A 6-3 goal-fest win over the Blackhawks
By Steve Paulus
It wasn’t a work of art, but the New York Rangers will take it. The Blueshirts won their sixth road game in a row, beating the Blackhawks 6-3.
In a game that resembled river hockey at times, the New York Rangers got back on the winning track, thoroughly beating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 in a game that was closer than the score.
The Rangers dominated the first period and the Blackhawks controlled play in the second. The third period was all Rangers. There were seven goals scored in the third period after the second period ended tied 1-1.
With the win, the Rangers have 66 points, only six behind the three teams that are in a virtual tie for the two wild card spots. They have games in hand on one of those teams and have played the same number as two of them. The playoff dream still lives.
As much as that playoff dream is alive, the Rangers are making it hard on Jeff Gorton. Chris Kreider, the player everyone expects to be traded for a windfall, finished the game with a goal and two assists to lead the Rangers. It was another strong effort that should have rival general managers salivating.
It was Igor Shesterkin‘s return to action and although he allowed three goals, he kept the Rangers in the game in the second period. It was another fine effort by their new number one goalie.
Finally, Julien Gauthier made his Ranger debut and was impressive. In a little over seven minutes of action he showed his speed, drew a penalty and showed a tendency to go to the net.
With the win, the Rangers have now won seven out of their last 10 games and they have won six in a row on the road, their longest streak since 2014-15. If the Rangers can win Thursday night in Carolina, they will equal the team’s longest road winning streak of seven games first set in 1934-35 and equaled in 1978-79.
It was an impressive effort by the Blueshirts and they displayed their depth and offensive ability. The competition may have been a mediocre team, but it was a win on the road and in the end, a decisive one.