Though the New York Rangers have points in eight consecutive games, there is a sense of worry surrounding the Blueshirts after their 5-4 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. New York did not trail in the game, and it was a Patrick Laine overtime goal that saw the Canadiens stay in front of the Rangers in the Wild Card standings.
Yes, while New York got a point, every win is going to matter in this tight playoff race. The Rangers return to action Tuesday night against yet another team close to them in positioning — the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa (24-18-4) has won two straight games and are four points ahead of New York.
The Rangers need to keep winning to keep the season alive. Here's three players who need to play well against Ottawa.
1. Igor Shesterkin
In New York's first meeting against Ottawa this season, Igor Shesterkin stole the show. Ottawa dominated for a lot of the game, but Shesterkin had 40 saves and allowed only one goal. He did what the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL is expected to do — stand on his head.
On Tuesday, the Rangers cannot rely on Shesterkin the same way. The Senators had way too many high-quality chances. But, Shesterkin is as good of a backbone as you can have.
2. Alexis Lafreniere
Lafreniere makes the list for the second straight game after scoring the opening goal in Montreal. He is up to 26 points in 46 games.
If the Rangers are going to go on a run, they need more from the 23-year-old who signed a mega-extension earlier in the season. When Lafreniere is playing confident, he is one of the best players on the ice and New York is a much different team.
He has to continue racking up points, making a difference and play like he's in his prime.
3. Adam Fox
Fox had two assists on Sunday night in Montreal, the second one being a beautiful feed to Chris Kreider who was standing in front of the net for a tip in. The 26-year-old is up to 34 assists on the year.
Moreover, his defense has been much better as of late. His last time posting a rating under zero was New York's last regulation loss against Washington, where all of the defense did not perform well. When Fox is on his game, he is one of the best defensemen in the league on both ends of the ice.
On Jan. 21st, he'll be counted on to make plays in front of Shesterkin and in the offensive zone.