Rangers finally give The Garden something to cheer about

To channel the spirit of longtime New York Rangers' broadcaster Sam Rosen... THE WAITING IS OVER! After many weeks of frustration stretching back to October 7, the Rangers have finally won a regular season game on home ice at Madison Square Garden. It took the team eight games to accomplish the feat, but a win is a win. The Blueshirts found the back of the next six times, and here are some quick takeaways from a feel good win.

The kids are alright

The Rangers are a team with its fair share of veterans, we will get to them in a minute, but Monday was a great night for the younger players on the roster. Alexis Lafrenière led the team with a goal and two assists for three points, Will Cuylle scored a goal, Noah Laba had a primary assist, and the recently recalled Gabe Perreault earned his first point (an assist) as a NHLer. The outburst from Lafrenière now has him in double digits for points, and his line of 3-8-11 in 17 games has him third in team scoring behind Artemi Panarin (12 points in 17 games) and Adam Fox (13 points in 17 games).

Welcome back Vincent Trocheck!

Trocheck made his long awaited return to the Blueshirts lineup against the Nashville Predators, and it didn't take him long to have an impact. He set up Vladislav Gavrikov toward the end of the first period on a goal which put the Blueshirts back in front, and assisted on an early second period goal from Lafrenière to stretch the lead to 3-1. Trocheck, along with Lafrenière, appeared to be in line for another point, but the official scorers credited Panarin's third period goal as unassisted. He ended the game with a pair of goals, and the Rangers certainly appreciate him being a productive hockey player again. Trocheck being back is huge for the Rangers, and his presence in the lineup was felt, and the team is much more deeper with him healthy.

Points from the defense!

The Rangers are a team haven't received a ton of contributions from the blue line outside of Adam Fox, and that's something that needs to improve over the course of the season. Fox picked up two more assists against Nashville, but it was nice to see Gavrikov contribute a goal and assist of his own. Urho Vaakanainen even had an assist on the evening, and any contributions from the back end will certainly be appreciated.