’Andre Miller.  I also think he shouldn’t be on the power play.
  • The Rangers remain on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture.  They are playing fun and exciting hockey, but the crux of the season remains a 4-8-6 in one goal games.  Mika’s slow start and Panarin’s leave of absence play a big part in this, but man what a difference 4-5 points would make right now.  To me thats going to the reason they will ultimately miss the playoffs.
  • For now, enjoy the ride. See you tomorrow.

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