New York hockey fans rejoiced in unison as the Rangers losing streak ends Sunday with a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals. The signs were aligning that today would be the day. The Rangers were donning their third jerseys. Igor Shesterkin was showing off his stylish Brian’s goalie equipment. Everything seemed as if today would be the day.
In what was the opposite of an easy task, New York matched up against a Washington team who stole both points from the Rangers in yesterday’s third period. Their 3-2 victory left an uneasy feeling in the Rangers, who headed back to Madison Square Garden. The plan was simple: score goals when given the chance and tighten up defensively. One excelled more drastically than the other, but the job was made complete.
First Period Takeaway: Blink Or You’ll Miss It
The customary electricity was especially felt today with the return of Kaapo Kakko. After missing the last 21 games with a lower-body injury, head coach Peter Laviolette pencilled the former second-overall pick back into his top line. Although it’s another right winger for Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, Kakko is one who brings an impressive defensive repertoire and familiarity.
On their first shift, that stellar second line proved that they are the most consistent line whenever they are on the ice. Just 50 seconds in, an outlet feed from Jacob Trouba found the blade of Vincent Trocheck. A cross-crease pass to Artemi Panarin found the back of the net. An important first goal and an impressive start in what appeared to be a must-win game. Panarin now has 27 goals on the year and is showing no signs of stopping.
Up, up and AWAY. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/HPzDaeIfhA
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 14, 2024
The midmost section of the opening frame provided penalties and a lack of quality scoring chances for both clubs. Both squads were hungry to bury the biscuit, but one skater got his chance; something that he has been showcasing all season long.
The resilience of Alexis Lafrenière paid off with 50 seconds left in the period, notching his eleventh goal of the season. A keep-in from Braden Schneider found the winger Lafrenière who followed his own rebound on Charlie Lindgren. For a team desperate for a win, the hard work paid off in the first twenty minutes. Yet hockey is, as we all know, sixty.
LAF SAW IT THROUGH. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bQuzxXJ8Vt
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 14, 2024
Second Period Takeaway: Live From New York It’s The Charlie Lindgren Show
During this four-game skid, New York failed to play a complete game of hockey. It is typically a solid period followed by a defensive collapse highlighted by a lack of motivation. After a flawless first period, New York let off the gas slightly, allowing the Capitals to get one back.
Scoring his second goal in two games, T.J. Oshie got Washington on the board in an unorthodox way. Scrambling for the puck, an initial shot from Dylan Strome ricocheted off Oshie’s skate, sliding past Igor Shesterkin. Oshie’s fourth of the season is evidence that this line is slowly rediscovering their groove. Once again, New York found themselves in a 2-1 lead with twenty minutes to go.
gotta love an osh goal pic.twitter.com/4VzP4U4LDz
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2024
New York had multiple chances on the man advantage, including a 5-on-3 that went nowhere. The headline of the period was not the Oshie goal. But it was the double save from Lindgren on Chris Kreider. In utter disbelief, Kreider was left stunned on how the puck did not hit the back of the net. It would take more than power play opportunities for the Rangers to secure their lead, the third period was all that was left.
HOLY CHUCK pic.twitter.com/F1FTcgnKmy
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2024
Third Period Takeaway: A Collective Sigh of Relief
No team was budging in the final period. Washington felt the desperation of an equalizer. And giving everything that they possessed, Shesterkin stood on his head. Without a ton of flashiness, Shesterkin flashed just enough leather to guide New York to a needed victory.
The one caveat after Sunday’s win is in a department that has shone all season long. New York’s power play was shut out, going 0-for-5 on the afternoon. You could sense the frustration amongst the Garden Faithful. It was almost as if the word “SHOOT” echoed throughout living rooms all over the Metropolitan area. That being said, the win was what was needed and the Rangers will search for momentum later in the week.
The Rangers are back in action on Tuesday when they take on the Seattle Kraken. As one of the hottest teams in the league, Seattle is riding a nine-game winning streak, including a victory in the 2024 Winter Classic over the reigning champs, the Vegas Golden Knights. The Kraken will play on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins before heading to Broadway.
Puck drop is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST from The World’s Most Famous Arena.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
