The December Rangers would have folded after having two goals disallowed, even with a 2-0 lead. The second Arthur Kaliyev goal, when disallowed, would have collapsed this group just one month ago. Yet the Rangers won in dominating fashion against a team they needed to beat to stay in the hunt. The scoreboard read 5-0, but it should have been at least 6-0, and even then it doesn’t show the true dominance from the Rangers.

Igor Shesterkin was locked in as he got his 2nd consecutive shutout and his 3rd of the season, stopping all 20 shots thrown his way. The team played tremendously well defensively, with key blocks from Will Borgen, who has become a shot blocking machine out there, and numerous disruptions from K’Andre Miller. This pair has been a difference maker for a few weeks now, starting many shifts in the defensive zone against top competition and excelling.

The fun wasn’t just in the goal scoring and defensive play. Last night had a chippy element to it, with Igor getting in on the action after Brady Tkachuk bumped his head into the goal post. Shesty can sure get testy out there and it’s electric to watch. Obviously, you hope he doesn’t get hurt out there trying to protect himself, but he had absolutely no fear going in and taking a couple of shots at Tkachuk behind the net.

Back to the Rangers as a whole, we saw one of the most balanced scoring sheets this season for the Blueshirts, with 13 different Rangers getting a point, including a beautiful goal by polarizing Ranger Matt Rempe. Rempe still has a long way to go to earn the full trust of the coaching staff, but with more games like last night, that trust will come. Adam Edstrom sprung Rempe all alone in front with a beautiful pass, and Rempe went forehand backhand top-shelf for his first goal of the season. Rempe is a skilled player when he’s allowed to play the game and not be a side show.

Know who else has really gotten comfortable and it’s shown in his willingness to shoot? Arthur Kaliyev. The scouting report really was true, this kid will fire the puck from virtually anywhere on the ice. He should have had two goals, but a millimeter on an irrelevant “offside” nullified his second goal. Still, his one goal gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead and a bit more of a cushion to play comfortably. These reviews are getting out of hand, though.

The Rangers have been absolutely rolling since the new year started. They are playing a brand of hockey that looks more familiar to what we fell in love with as a fanbase last season. Taking care of opponents that are higher up in the standings is critical if the Rangers want to turn the season around, and so far so good.

The job is by no means finished, as they still are 2 points and 3 teams away from the last wild card spot. We’ve seen this franchise go on runs before, and nothing is impossible. For those who recall, the 2013-2014 season started rough before an incredible second half en route to a Cup Final appearance. Will we see that sort of magic this season?

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