For the first time in a while, the New York Rangers played a pretty complete game, resulting in a 5-1 win over the Islanders. While it is their second straight 5-goal game, they only registered 20 shots on goal, which is not a recipe for success. The Rangers did clamp things down defensively, surrendering mostly low danger chances and making Igor Shesterkin’s night an easier one.
The last three games have been a true representation of Rangers hockey in this tumultuous season. They got crushed and lost, then got crushed and stole a game, then had a strong defensive effort with a high shooting percentage. The only thing missing is a true dominating win, but that will be tough if both Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller miss time.
With Brennan Othmann in for Chris Kreider, we had some pregame drama. At first, it was puzzling as Peter Laviolette threw him on the 4th line with Jonny Brodzinski, and Matt Rempe opposite his wing. A “throw it together” line that could have been disastrous, this line stole the show. Brodzinski scored twice, Rempe added another, and Othmann looked strong.
After a disastrous first game after the break, Igor Shesterkin has been locked in. We know the story on Shesterkin, as he prefers to see a big workload, like many goalies in the NHL. The Islanders did outshoot the Rangers 37-18, but the overwhelming majority were low danger chances that Shesterkin stopped with ease. It was a high quantity, low quality game that helped Shesterkin rebuild his confidence after that shaky return.
Finally on JT Miller, I’m happy to eat my words. He has fit like a glove on this team. He is not the player that was a throwaway piece in the infamous Ryan McDonagh trade anymore. He finally lived up to his potential and turned into quite the hockey player. The payoff won’t be this season, but he’s the clear 1C the Rangers have needed.
The season may essentially be lost, but we can ride the wave to the end of the year.
