If it wasn't clear already, this team is officially hot. The New York Rangers come out of the weekend with a pair of one goal wins and are beginning to solidify themselves as a team that means business this season. For what feels like the first time in so long, the Rangers have a winning streak longer than four games as they have now won six of their last six. On top of that, the Rangers have won eight of their last eight on home ice. It wasn't a perfect weekend by any means, especially given what happened Friday night but nevertheless, this team is good and so fun to watch every night.
Shesterkin, Georgiev combine for shutout, beat San Jose 1-0
The Sharks gave the Rangers a run for their money playing a pretty complete game through sixty minutes, outshooting the Rangers 28-27, competing every stride of the way. Ryan Strome was able to convert on a power play about halfway through the first with an absolute rocket of a slap shot off feeds from Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad. The games pace remained the same, shots were even through the period, we were on track to having a good hockey game on our hands.
And then it happened. The thing Rangers fans have arguably feared the most this season, Igor Shesterkin laying on the ice not getting up. Hard to tell what the injury was but all we knew was he wasn't putting any weight on his right leg and had to be helped off the ice. Sheer panic. Thankfully, Alexandar Georgiev stepped up and played a great rest of the game, helping the Rangers finish the Sharks off and get that shutout win. The real question would be, can Georgiev keep it up and hold the reigns if Shesterkin is out long term?
Thankfully, Rangers fans minds were set to ease in post game when Head Coach Gerard Gallant said it wasn't as bad as it looked after talking to the medical team and that it should only be a "minor" injury. Further developments led him to also say he's "confident" Shesterkin will be back playing for the Rangers sometime next week. In the meantime, the Rangers recalled Adam Huska from Hartford to backup Georgiev and would look to #40 to take care of business the next day against the Blackhawks
Rangers Hold Off Chicago, Win 3-2
For the first time since before COVID, I can finally say this was a game I was able to watch live, at the Garden, with thousands of other Rangers fans, in the World's Most Famous Arena. From the pregame drinks at Mustang Harry's to the final buzzer, the vibes were there and the Rangers once again, came out on top despite a late third period goal and final push from Chicago. Similarly to how the Sharks game began, the pace was strong from the start and play was pretty back and forth. The Blackhawks were getting chances, hitting posts and finally in the final minutes of the game, found the back of the net.
This would be one of two goals that needed review, both for the Blackhawks. The puck was deflected with a high stick prior to Patrick Kane putting the lose puck in the back of the net. Gallant would challenge and it looked like it was going to be called a high stick but somehow, the refs labelled it a good goal, 1-0 Blackhawks to head to the second. From that moment on however, it was pretty much all New York.
The Rangers came out with energy in the second period, playing hard, controlling puck possession, winning all the battles. Less than five minutes in, Ryan Strome would catch a perfect pass from Panarin who got it from Fox to put it in the back of the net and tie the game up. The Rangers continued controlling the play and with just a few minutes left in the second, Adam Fox put one in the back of the net to give his team the lead and to give the Garden a burst of energy.
To the third we go and it was again, all New York. With about five minutes to go, Artemi Panarin found the puck and a whole lot of net to put it away, giving the Rangers an insurance goal. Without fail, it always seems as though Panarin has a little more pep in his step when he plays his former teams and tonight was no exception. Again, the Garden was full of life and it looked like the Rangers were on their way to another win without much worry.
Of course, things can never be easy. With about a minute to go, Alex DeBrincat got a slap shot to cross the line even though it appeared to be beat by a whistle. Nevertheless, Chicago got another goal by the skin of their teeth and were one away from tying it. To be fair, Chicago did hit three or four posts throughout the course of the game so can't blame them too much for getting a bit of puck luck on the two goals. Thankfully, the Rangers killed off the final minute and we were on our feet at the Garden, Rangers win to make it six in a row.
Georgiev played a great game and as long as he can continue with that, the Rangers will be just fine while Shesterkin recovers. The Rangers have another back to back this week including a rematch with Chicago and a battle with the Avalanche. It'll be interesting to see if Georgiev gets both games or if the Rangers will look to give Adam Huska his first career NHL start. Either way, this team is looking great and as long as they keep up what they've been doing, we should be alright as we top the standings in the East.
Chris Feldman
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