Three significant takeaways from the New York Rangers much needed come back against the Bruins
Photo credit: Last Word on Sports
The New York Rangers seem to be bouncing back at the right time as the team would erase a 1 goal difference, to come back to beat the Boston Bruins. The Rangers would secure a victory, 3-2 in regulation no less.
The New York Rangers are on an upswing as they have defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in MSG. Building on that victory they would find offense from Chris Kreider, and Vinnie Trocheck to defeat the Bruins.
We haven't seen the Rangers play like this since last season when they made comebacks regularly.
During their Presidents Trophy run, they made 28 comebacks, however, they won't tie the Red Wings in comeback wins this season.
Since Miller has arrived from Vancouver the Rangers look like a different, energized team.
The latest win, coupled with the Montreal Canadiens' 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, lifted the Rangers back into 12th in the conference. New York is now four points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second wild card and five in arrears of the Red Wings for the top wild card in the East.
Dominant Defense
The Rangers would allow two quick goals by the Bruins and would cause the team to strike back. They'd push the Bruins to the perimeter, block passing lanes, and sacrifice their bodies to ensure a win that night.
The Bruins would only have 12 shots at 5v5 last night.
K'Andre Miller was a horse on D, playing 25 minutes, blocking four shots and adding the primary assist on Trocheck's tying goal.
Chris Kreider's Contribution
The 33-year-old winger's production has declined this season, and he suffered an injury that kept him out of the lineup for some time.
But now, it seems he's found a way to put all the trade-talk behind him from earlier in the season and contribute to the Rangers win last night.
Kreider would score his first goal in seven games, on a short-handed rush, and would take advantage of a pass from Mika Zibanejad and would score the game-winning goal at 11:54 in the third period.
The goal was Kreider's third short-handed of the season and his 12th since 2021. It was also his 16th goal, tied for second on the team.
This puts him above Trocheck and Lafreniere who have three game-winners a piece.
Took Advantage of Their Chances
Matt Rempe only had 8:18 TOI last night against the Bruins, but would tie Artemi Panarin with four shots on goal.
He'd lead all Rangers skaters with five hits, typical for his bruising style of play. Rempe would have great chances on a breakaway shot. Three of them were denied by Korpisalo, but Rempe is a fighter and kept shooting on. Is it a sign of things to come for the power forward?
Zac Jones would slot in with Urho Vaakanainen out with an illness, playing a total of 13:32 TOI. He'd earn praise from Peter Laviolette for a great game played last night.
The Rangers allowed only three shots on goal and two scoring chances with Jones on the ice 5v5, with an xGF of 56.15 per Natural Stat Trick. Not bad for a guy who sat out 18 consecutive games in the press box.
It appears that the Rangers could once again be headed for the Stanley Cup playoffs should they continue to play like they are.
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
