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New York Rangers: A glimpse of the future (we hope)

By Steve Paulus|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is stopped by Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 05, 2019 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 3-2 in the shoot-out to gain a playoff position. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is stopped by Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 05, 2019 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 3-2 in the shoot-out to gain a playoff position. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Alexandre Texier #42 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates in his first NHL game Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 05, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Alexandre Texier #42 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates in his first NHL game Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 05, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Rangers ended their home schedule with a dramatic shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.    In losing they got a glimpse of the greatness of a player who could be wearing Ranger blue next season.

The New York Rangers tied the game 2-2 with their goalie pulled and only 6.1 seconds left. After a thrilling overtime the teams went to the shootout.  The only player who could score was Artemi Panarin who had put the Blue Jackets ahead in the third period.  With the win, the Blue Jackets clinched a playoff spot and will try to win the first playoff series in their history.

As much as the point they gained will impact their lottery chances, the fact that they threw a scare into Columbus and almost won the game has to have a positive effect on this team moving forward and sends a message to the marquee free agent.

The good news is  the players who excelled in this game all have a future with the team. Mika ZIbanejad was outstanding. Chris Kreider played his best game in weeks.  Alexandar Georgiev stood on his head in goal again.  Pavel Buchnevich continues to raise his game to a new level.  The other young players like Brett Howden, Tony DeAngelo, Brady Skjei, Lias Andersson and Ryan Lindgren all showed a level of compete that bodes well for the future.

Georgiev matched former Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky save for save.  This was as good a performance by two goaltenders in one game as we have seen all season.  Both were just outstanding, especially Bobrovsky late in the third period.

But let’s talk about Artemi Panarin.  Panarin is the top unrestricted free agent on the market this summer and a sure target of the Rangers.  With the tally in this game, he now has 28 goals and 85 points.  He has topped his career high in assists and points and is three shy of his high of 31 goals.

He was stoned several times by Georgiev and the goal he scored was a goal scorer’s goal, turning a two on three into a wicked shot that beat the Ranger netminder.

Panarin likes to play the Rangers with 12 goals and 18 points in 12 games.  Ranger fans can only hope that it is the lure of New York City that compels him to get results like these.  His shootout goal was another goal scorer’s goal.

As far as the lottery goes, if the Rangers lose to Pittsburgh in their season finale, the Rangers will end up in fifth place overall.  By gaining the point, they lost a chance to finish as low as fourth.

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