The Rangers put seven in the net, though only five counted, as two were overturned by offsides reviews, in their 5-0 whitewash of the Senators. Igor Shesterkin only needed to make 20 saves to notch his second straight shutout as New York was solid defensively in the neutral and defensive zones. The Blueshirts got tallies from five different players and take on the Flyers on Thursday.
Game recap:
Rangers lines vs. Ottawa:
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Zibanejad-Smith
Kreider-Chytil-Kaliyev
Edström-Carrick-Rempe
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Borgen
Vaakanainen-Schneider
Quick
Shesterkin
Scratches: Vesey, Jones, Brodzinski
A few thoughts:
1) Igor was good again when needed, though he was not tested much. The best part is that he showed some feistiness, going after Brady Tkachuk after he was slightly hit into the post. New York immediately reacted to the hit with Matt Rempe trying to get after Tkachuk, who saw his scoreless streak hit eight in the loss. (The Michael Amadio hit behind the net was caused by Shesterkin, who eased his way into Amadio's path to draw contact). Igor is red hot between the pipes for the Blueshirts.
The Rangers were very good defensively throughout the contest. To me, the let was how they played in the third. New York didn't allow Ottawa any chance to build an attack, limiting time and space. after blowing two games late, holding the Senators down was a nice accomplishment.
2) Goals were scored by five different players. After Sam Carrick's goal was rightfully overturned, Alexis Lafremiere netted a marker off a deflection in front late in the first. Arthur Kaliyev showed why he has a shoot first moniker, as he blasted a bad angle shot past Leevi Merilainen, who was not particularly, A Urho Vaakanainen shot was blocked deflecting towards the board where Kaliyev blasted a one time high past Marilainen.
Matt Rempe, who had a very strong game, made it 3-0. The play was set up by Rempe being in the right place defensively in the high slot to create a breakout and his score on a nice backhand move was the 23rd Ranger to light the lamp this year. Adam Edstrom helped make the play with his rush. up ice and pass to Rempe. The Igor dust up resulted in a PP that became a 5-on-3 after Amadio's penalty. Artemi Panarin sniped one top-shelf shortside to make it 4-0. Will Cuylle showed great patience at the side of the net to notch his second career PP goal and end the scoring.
3) Fourth line magic - the chemistry between Carrick, Rempe and Edstrom is getting more noticeable. They were good defensively and that translated into offensive chances. Carrick has given the Rangers all they could want and more at a $1 million salary for this year and the next two campaigns. Edstrom is improving daily while Rempe has rebounded from his issues to start playing as we had hoped. He has a long way to go but we are seeing signs of growth.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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