2 more takeaways from the New York Rangers win over Pittsburgh

Splitting their first two games after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the New York Rangers suffered a drastic loss in Buffalo and barely managed a victory over Pittsburgh. The 5-3 win against the Penguins was much needed, but more than anything it was a massive relief. Now the Rangers on the cusp of pulling into a playoff spot, maybe even by the end of this week, which features two games against the Islanders (losers of four of five), one against the No. 30 overall Nashville Predators and another versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Defenseman Ryan Lindgren said the most recent victory still left something to be desired for the Rangers.

“We need to win games right now first and foremost, which we did tonight, but that’s not a recipe for winning games,” Ryan Lindgren said. “We’ve got another big one on Tuesday [against the Islanders], a team we’re battling with in the standings right now. We have to play a heck of a lot better, for sure.”

As previously mentioned, the Rangers are now likely considered to be the best of a bad lot contending for a wild-card spot. Meaning it's time to analyze New York's game more in depth. With that being said, here's three more takeaways from the New York Rangers' win over Pittsburgh.

1. Igor Shesterkin Bounces Back

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin was really able to bounce back after his five-goal disaster of a first period in Buffalo. Shesterkin made 36 saves and boasted a .923 save percentage. Many fans consider that the $92 million tendy to have singlehandedly kept the Rangers in play on Sunday.

“You know he’s going to bounce back,” Lindgren said about Shesterkin. “He’s one of the best goalies in the League. He works so hard, he cares so much. You look at [Saturday], too, we’re leaving him out to dry. Did that tonight, too, in that second period. He made some huge saves.”

2. J.T. Miller Shines

It’s been a whirlwind of a month for J.T. Miller. After being traded by the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31st, the 31-year-old forward made the transition and played for the Rangers less than 24 hours after the trade. After five games with the Rangers, he suited up for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off and was an integral piece of the lineup. Now, he’s back with the Rangers trying to help them earn a playoff spot, and he certainly did his part against the Penguins.

Miller’s two goals against the Penguins give him a whopping four goals and eight points in seven games with the Rangers.

Up Next

The Rangers face fellow-city foe the New York Islanders in their next game on Tuesday. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. EST and the game will be available for streaming via ESPN+.