Monday night at Madison Square Garden offered a glimpse into a version of the New York Rangers we haven't seen enough of this season. After falling into a 4-0 hole by the end of the second period, it would have been easy for this team to pack it in. We have seen that happen too many times this year, but this time, the Rangers fought back.
They ultimately fell to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime, and while it wasn't the win they wanted, the heart shown in the final frame was a significant departure from the fragility that has plagued them for months.
A glimpse of character in a lopsided season
The comeback began just 30 seconds into the third period when Vladislav Gavrikov found the back of the net off a beautiful backdoor feed from Alexis Lafrenière. That sparked something in the building. Just 25 seconds later, Gabe Perreault scored to cut the lead in half. Suddenly, the impossible seemed reachable. Will Borgen added a goal, his fourth of the year, with under seven minutes left to make it a one-goal game, and Perreault completed the improbable comeback with his second of the night past Elvis Merzlikins to tie it with five minutes remaining.
While Kirill Marchenko eventually ended the game 64 seconds into overtime, the effort to force that extra period proved that this team has not completely checked out. In a season defined by lopsided losses, showing the resolve to erase a four-goal deficit is a small but necessary step toward building a real identity.
With the loss, the Rangers fell to 23-29-8 with 22 games left in the regular season. They're 2-6-2 in their last 10 games
The curse of home ice persists
Despite the grit shown during the rally, the loss keeps the Rangers in a tough spot. They now sit at 7-15-6 on home ice this season. The team hasn't won a game in regulation at The Garden since November 24 against the St. Louis Blues. That is 18 straight home games dating back to Turkey Day last November without a regulation victory, a stretch that has tested the patience of even the most loyal fans. It's worth noting that the wins they do have are in regulation, but even so, they have only had 3 since that November date.
With the team sitting at the bottom of the Metro Division and the playoffs a distant memory, the frustration from The Garden faithful is understandable. There are only 22 games left in the regular season, and every night is becoming a referendum on the team's future as the organization continues to navigate its "Letter 2.0" retool.
Injury adds to deadline week uncertainty
The aftermath of the game brought even more bad news, with the announcement that captain J.T. Miller has been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Miller will be sidelined for at least the next three games, missing the upcoming stretch against the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Miller has been battling injuries since training camp last summer, and did make his return from the Winter Games in Milan after winning gold with Team USA, so this setback shouldn't hamper the 32-year-old that much. In his absence, it'll most likely be Will Cuylle taking Miller's place,
It is a tough blow for a team already dealing with the reality of a deadline-heavy week. With Artemi Panarin already dealt to Los Angeles and Vincent Trocheck appearing to be the next major piece on the move, the leadership core is shifting rapidly. In Miller's absence, the team will lean on alternates Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Vincent Trocheck to hold the room together while the front office prepares for what happens this Friday at the 3:00 p.m. trade deadline.