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Game 35: NYR 5 WAS 2, Shesterkin and the kids lead the way to victory

March 31, 2021, 7:53 AM ET [371 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers rode a big third period, scoring four goals, and the goaltending of Igor Shesterkin to a 5-2 win over the Capitals. That victory ended a two-game losing streak, including a 5-4 loss to the same Caps on Sunday. New York got goals from the kids- Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko - and a goal and two assists from Artemi Panarin to carry the Blueshirts to the win.

Game recap:


1) Shesterkin was brilliant throughout the contest, especially so the first 11 minutes or so of the game when the Rangers were invisible. The score was 2-0 but it easily could have 4-0 if not for Igor. Same in terms of performance during the Caps' PP in the second, when they had five shots, and parts of the third to keep New York even or in the lead. We have said many times that a goalie at times has to make the big save at the big spot, Shesterkin did yesterday. Coach David Quinn needs to ride him, starting Igor for a stretch of games.

2) Chytil and Kakko - Chytil rode a good defensive play into a breakaway and goal. We forget how well he was playing before the hand injury. Then, while sidelined he contracted COVID, which quite likely set back his recovery. Took a while for people to realize Mika Zibanejad was laboring after coming back from COVID, it's possible that Chytil is suffering similarly to a certain extent.

Kakko was the beneficiary of a brilliant pass play between Panarin and Strome, who extended his point streak to 10 games (two goals, 13 assists), becoming the first New York player with an assist in nine straight games since Brian Leetch in 1995-96. Patience is something I have preached for a while with both players, but especially Kakko. He was rewarded for going to the front of the net and was physical throughout. If the Rangers are to make a run, both kids need to produce.

3) Adam Fox had the highlight reel goal of the game, giving New York a 3-2 lead at 6:32, extending his point streak to eight games (two goals, 13 assists). If you were watching live, you may have missed just how special it was. But Fox subtlely kicked the puck to his stick, then roofed the backhand for the goal. Yes, Leetch-esque.





As a heads up, due to the way Passover comes out this year, I am out of pocket starting about 6:30 pm Friday to Sunday night. Will get a new blog up sometime before the next game after the holiday ends. Appreciate you all carrying the blog. 

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