The New York Rangers closed out their last game before the Christmas break with a statement win against the Washington Capitals, 7-3. Still without their best defenseman and now without their captain, the Blueshirts got it done in emphatic fashion.
Let's go over the three biggest things to takeaway from this game.
Third period explosion
The main draw from this game was the fiery explosion in the third period by the Blueshirts. It was a five-goal period, which is one shy of the franchise record, six goals in one period, set back in 2023 against Nashville. The Blueshirts did make some history though, as it was the first time since February 22, 1972 that the team trailed entering the third period and went on to win by four or more goals.
It was a close game up to that point, but Alexis Lafrenière, Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin and Taylor Raddysh blew the doors off the game. Will Cuylle also added a goal and two assists for his first three-point game of the season. Lafrenière goal was the 100th of his career, and a signfiicant milestone for the young forward.
It was an impressive showing against a very good Capitals team.
No Miller, no problem
J.T. Miller was on the sideline for this one, and obviously, the players who had to step up did. It was a crucial game in the Metropolitan Division playoff race, and for a good send-off as the players celebrate Christmas with their families.
The Rangers now hold a record of 19-16-4 for 42 points, which is just one point shy of a wildcard spot and two points from third place in the Metropolitan Division. They are 14-6-1 on the road, and the win was the team's fifth third-period comeback win of the season which is third most in the NHL up to this point. This race will be a tight one all the way through to the end of the season, and every rivalry game is going to be a season-altering experience.
Miller will be a big miss for this team, for however long he is out. This team will hit a wall eventually, but this win against Washington was a nice change of pace.
In Igor we trust
Aside from the spotlight being on the offense, goaltending was still superb. Igor Shesterkin got the start and was a catalyst in this game. He stopped a high-powered Caps offense, who were without Tom Wilson, 29 times out of 32 shots.
Shesterkin finally got some much-needed offense to back him up, and in turn, the Blueshirts got the victory. Can this continue when the Rangers get back to action after the holiday?