The Rangers extended their win streak to eight games with a 3-1 win over the Stars on Tuesday. New York came out strong, avoiding a letdown following their emotional 6-5 overtime win Sunday against the Islanders at MetLife Stadium. The Blueshirts start a string of four divisional games Thursday at the Devils.
Game recap:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Vesey Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière Cuylle-Brodzinski-Kakko Edström-Goodrow-Rempe
Miller-Trouba Lindgren-Fox Gustafsson-Schneider
Shesterkin Quick
Scratches: Jones, Belzile LTIR: Chytil, Wheeler
A few thoughts: 1) Igor (clap, clap), Igor (clap, clap) - Igor Shesterkin was by far the Rangers best player on the ice yesterday. He was brilliant throughout the game, stopping 41 of 42 shots, several of the saves falling under the header of spectacular. Coach Peter Laviolette was rewarded for starting Shesterkin when he could have turned to Jonathan Quick after Igor saw tons of action Sunday.
Shesterkin was good in the first, stopping all 10 shots on goal. Where he excelled was in the second - and especially the third - period, turning aside 31 of 32 shots. Dallas generated strong chances throughout the game, but especially those last two stanzas, and Igor was up to the task.
Several saves were top-shelf. Two that stand out came late in the third to preserve a one-goal lead. Shesterkin first stoned Jamie Benn in the slot. A few minutes later, he made a remarkable reaction save to stop Tyler Seguin twice. Both saves left the Stars players soaking their heads and mumbling to themselves while the MSG crowd went wild.
This makes three strong games in a row by Igor. Yes, I consider Sunday’s win a strong game, even though he allowed five goals. Of the five, I blame him for just one, and his play the last two periods kept the Rangers in the game. Igor was solid against Calgary and brilliant versus Dallas, allowing just one goal in the two games. If Igor can continue to play like this, the Rangers become an even tougher opponent down the stretch and eventually in the playoffs.
2) Kaapo Kakko continued his strong play, scoring to extend his point streak to five game. As I have said before, confidence begets confidence, and right now, Kakko is playing with confidence. That confidence has not gone unnoticed by Laviolette.
The coach remarked in the post-game press confidence that he needs to get Kakko more ice time. Laviolette has to decide if he leaves the third line, which has been very effective, together or moves Kakko back up to the top line. Jimmy Vesey is a placeholder there and Kakko could get another shot at playing with the big boys.
During this hot streak, Kakko’s skills have been on display. He has used his strength and ability on the walls and behind the net to maintain the puck and create chances. The goal came on a snipe top-shelf that two weeks ago he either shanks or misses wide. But Kakko is now feeling it and showed no restraint or delay in releasing the puck after receiving the pass. A move up the lineup may be forthcoming.
3) The defense was okay not great. Some break downs but I also give Dallas credit for creating chances. You can see why the Stars are such a good team as they are solid up and down the roster. Wyatt Johnston is going to be a heck of a player and their blue line is very underrated. All that said, New York has to be much better in their own zone, as way too many prime chances allowed.