The fanfare of the NHL All-Star is now behind us as the second half of the season commenced on Monday night for the New York Rangers. The players returned to their respective organizations for what is now considered “crunch time.” This is where mistakes need to be limited. This is when teams try to make splashes for their playoff runs. The New York Rangers are in familiar territory with just two months to go. Monday night’s 2-1 OT victory over the Colorado Avalanche reminded fans of the ”21-’22 season for a short period.
Defensively sound, New York looked flawless in their own zone. A late goal in the first from one of the league’s best in Nathan MacKinnon caused Madison Square Garden to go temporarily silent. On the back of a flawless performance from Jonathan Quick, the Blueshirts fought to find an equalizer thanks to Artemi Panarin. The confidence remained in Alexis Lafreniere who notched the overtime winner and helped New York escape for both points. Here are some takeaways on New York’s hot start to their second half of the season.
Solid Goaltending: A Good Problem To Have
Igor Shesterkin seemed to have a fun weekend in Toronto. He and Vincent Trocheck had the honour to don the blue sweaters for Team Matthews in this year’s All-Star Game. Team Matthews earned themselves a victory and a check for $1 million. Now, the two have returned to New York with the playoffs in sight.
To no surprise, however, Peter Laviolette went with Jonathan Quick against Colorado due to Igor’s travel schedule. One can say that it was the right decision. Monday night was an example of the closest thing to vintage Jonathan Quick. Apart from the MacKinnon goal, Quick was stellar. His 32 saves earned himself the first star of the game. He even tallied an assist on Lafreniere’s overtime winner. Save after save was made, including this crucial one here in the final period of the game.
LAFFY CALLED GAME
VINTAGE JQ GOT IT THERE 😤 pic.twitter.com/lFlxkQnj1b
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 6, 2024
Last night single-handedly proved that either netminder can be trusted come playoff time. A team destined for the Stanley Cup playoffs would be blessed to have two solid goaltenders that they can trust at any given time. Imagine your starter slumps, your team is down in the series and they are looking for a spark. Imagine Shesterkin, shell-shocked by a spell of consecutive starts. Laviolette will not be afraid to call upon Quick to regain that lost momentum, especially if Quick’s first start would be at Madison Square Garden. This paragraph alone will make fans eager to hear the sounds of Pete Townsend and “Baba O’Riley” once again.
Can Alexis Lafrenière Stay Clutch?
With the trade deadline just one month out, the Rangers will look to add to their star-studded roster. It is obvious that there is a hole to fill at 3C with the injury to Filip Chytil. Names linked to that desired vacancy include Tyler Johnson of the Chicago Blackhawks and Adam Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks. New York will look to add another forward, particularly a right winger. The new winger could potentially replace Blake Wheeler on the first line. The only right winger that has earned his stripes this season is the man who tallied Monday’s overtime winner.
Keeping Alexis Lafrenière on the line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck has officially paid off. His thirteenth goal of the year just might be the most important goal he will score this regular season. For a player receiving a ton of criticism since he was drafted, Monday silenced the hate just for a little bit. The goal was perfect from Quick leading the play to the gorgeous drop pass from Mika Zibanejad.
WELCOME BACK #NYR
Jonathan Quick with quick up and Alexis Lafrenière calls game for @NYRangers!! pic.twitter.com/VdF8MUkb3k
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) February 6, 2024
Last night proved that Lafrenière is on a path for future success. He has it all: the grit, the ability, and the pace to his game. When executed to perfection, he can be a complete hockey player. This line has arguably been the best forward trio for New York all season long. The regular season success could be a precursor to a deep playoff run. Maybe Trocheck can win those integral draws? Who knows, maybe Panarin actually shows up like he did two years ago. What if Lafrenière can provide an all-time playoff moment? All of these are possible and it is clear that the former first overall pick is in the best position possible.
Top of the morning 🎩 pic.twitter.com/NGJMxS6dWT
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 6, 2024
Main Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
