A win is a win, but what an ugly win it was. Neither team deserved to win last night, but someone had to, and this time around it was the Rangers. The difference maker for the Rangers was the Adam Fox and Vlad Gavrikov. They took over the game any time they stepped onto the ice, giving the Rangers their second home win of the year, three days before Thanksgiving. These wins won’t come easy as the Rangers continue to figure things out, and since Mike Sullivan’s style is boring hockey, so most games are going to be an agonizing experience. But a win is a win, after all.
Gavrikov might honestly be underrated and is easily the best defensive defenseman the Rangers have had in a long, long time. He is a human eraser most nights, taking out tough competition on a nightly basis with smart stick work and great reads. Last night he also added offense with two assists, one of which was an absolutely gorgeous pass to Adam Edstrom for the eventual game winning goal. The Rangers have many faults, but at least the Fox-Gavrikov pair is locked in and making everyone around them better.
Jonny Brodzinski has been a loyal soldier for this franchise for the last five years. His role as mentor in Hartford, serving as the team’s captain and taking so many prospects under his wing has evolved into the same role at the NHL level. But on the ice, he’s been a versatile forward that has been the subject of a lot of scrutiny as the team struggles. To be fair, he’s the least of the Rangers’ concerns. He’s been a great fit, both on and off the ice. He has a high motor, is assertive with the puck, and isn’t afraid to shoot. His passing game is highly underrated, as we saw on that beautiful feed to Vincent Trocheck for the Rangers first goal. He’s the preferred option of him, Conor Sheary, and Taylor Raddysh.
Brett Berard made his season debut after a rough start to the year, playing 9:21 and taking a poorly timed double minor high sticking penalty. The penalty aside, which the Rangers killed off, it’s clear to see why so many wanted him recalled. His compete level is incredible and helped make last night’s third line look the fastest it’s been all year.
What made no sense was his usage in the second period, where he played just 2:33 TOI in a tie game with few penalties and special teams play. Berard was called up because he has been working hard to get back to the NHL and the results had started to come. It’s only one game so perhaps this is a blip, but this feels so Rangers to call up a prospect and have them sit or barely play. When one-quarter of the season is done and the team is near last in the conference, what do you have to lose by playing him? Hopefully this isn’t a trend and Berard is still with the Rangers even after injuries heal, playing more than 9:21 per game.
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