The New York Rangers got a much needed victory on Sunday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. After falling behind 1-0 and 2-1, the Blueshirts clawed back, earning an important two points, snapping a three-game losing streak and getting goaltender Jonathan Quick his 400th career victory.
New York returns to action on Wednesday night against the Boston Bruins only a few days after suffering a 6-3 defeat in Boston on Saturday. Though there were some positive moments — such as JT Miller's two goals in his Rangers return — New York did not play a complete game and lost.
This time around, the Rangers need to change some things in order to take a crucial two points from Boston, who enters the game six points ahead with three more games played. Here's what New York has to do this time around that wasn't present in Boston.
1. Igor Shesterkin
In his last start on Saturday against Boston, Igor Shesterkin did not look the part of one of the NHL's best goaltenders. He had 19 saves and let up five goals on 24 shots. In his past three starts, Shesterkin has allowed 14 goals.
Especially when the Rangers are fighting for every point, this is not the Igor Shesterkin that they need. If Shesterkin can re-discover his early to mid January play, where he posted a 6-0-1 record, and .948 SV% and a 1.39 GAA.
Do the Rangers need Shesterkin to give up two or less goals every game? No, absolutely not. But, he needs to make critical saves to give New York a chance.
2. The Penalty Kill
On Saturday, the Bruins went 2-for-3 on the power play, which included Charlie McAvoy's opening goal. Boston is 30th in the league with a 14.9 power play percentage.
The Rangers kill, which ranks near the top of the NHL, did not get the job done in Boston and when on the man advantage, the Bruins converted. Tonight, if the Rangers go a man down, their four have to get it done against one of the league's bottom units.
3. Play with a Lead
Throughout the season, the Rangers have played much better when they are in front than from behind. When falling behind, New York has struggled to get back into games.
This has changed in the new year. In January, New York got their first third-period comeback of the season against Utah Hockey Club, along with other wins when they were trailing in the game. Most recently, the Blueshirts fell down 1-0 and 2-1 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday but came back and won.
In the last 240 minutes of game-play, the Rangers have only led for a total of 8 minutes and 27 seconds. Wednesday night against Boston, if they could get the first goal or just get ahead in the game, it would go a long way to earning a crucial two points.