After slaying the Kraken on Saturday, the Rangers found another way to win on their western road trip by extinguishing the Calgary Flames. It was not a perfect 60 minutes of hockey, by no means, but The Blueshirts found a way to notch three goals in the second frame.
In their first six games, it’s unclear whether or not the Rangers have yet to play a complete hockey game. Yes, they have four in the win column as of today, but those wins are thanks to either success on the man advantage or the stellar goaltending of Igor Shesterkin. Either way, Peter Laviolette will look to conquer the rest of their western road trip as the Rangers head into a must-win matchup against the struggling Edmonton Oilers.
The Second Line Continues To Impress
Last night’s performance against the Calgary Flames was far from spectacular. Giving up a Blake Coleman goal less than two minutes into the opening period was the first obstacle of the night. It seems like when the Rangers are facing adversity, they call on one line in particular.
The line of Artemi Panarin, Filip Chytil, and Alexis Lafrenière is playing with such poise and precision. People might forget that the future of this line was in jeopardy when Chytil picked up an injury during training camp. Since coming back from injury, #72 for New York has been arguably the most impressive player since the start of the season. Chytil has been doing everything but score, even providing the primary assist on Erik Gustafsson’s goal last night. He’s been so confident on the puck, and it was evident last night. Sooner than later, Chytil will eventually find twine, potentially on this western road trip.
Panarin might be the best forward as of late but do not underestimate the play of Lafrenière. His redirect on the man advantage last night was well-timed, an example of how the Rangers controlled the slot on both ends of the ice last night. Lafrenière seems to be thriving under Laviolette’s new system. His pace and strength are being shown through his confidence on the ice. Slowly but surely, Lafrenière is silencing the haters as of now.
That’s an Alexis Lafreniere power play goal for you. pic.twitter.com/vMoN7v4OyV
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 25, 2023
Igor Shesterkin: An Early Vezina Favourite?
With Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy being sidelined due to injury, the Vezina race is up for grabs. Am I aware that the season is only just a few weeks old? Yes, but it is never too early to notice what netminders are standing out among the rest.
New York has two goaltenders that are considered the backbones of their respective franchises. Despite their tough start, Ilya Sorokin is single-handedly keeping the Islanders in any given matchup. A few miles away from Long Island, another netminder is dominating the crease on a particular western road trip.
Igor Shesterkin, although pulled from the Nashville game, has shown dominance between the pipes for The Blueshirts. The third period of last night’s tilt in Calgary might have been Shesterkin’s best of the early season. There was a significant lack of shots between both the Rangers and the Flames, but Calgary was hungry down two goals with 20 minutes left.
I
G
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R pic.twitter.com/jJi5nHLsp7— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 25, 2023
Shesterkin and the Rangers defensive core were stellar. It was no secret that they were on their heels during the entirety of the final frame. The number of blocked shots went through the roof. Pucks were having a difficult time finding the frames of both Shesterkin and Jacob Markström. When he was tested, however, Shesterkin denied the majority of Calgary’s chances thanks to stellar lateral movement and his ability to cut off angles.
The Net-Front Presence of Christopher James Kreider
It would not have been a Rangers victory without a powerplay goal from Chris Kreider. His fifth of the season was an example of why he just might be the best net-front presence in the National Hockey League.
Kreids is just out here being him. #NYR | @JagermeisterUSA pic.twitter.com/Mcxur3Az6K
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 25, 2023
The play starts with the quarterback skills of Adam Fox, who is still being booed by the Calgary faithful. Panarin’s wrister found the blade of Kreider who deflected one past Markström. That one goal single-handedly provided a spark plug to New York’s first powerplay unit.
Kreider is off to a fantastic start, similar to his start two seasons ago when he notched 50 goals. The offence will look to stay in form on their western road trip this Thursday in Edmonton. Awaiting the Rangers are the struggling, Connor McDavid-less Oilers. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
