Rangers Recap: Taking Care of Business

The Rangers needed a win heading into their bye week, desperately. Consistent goal scoring and goaltending were the main issues, as the Rangers saw their skill stats tank the last month or so. Losing both Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba for last night’s game against the Senators, there were some legit concern about how this team would respond. Four goals in 5:25 put those concerns to rest.

It did not look pretty initially, as the first period was very much more of what we’ve seen the last number of weeks. Costly turnovers, offense dying from bad reads, forcing passes instead of shooting, and all the usual complaints when this team is struggling. The Rangers found a way though.

Mika Zibanejad secured his 500th and 501st points as a New York Ranger last night, helping fuel that offensive outburst. At long last, he answered the call to action. When things are going well, Zibanejad and Chris Kreider really can get going, they look good and it matches what we expect. The key will be limiting the bad, especially since the Rangers have had trouble matching these types of performances lately.

Artemi Panarin also had a great night with a goal and 2 assists. Even though the team has not been playing great hockey, there has been a consistent force each night: Panarin. He cannot drag this team along by himself, but the Hart Trophy were truly given to the player most valuable to his team, Panarin would be in the running. He could very well hit 50 goals this season.

Who knew we’d ever be saying this on a team with Igor Shesterkin in goal, but it’s a good thing the Rangers have Jonathan Quick as their backup. For whatever reason, Quick has been able to outperform Shesterkin and carry him through his slump. He’s making the timely saves Igor has been struggling with, and it’s helping the Rangers get back on track.

Getting a win in January isn’t necessarily a must, but from what we’ve been witness to, this kind of dominating 7-2 performance with scoring up and down the lineup was just what the doctor ordered. It was about time we saw the team that was blowing out the opponent.

Enjoy the bye week folks!