Arthur Kaliyev scores big first goal for Rangers, helping New York to a 5-3 victory over Utah

The Rangers were in Utah on Thursday night looking to improve their record in 2025 to 5-1-2. The Blueshirts were coming off a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche, and looking for a bounce back performance.

The Rangers would trail Utah three times throughout the game, but would fight back each and every time. After going down 2-1 midway through the first period, the Blueshirts would tie the game thanks to their newest member. On Jan. 6, the Rangers claimed Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings in an effort to help aid their attempts at turning around a disappointing season. 11 days later, Kaliyev has made his first big contribution to the team.

With just 3:35 remaining in the first period, a shot from Filip Chytil snuck through Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka, and bounced into the Utah crease. Kaliyev drove into the blue paint and poked home the puck- tying the game for the Rangers, and earning his first goal as a Blueshirt.

Kaliyev remains the only player in the history of the NHL born in Uzbekistan to score a goal. However, he did grow up on Staten Island though, so he's New York local enough to really enjoy the scoring moment for New York.

At times this season, the Rangers have been criticized for not being aggressive enough when crashing the net and trying to score dirty goals. While it would be a massive leap to say Kaliyev is going to consistently go to the dirty areas and score goals for the Rangers based on one point, it should be taken as a positive sign that the 23-year-old is willing and eager to drive the net to help contribute for the Blueshirts.

The Rangers face an uphill battle trying to make the playoffs, but if they're to secure a postseason birth, it's going to take contributions from up and down the lineup every game. The Blueshirts seem to be getting that message as of late, with players like Sam Carrick, Adam Edstrom, and Arthur Kaliyev finding their way onto the scoresheet in key moments.

Kaliyev has now played four games for the Rangers, registering one goal and acruing a plus/minus of zero. His 6'2", 210 pound build has also helped to bulster the Blueshirts lineup and creating an intimidating line to play against for opposition. It's early days, but if Kaliyev can score for the Rangers, while remaining solid on the defensive side of the puck, he may make a fine edition to the Blueshirts squad as they push for a playoff spot in April.