The New York Rangers kicked off their 2024-25 NHL season with a victory but faced a setback in their second game, losing to the Utah Hockey Club in overtime on Saturday. Although it was a match they might have won, Chris Kreider highlighted a crucial area for improvement moving forward.
In the game against Utah, the Rangers managed to score five goals against goaltender Connor Ingram, but they also conceded six. This trend is concerning, especially given the talent of their own goalie, Igor Shesterkin. Kreider stressed the importance of tightening their defense as the season progresses, saying, “We’re generating offense, but we’ve got to keep the puck out of our net and support our goaltender. He’s made some incredible saves in these two games,” as reported by USA Today journalist Vince Mercogliano.
Previously, the Rangers celebrated a dominant 6-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, where Kreider netted two goals. However, Saturday’s game told a different story.
The Utah Hockey Club took an early lead with Barrett Hayton’s third goal of the season, but Artemi Panarin quickly equalized for New York. The teams left the first intermission tied at 1-1, but the second period was explosive. The teams combined for seven goals, with Utah scoring four, including an early goal from Jack McBain. Dylan Guenther added to his strong season with a power play goal, extending Utah’s lead to 5-3. The Rangers managed to close the gap before heading into the third period.
In the final frame, the Rangers pressed for a tying goal. After a scramble in front of Ingram, Will Cullye managed to poke the puck past him, leveling the game. However, they failed to secure a win in overtime, as Utah’s captain Clayton Keller scored the game-winner with a backhand shot over Shesterkin.
Kreider and the Rangers recognize the need for improvement and will have a quick opportunity to bounce back, as they face off against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. It will be interesting to see if they can move past this defeat and achieve another victory.
