47-20-4
A three game week that went 2-1, more good than bad for sure. A tough game with Winnipeg was an uphill match for the entire 60 minutes. The Rangers looked tired but they did everything they could to fight back. The loss was pretty much because Hellebuyck had his goal on lockdown. Rempe’s suspension was over but he was kept out as a healthy scratch and despite the loss, Lafreniere had a great game. In a twist, the Jets have lost the last 3 games since.
Next was an amazing game against Boston, who were in first place in the league. This was possibly the best defensive game we’ve seen this season despite giving up two goals. All Star Quick saved the game in the first period with some wild saves that kept his team in the game. This gave time for Panarin to hit the turbo button for his third hat trick of the season! Miller, Schneider, and Jones all had tremendous moments. Oh, and Rempe was back on the ice.
Last night was a slobber knocker against Florida. The Panthers won the previous 2 meetings and the Rangers were able to rally from behind again, thanks to Fox and again Panarin. Down two goals by the first 30 seconds in the second period, it looked bleak. Florida was shutting down everything and then one play worked, giving Fox a clear shot at the goal which blew by Bobvrosky. A rare thing against Bobv. That sparked the home crowd and their team into a feeding frenzy. It was a night and day difference as the Rangers controlled the play for the next two minutes where Panarin tied the game. The game evened out right after that and it was even until Florida scored with just over 5 minutes left in the game. Panarin got a lucky bounce 2 minutes later to tie the game again. A hair-rasing overtime saw Trocheck save a goal (he had a tremendous game) and Zibanejad and Panarin brought home the win in the shootout. The only negative I really saw in this game was Gustafsson. He made a few bad decisions.
The season is almost over and the standings are as tight as can be. We’ve reached the “stay healthy or else” part of the season as the gauntlet starts now with 11 games left before the playoffs. It sounds like Trouba will be back soon and Lindgren is already skating, so those are good signs. I’d say in about 2 weeks, we’ll see a few players get pulled to rest them for the playoffs.