For the third game in a row, the Rangers keep their opposition off the score sheet as they come out on top against the Jets 3-0 for their 50th win of the season. This is the fifth season in franchise history in which the Rangers hit the 50 win mark, their first time since their 2014-15 campaign. It also became the fifth time in franchise history to team recorded three or more consecutive shutouts, first time doing so since 1972-73, first team in the league to do it since the Blues in 2018-19. Lastly, Head Coach Gerard Gallant became the second coach in Rangers history to reach the 50-win mark in their first season with the team since the legendary Mike Keenan in 1993-94. Hopefully some foreshadowing?
It was a rather slow start to the game in what would be a scoreless first period with no penalties and a collective 15 shots, 9-6 in the Rangers favor. A couple of solid chances in the Rangers favor but just as Igor Shesterkin was, Eric Comrie was holding down the fort in the opposite crease. The tide would turn a little bit going into the second as Winnipeg picked up their game but the score would remain even at zero. Chances came and went but it wasn't looking like anything was going to go for either end.
With about five minutes and some change to go in the period, we would have the first penalty of the night as Filip Chytil took a stick to the face, sending Morgan Barron off for high sticking. Chytil, thankfully was okay on the play and was looking very good out there throughout the night. The Rangers power play took to the ice and capitalized against the Jets penalty killers who haven't had the best success rate this season. It was Ryan Strome tucking one in on the back door about a minute and a half into the advantage. The Rangers would take the one goal lead to the locker room as shots totaled 23-18 in New York's favor.
It would be the Rangers penalty killers turn to be tested early in the third as K'Andre Miller got called for high sticking to which they killed off no problem. Igor Shesterkin would have his busiest period in the third but stayed strong to every puck Winnipeg sent his way. Not only was he making great saves, he was making picture perfect passes including one where he found Alexis Lafreniere at the far blue line. The Rangers power play would get a second opportunity after Winnipeg's man advantage but wouldn't be able to convert on it.
About halfway through the period, Artemi Panarin controlled the puck in the offensive zone in dominating fashion but opted to leave the shot for Adam Fox, who snuck one through some traffic up high to beat Comrie, giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead. Winnipeg would pull Comrie with about three minutes left but couldn't convert enough offense to threaten any strong chances. Ryan Strome would put this one away with his second of the night on the empty net, giving the Rangers a 3-0 win.
Certainly a night for the history books as the Rangers continue to dominate through the seasons final stanza. This team is performing exactly how you want them to, making a strong push for first place in the Metro. Andrew Copp had a solid first outing against his former team, collecting two assists in the process. Panarin hit number 70 on his assist to Fox and Strome joined several other of his teammates in the career year category. This team continues to be such a joy to watch and will look to continue with their success on Long Island tomorrow night.
Chris Feldman
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