The Rangers found a way to earn a 3-2 shootout win over the Avalanche. In a game that was even after two periods, Colorado carried play almost the entire third period. Igor Shesterkin was the prime reason why the Blueshirts made it to the overtime and shootout. New York takes on Arizona, who just ended Nashville’s point streak 8-4 yesterday, on Saturday.
Rangers lineup vs. Avalanche:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Roslovic
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Brodzinski-Wennberg-Kakko
Cuylle-Goodrow-Vesey
A few thoughts:
1) Game flow- Colorado was held to only four high-danger chances and one goal through two periods. The goal was partially due to a bad change and late back check but give Brandon Duhaime credit for sealing off K’Andre Miller and Casey Mittelstadt for a perfect shot.
The Avalanche posted 17 shots on goal and eight HDCF in the final period, as they raised their game. The goal allowed was partially due to a lazy play by Chris Kreider near the boards and Mike Zibanajed’s inability to clear the puck due to a strong forecheck. Plus what looked to be Ryan Lindgren’s own goal as he tried to tuck the puck under Igor. Colorado carried that momentum into OT, where they notched five shots. Shesterkin was the difference maker, which will need to be the case moving forward.
2) Shesterkin came into the game in the midst of a mild slump. That was not the case yesterday, as he was sharp - and at times spectacular - in the win. Igor stopped 16 of 17 shots in the third and made five of his 38 saves in the extra frame before shutting the door by stopping both shootout attempts he faced.
After Shesterkin faced a heavy load in the high altitude, I would go with Jonathan Quick in Saturday. Quick stays fresh and Igor gets a few days off before likely facing Pittsburgh at home Monday.
3) The two goals were both thanks to hard work. On the first, Kaapo Kakko did solid work at the side and behind the net, backing his shot off Alexandar Georgiev. The second, in the power play, was more due to good passing to create a lane and a little luck, as the puck hit off Vincent Trocheck to Kreider, who had a wide open net. Colorado challenged for a hand pass, which was ridiculous, as the puck just deflected off Trocheck, ruled to be off the cuff of his glove to CK20
4) Reslience - the victory was New York’s 24th comeback win of the season, second behind only the Avs' 25. During the game, Adam Fox was lost when a pick came up and clipped him in the face. K’Andre Miller missed a little time as well. Miller returned but Fox didn’t, though he was on the bench down the stretch.
Zac Jones was rewarded for his strong play with several turns in overtime. Chad Ruhwedel had a very solid contest while Lindgren showed no after-effects of missing four games, playing 21:11 in the win. Jacob Trouba may be in the verge of returning, which will lengthen the D corps and maybe allow others to rest.
5) Standings - the win maintained a one-point lead over the Dallas Stars, who won last night, in the race for the Presidents' Trophy and created a three-point cushion over the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes, who shut out Detroit, in the more-important race for the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed. New York has a game in hand on all of them.
As Vince Mercogliano noted, it also ends a grueling stretch of playing five straight teams who are currently in playoff position, including four of the NHL's top-eight teams in Colorado, Boston, Florida and Winnipeg. The Rangers went 4-1 in those contests, with the only loss coming Mar. 19 against the Jets.
They've won four straight since then and will now enter a softer spot in the schedule. Their next six games will come against teams who are on the outside of the postseason picture, beginning Saturday at 6 p.m. in Arizona against the Coyotes.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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