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Rangers Achieve Revenge Win Over Minnesota Thanks To An Unlikely Hero

After falling to the Minnesota Wild in a shootout last Saturday, an unlikely hero helped the Rangers to a 4-1 victory Thursday night. With the injury bug making its way around Madison Square Garden, goaltender Louis Domingue stood on his head, earning himself a 25-save performance and the second star of the game.

It was not a complete 60 minutes; the second period continued to be a lull for New York. Thankfully, stellar showings in both the first and third periods propelled the Blueshirts to their second win in a row. Each member of the star-studded second line found goals, including a fourth from someone who tallied their first goal as a New York Ranger. New York now improves to 10-2-1, earning at least a point in nine straight matchups. Here are a few takeaways from Thursday’s night win, New York’s tenth of the season.

Louis Domingue The Lefty: An Unlikely Hero

It was reported a few days ago that Igor Shesterkin was a “full go” at practice the other day. Yet, to our surprise, it was reported on Wednesday that both Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick were day-to-day and would miss Thursday’s matchup against Minnesota. This led to New York calling up both Hartford Wolf Pack netminders, Louis Domingue and Dylan Garand.

After practice on Wednesday, it was evident that Peter Laviolette favored experience and Domingue got the nod for the start against the Wild. The last NHL start for Domingue, however, came during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was a first-round matchup at, of all places, Madison Square Garden when Domingue was a Pittsburgh Penguin. This time, it was the home crowd cheering for the lefty netminder.

From the initial puck drop, Domingue performed like a man on a mission. He played like he had something to prove, showing the organization that they can feel at ease even with their third-string goaltender between the pipes. The only period that was concerning was the middle frame when the Ranger defence was non-existent. The Wild peppered Domingue with 14 shots, including a Brandon Duhaime goal that found its way past the lefty.

The third period was near perfect for New York, supporting their goalie with three goals of their own. It was important for the Blueshirts to provide offence for a goalie who has not played in over a year. Fortunately, four goals were enough for Louis The Lefty to earn his first victory as a New York Ranger. His performance even earned his first-ever honour of donning the famous Broadway Hat.

Domingue was the first left-handed goaltender to start for the Rangers since Glen Hanlon who played for New York from 1982 to 1986.

A Second Line Scoring Galore

Louis Domingue was not the only bright spot. The first line has been awfully quiet for New York, making many fans concerned with top-line scoring. Thank goodness the line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafrenière exists. These three have been on an absolute tear, with all three members of the line getting themselves a goal. Trocheck, who is filling in for the injured Filip Chytil, now has three goals in the last two games.

Lafrenière has brought back that confidence he had when he started the season. It never fully went away, but Thursday’s performance reminded fans (and even the haters) that he has been on an impressive run. Playing alongside Panarin, who now has scored a point in 13 straight fixtures, can make anyone a better hockey player. Lafrenière’s three-point night earned himself the first star of the game.

Panarin’s gorgeous feed to Lafrenière extended his point-scoring streak. He is now one game away from reaching Mr. Ranger himself, Rod Gilbert, who had a point in fourteen straight games. Are Rangers fans witnessing a revival of the “GAG Line”? Any line with Panarin on it is almost a lock for a goal-a-game.

Finally, it has happened. Blake Wheeler notched his first goal as a Ranger on the man advantage. You can tell it meant a lot to the veteran, as his celebration featured a yell of what can only be described as pure relief. Now, if only he can find a way to mesh with his linemates, he can still retain the dangerous reputation of the top line.

The Fashion Avenue Bowl: Blueshirts versus Blue Jackets

The Rangers will welcome another divisional foe on Sunday in the likes of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus is off to a rough start, posting a 4-6-3 record while tied for last place in the Metropolitan Division. Johnny Hockey continues to be a bit of a disappointment under new coach Pascal Vincent, only achieving just one goal in 13 games played. Captain Boone Jenner has been a bright light for the Blue Jackets, leading the team with seven goals.

Puck drop is scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 p.m. from The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Main Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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