Well, that weekend wasn’t half bad for New York’s iconic hockey franchise. With the Rangers obliterating the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, they followed it up with the destruction of the Nashville Predators on Sunday in a game that I can only describe as a massacre. It was 6-0 after the first period of play. If you did not watch this game, you really missed out on one of the most dominant 20 minutes arguably in Ranger history.
K’Andre Miller contributed to four of the six goals in the first period. With this, Miller became the first defenseman in the history of this storied franchise to record four points in a period. When you think of all the greats that this organization has seen on the back end. Miller just did something none of them did. With the Minnesotan remaining a restricted free agent at the close of the season, he only continues to add to his value.
At the other end of the ice, Jaroslav Halak stopped all 22 shots put to him. While it wasn’t the most demanding night for the Slovakian shot-stopper, the Rangers backup did everything that was asked of him as he continuously turned away the Predators forwards in an attempt to preserve his shutout. This earned him second-star honors on the night for a strong performance behind a dominant Rangers skating group.
This now leaves the Rangers 5 points back from the New Jersey Devils who were able to overcome the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. New Jersey is a point behind the division-leading Carolina Hurricanes, leaving the Rangers 6 points off the top of the Metropolitan. Keep in mind however, the Hurricanes have played 2 games fewer than both New Jersey and the Rangers so they will have a chance to push that lead out again when they meet the Rangers twice later this week.