Blue Line Station
Fansided

Rapid postgame thoughts from the Rangers versus Wild

ByGerard Turner|
Apr 2, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) shoots in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Apr 2, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) shoots in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers move to 36-32-7 on the season after a 5-4 OT win against the Minnesota Wild. Vincent Trocheck secured the victory 24 seconds into the sudden death period. They now sit with 79 points on the season, tied with Montreal, who holds the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Statistics 

  • Rangers: 39 SOG, 0-4 Power Play, 1-2 Penalty Kill, 66.7% Face-Offs, 24 Hits, and 13 Blocks 
  • Igor Shesterkin: Four GA, 20 Saves, and a .833 SV%
  • Wild: 24 SOG, 1-2 Power Play, 4-4 Penalty Kill, 33.3% Face-Offs, 17 Hits, and 11 Blocks 
  • Filip Gustavsson: 5 GA, 34 Saves, and a .872 SV%

Gabe Perreault's Debut

In his first NHL game, Gabe Perreault tallied 13:38 time on the ice, three shots on goal, and a -1 rating. The 19-year-old looked comfortable and confident in his debut. In just his second shift, he showed off his moves and passing ability, nearly setting up Alexis Lafreniere for a scoring chance. He got some time on the power play, where he set up Johnny Brodzinsky twice, one shot ringing off the post. The only negative part of his game Wednesday was his redirect own goal on a Brock Faber shot from the point.  

The spark Perreault brought to the team was noticeable. The offense was buzzing with him in the lineup. He will be a huge piece for the team’s playoff push. 

Special Team Woes

Despite a dominant start, the Rangers surrendered the first score of the game. Lafreniere took an interference penalty, resulting in a Wild power play goal. 

The goal never should have happened. Adam Fox had a ton of time to clear the puck coming around the net with no Minnesota player pressuring him. Rather than dumping the puck, he elected to pass it to Trocheck, who was two feet in front of him. Trocheck, not expecting the pass, couldn’t get enough on his clear and turned the puck over. Gustav Nyquist capitalized on the miscue, burying his 10th goal of the season. 

New York’s penalty kill has been shaky lately. They have now allowed four goals on the PK in the last four games. Entering Wednesday, they had the sixth-best penalty kill, converting at 82% on the season. 

On top of a poor penalty kill, the Rangers' power play continues to be an issue. They have one goal in their last 10 games and are 2-41 on the man advantage over the last month. On their first power play, they allowed a short handed goal after a bad turnover at center ice from Trocheck. 

Both of these mishaps are deflating for a team that is fighting for a playoff spot. Luckily it didn't cost the Blueshirts points.

Offense From The Defense 

The Rangers were firing shots from all over the ice the entire game. They racked up 39 shots on goal, 11 coming from defenders. Will Borgen and Carson Soucy led the Blueliners in shots with three, followed by Urho Vaakaninen and K'Andre Miller with two.

Braden Schneider netted the Rangers’ first goal off of a friendly rebound from a Vaakanainen shot attempt, his sixth goal of the season. Down 2-1, K’Andre Miller also got on the board, tying up the game with a tough-angle goal. Miller also tacked on an assist, as well as Vaakaninen and Borgen.

Next Game

New York will get two days off before they travel to New Jersey for a meeting with the Devils across the Hudson River on Saturday, April 5 at 12:30 pm EST.

Home/Rangers News

Schedule