The Pittsburgh Penguins are headed to New York for a Friday night showdown with the Rangers. The Rangers and the Penguins could not be headed in more different directions, with the Blueshirts having lost six of their last eight games (2-6-0), and the Penguins being on a run of four straight victories (4-0-0).
Lights Out Goaltending
Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin has, by his standards, struggled so far this season. The 28-year-old has never had a losing season in the NHL, but is currently below a .500 winning percentage, sporting a record of 8-9-1, and racking up a career-high goals against average of 3.05. In his last five starts, Shesterkin has a record of 0-5-0, coupled with a save percentage just north of .900, and a goals against average of 3.60.
The numbers may be lying a little bit when it comes to Sheterkin's performances, as the Rangers have been allowing entirely too many high-danger chances, and have not been supplying enough offensive support to win hockey games. Regardless of how the Rangers have been playing in front of him, Shesterkin has looked incredibly human as of late- something Rangers fans don't expect to see when they take their seats at the world's most famous arena. If the Rangers are going to pick up a rare win tonight, it may require a heroic performance from Shesterkin in goal. There is always the chance, of course, that backup goaltender Jonathan Quick could get the nod in the net.
Editor's Note: This article was published before morning skate, with it still being unknown who would be given the start in the net.
Power Play Success
The Rangers power play has come back from the dead as of late, scoring four goals on the man advantage in the past two games. This comes off the back of a power play goal scoring drought that lasted eight games, spanning almost the entire back half of November.
It's no coincidence that in the Rangers only recent win- a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at home- the Blueshirts tallied three goals on the power play.
Mika with the power play goal! Rangers lead 3-1 🚨 pic.twitter.com/QaplkcVRvg
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) November 30, 2024
It seems as though the return of Chris Kreider has made a meaningful contribution to the effectiveness of the Rangers power play. Kreider's net front presence contributes to the Rangers ability to take away goaltenders eyes, and convert when they're a man up.
The Stars Need To Shine
The so-called "stars" of the New York Rangers have drawn the ire of many fans over the past month. Players like Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and even Artemi Panarin, have failed to live up to their potential.
Looking back at the only recent Rangers success in the Montreal matchup, it becomes clear that when these players show up for the Blueshirts, the team finds success. In their 4-3 win over the Habs last weekend, the offensive stars exploded in production:
- Artemi Panarin: 2 Points (1G, 1A) | 5 SOG |
- Mika Zibanejad: 2 Points (1G, 1A) | 3 SOG |
- Vincent Trocheck: 1 Point (1G, 0A) | 1 SOG|
The Rangers hung six goals on the Penguins in their season opener this year and playing Pittsburgh at home provides the perfect opportunity to get back in the win column. The Blueshirts have been off since their Monday night loss to the Devils and should come out rejuvenated and looking to prove something to their fans, the league, and themselves.