Rangers Recap: Number 40

It’s not even March, and the New York Rangers have 40 wins. They needed a rebound win after the Blue Jackets broke their win streak on Sunday, and a win they delivered. The Rangers were very good in the first two periods, slowing a pretty fast Columbus team to a crawl, but the game opened up in the third period. A 2-1 lead turned into a 4-1 win with a pair of empty netters with Igor Shesterkin shutting the door.

This game had a bit of everything. Set play goals, powerplay goals, Chris Kreider‘s 30th goal of the season, and Artemi Panarin’s three point night. Shesterkin also gave the puck away a few times last night, one leading to a goal, but he was solid otherwise. The Blue Jackets may be bad, but we’ve seen they can score, plus Elvis Merzlikins put on a show in net again.

Panarin’s 3 point game gave him points 80, 81, and 82. He is the best free agent signing in franchise history and it is not up for discussion anymore. Obviously we hope this version of Panarin translates into dominance in the playoffs, but we will see that soon enough. There are other candidates, but he absolutely deserves Hart Trophy consideration. Perhaps Mika Zibanejad should shave his head too.

How about that Igor Shesterkin? In the last 4 games, he’s allowed just 4 goals, and his save percentage has shot up to a .911 overall on the season. Whatever was wrong in December and January has been corrected, and he’s back to the Igor we expect. This team has enough talent up front where they can cover a bad game by Igor, and it’s nice to see the other side of the coin be a net positive again.

As for Chris Kreider, he is now 112 goals away from breaking Rod Gilbert’s franchise goals records. He’s only gotten better with age with his 3rd straight 30 goal season, and 5th straight with a 30 goal pace. Kreider’s game has evolved from 20-25 goal scorer and fringe top liner into a bonafide top line winger and the best net front presence in the league. Even if he falls short of Gilbert’s record, his number will surely be retired.

I’d be remiss not to mention Matt Rempe, who didn’t fight last night. He probably needed a break from the face punching. He’s not just a puncher though, and he had a nice little two on one chance with Barclay Goodrow, showing great patience with the puck. This kid is proving he can be a solid depth hockey player. It might not be this year ultimately as we approach the deadline, but he will be back next season, for sure.