The Rangers exacted a modicum of revenge for their 7-3 defeat at home at the hands of the Maple Leafs last Tuesday. New York notched at 5-2 win on the road against Toronto yesterday. Several goal-scoring droughts ended in the victory. The Blueshirts are off now until Friday, when they kick off another set of back-to-back contests (the NHL schedule maker, woof)
A few thoughts:
1) Droughts ended - Alexis Lafreniere’s 12-game goal drought, over. Braden Schneider’s 22-game drought, history. Artemi Panarin’s six-game outage, a thing of the past. When all three happen in the same, that’s usually a good sign and it was yesterday.
The first and third goals in the list above were lucky, as each deflected off a Maple Leafs’ defensemen. But as I have said before, you make your own luck. If you work hard enough, put in the effort and be in the right position, at times you will be rewarded. That was the case yesterday.
You can argue Schneider’s goal was a bit lucky. Not the play itself, as he made a great read and drive into open space. But the execution, as he looked to be trying high and shot low, benefitting from Martin Jones failing to seal off the short-side post. A goal is a goal is a goal.
2) Gus bus and Wheels - both players have been trending in opposite directions recently. After a hot start, Gustafsson had tailed off a bit, partially due to the return of Adam Fox. Wheeler, after a slow start and demotion to third line, has benefitted from the move back to the top line. Yesterday, both players, who combined make about $1.6 million, were keys to the win.
Gustafsson had his best offensive game in weeks, notching three assists. With Fox scuffling a bit, Gus stepped up and provided needed production. He helped spring Schneider for what proved to be the game-winning goal and notched helpers on New York’s two PPG.
Wheeler has shown improved chemistry with Mike Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. That slow start is a bit of a faded memory as that trio has done a much better job of driving play since the unit was reunited. Wheeler has shown a bit more jump the last few weeks, contributing to the increased production. Yesterday, he had two helpers, giving him two goals and three apples his last four games.
3) Igor Shesterkin sure looked to be back last night. Off a solid performance and win on the road in Boston, Igor built off that yesterday. He came up big when needed, especially in the second and third periods, when he helped New York remained tied and then stay in the lead. Whatever work he did with goaltending coach Benoit Allaire, both technically and mentally, has paid dividends the last two games. I think we get Ifor vs. Edmonton on Friday and Jonathan Quick on Saturday against Buffalo, but as we have seen, that certainly is not set in stone.
4) Panarin extended his point streak to five games (one goal, five assists), giving him 43 points on the season, tied for fourth in the league. Zibanejad also extended his point streak to five games (five goals, three assists). After a very slow start, Mika is now up to 11 goals and 17 assists on the year. When the dynamic duo is rolling, New York is a hard team to face. Add in the fact that the team has scored power play goals in five straight games and the four wins in that stretch are further explained.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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