Well, if you wanted a response from the team tonight, then you got your wish.
After a week of doubts and frustration in a three-game winless streak, the New York Rangers responded to their critics by playing a complete game.
A game that saw not only changes in the lineup, but the way the team played on the ice.
It littered with support for one another on the ice, smarter decisions with the puck, and shots, shots, and SHOTS!
From the drop of the puck, the defense was engaged early, pinching to help in the offensive zone and to keep the San Jose Sharks on their heels.
Their reward: a first period goal compliments of
.
The great thing about this play, there was no hesitation and there were bodies in front to shield the goalie0 Two things fans have been clambering for, and we got in one play.
Two players stood out tonight. First was the season debut of Antti Raanta in a Rangers jersey.
He was tested early, and boy did he not disappoint. He made some amzing saves, including one on
:
That was just one of his 22 saves on the night. And there were others worthy of being mentioned, but the point was that the newest Rangers backup goalie was impressive. He earned a shutout in, becoming the fourth netminder to earn this in his first start in franchise history.
Who has two thumbs and is psyched about his first win as a #NYR?! 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/EOd944udPr
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 20, 2015
The second player, who did everything but score a goal though he was close, was Rick Nash.
He was throwing his weight around, being fast on his skates, and creating scoring opportunities for everyone. It was much like his game against the Columbus Blue Jackets last year. He was played like a man on a mission. And it showed in his play. He finished the game, second on the team in hits with three, which included a Nash Smash on Sharks defenseman Justin Braun.
Nash finished with one point and four shots, but he could have easily had two goals, if it weren’t for the post and shooting wide. But the goals will come, fans were just happy to see him involved. One of his best games.
The Rangers would tack on a second-period goal, coming on the power play from
.
And who provided the net front presence: Nash, of course.
Two third-period goals were scored to put this game away:
And, Viktor Stalberg, his first as a Ranger
Congrats @VStalberg on your first #NYR goal!! pic.twitter.com/6J75906MA9
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 20, 2015
Tonight was a much-needed win by a team that has ran into a little bit of a hiccup, after starting the season undefeated through their first three games.
Many of the team’s leaders stepped up and played like they wanted to win. And the win came against a Sharks team that is surprising many in the Western Conference, and taking advantage of the misfortunes of the preseason Pacific Division favorites Anaheim Ducks.
But, the night belonged to the boys in blue. A brief feeling satisfaction came over everyone associated with the Rangers.
New York will be back in action against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. It will be the return of former Ranger Anthony Duclair to Madison Square Garden in a Coyotes uniform, and you know he will be looking for a little revenge.
Let’s see how the Blueshirts respond in this game.
Next: Rangers Offense Should Wake Up with Antti Raanta in Net
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