After a long time away from the spotlight, the New York Rangers were back on the ice. And it wasn't pretty.
The Rangers had six players returning from the Four Nations, including four Americans who played in the Thursday championship game. National Hockey League saw a full slate of games as 28 of the league's 32 teams return to the ice on Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Blueshirts, their return featured a 8-2 loss in Buffalo. Let's breakdown exactly how the Rangers got their latest loss with four key takeaways from the matchup.
1. Shesterkin's Five-Goal First Period
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin was not one of the Rangers selected to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Therefore, he should have been fresh and ready to go from a two-week rest.
This was not the case.
Shesterkin was pulled by head coach Peter Laviolette for Jonathan Quick just 18:21 into the game after giving up five goals on 16 shots.
His performance gave the home team a 5-0 lead and allowed Buffalo to double the Rangers in shots on goal, 16-8.
2. Chris Kreider Ties Franchise Record
With a deflection for a goal in the second period, Chris Kreider has now tied the Rangers franchise record for power play goals. His goal at the 14:31 mark gave him his 116th power-play goal of his career. According to records.nhl.com, Kreider is now tied with Camille Henry for the franchise record in power-play goals.
Kreids deflects it in to tie the franchise record for power play goals. pic.twitter.com/0uJUoUJWic
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 22, 2025
Prior to this game, Kreider represented his home country of the United States in the Nations Face-Off loss. He was one of six Rangers selected — Mika Zibanejad (Sweden), Urho Vaakanainen (Finland), Vincent Trocheck (USA), Kreider (USA), Adam Fox (USA), and J.T. Miller (USA). However, he was the only Ranger to score in the international tournament.
3. The Worst Loss of the Season
The final score of 8-2 — one goal of which was scored by the Sabres in the final 60 seconds — marked the most goals the Rangers have given up in a game all season.
The Blueshirts also gave Buffalo a season high. This was the most goals the Sabres have scored in a game all season.
Final. pic.twitter.com/63VLhT681J
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 23, 2025
4. Quick Turnaround
Right after this monumental season loss, the Blueshirts travel to Pittsburgh to play the PenguIns, who defeated the Rangers 3-2 on Feb. 7th. Hopefully the Rangers can turn things around against the Penguins.