What a win for the New York Rangers. An overtime victory against their cross-river rivals, the Rangers are now 3-1-1 in 2025 and look far, far better than they did in December. From puck drop to final whistle, the Rangers played an excellent game, including an absolutely dominating third period. Special teams paved the way for success in this one as they have in the past, but the Rangers did actually look good at 5 on 5 for what has felt like forever.
To the tune of 21 saves on 23 shots, Igor Shesterkin had an excellent return game from his upper body injury. The Rangers were better defensively in his return, making life a little easier on Shesterkin, but he stood tall when tested. For the most part, the Rangers were in sync, though one miscommunication left Jack Hughes alone in front for an easy goal, but they were pretty solid beyond that one blip.
But the real story is actually a question. Is Mika Zibanejad finally back? He has 5 points in his last 5 games and has looked as engaged in the puck battles and game as a whole. We may never know what was going on through December, but if this is the Mika we are getting in 2025, this is when this team can actually do something.
The Rangers need their top guys to actually produce and contribute like they are paid to, and they are finally doing just that. I guess that regression to the mean was bound to happen at some point. Now, can this stay sustained as the Rangers certainly have a long way to go to be viewed again as legitimate threats to the NHL.
When Sam Carrick was first signed, I think a lot of people just looked at his body of work on an atrocious Anaheim Ducks team and thought this was just going to be a warm body that played his 7-8 minutes a night. Many are eating their words, and hopefully happy to do so. Overtime goal aside, the 4th line with him, Adam Edstrom, and the rotation on right wing has been an invaluable asset to this team. They play a simple game, but can actually create legitimate scoring chances.
Who knew jettisoning Barclay Goodrow would help the Rangers’ bottom six in the end? After pick pocketing Jack Hughes in the Rangers zone, Carrick got the puck up to Reilly Smith in quick transition, finishing the play by putting himself in a position to shoot on the 2-on-1. Just a 10/10 goal. No notes.
