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New York Rangers: Six goal night against the Sabres

By Sam Prevot

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 15: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal with teammates during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on February 15, 2019 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. New York won, 6-2. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 15: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal with teammates during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on February 15, 2019 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. New York won, 6-2. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Vladislav Namestnikov #90 of the New York Rangers scores a goal during the third period of an NHL game against Linus Ullmark #35 of the Buffalo Sabres on February 15, 2019 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. New York won, 6-2. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Vladislav Namestnikov #90 of the New York Rangers scores a goal during the third period of an NHL game against Linus Ullmark #35 of the Buffalo Sabres on February 15, 2019 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. New York won, 6-2. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Stars of the game

Vladislav Namestnikov

Namestnikov is undeniably the first star of the night.

His two goals and three points overall led the Rangers tonight and he was one of the top forwards for the Rangers in ice time. He even earned some penalty kill minutes as well.

Namestnikov was struggling as of late, but tonight he looked more like the player that fans expected when he was acquired from Tampa Bay last season. If he continues to perform like this, we could see him move up in the lineup pretty quickly.

Pavel Buchnevich

Much of the same remarks about Namestnikov could be made about Buchnevich tonight.

The two have each had their fair share of struggles so far, but Buchnevich stepped up when it mattered tonight. His pass to Jimmy Vesey on the game-tying goal was especially highlight reel worthy. Not to mention his only shot on goal tonight went in.

For the Rangers, it was important for secondary scoring to step up and produce as the Sabres defense would focus on the top line and is not particularly deep. Buchnevich and his line with Kevin Hayes and Jimmy Vesey clearly got that message and followed through.

Tony DeAngelo

I’m going to be honest, I never thought I would be writing about Tony DeAngelo as a star of a game.

However, DeAngelo was a plus four on the night along with Kevin Shattenkirk and he helped fill the void after Brady Skjei left with an injury. He also earned an assist on the night.

His fight with Kyle Okposo worth mentioning as well. Standing up for a veteran teammate like that indicates his dedication and passion for the team, and it helps give teammates a boost when the opponent is trying to take the lead away. Whether you like fighting or not, I believe that was a major moment for DeAngelo this season.

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