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What we learned from the Rangers’ COVID road trip

By Jake Mozarsky|
Jan 15, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates his goal with right wing Kaapo Kakko (24) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates his goal with right wing Kaapo Kakko (24) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 13, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) defends the goal during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) defends the goal during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers return to the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden after their longest road trip of the season.  Battered by the pandemic and facing stiff competition, they fnished with a 3-2 record.  More important that the ones is that they team answered some important questions that they were facing as the new year began.

Shesterkin is #1

This is an obvious one, but the Rangers are a MUCH better team when Igor Shesterkin is on the ice. The goaltender currently leads the league in Save Percentage and Goals Against Average for starters, and when New York has their backbone they are a tough team to beat.

Shesterkin returned for the final two games of this road trip for the games in San Jose and Philadelphia  and he only allowed two goals and the Rangers walked away with two wins. When Shesterkin is healthy the Rangers are much more formidable, and teams will not want to see him standing in between the goalposts.

Next, the depth question.

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