The New York Rangers secured another strong win on Saturday night, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1, showcasing their star talent once again. Chris Kreider scored two goals while Artemi Panarin added his team-leading sixth goal. Mika Zibanejad contributed with two assists, and goalie Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves, including 17 in the third period.
However, it wasn’t just the stars making an impact; the Rangers also benefitted from impressive performances by their role players. This depth has quietly been a crucial element for the team, who started the season with a 4-0-1 record and currently top the Eastern Conference with a .900 points percentage. Will Cuylle provided an assist and led the team with five hits. Rookie Victor Mancini, who recently scored his first NHL goal, also had an assist, and Matt Rempe returned to the lineup after two games as a scratch, playing a straightforward game without penalties.
Chad Ruhwedel made his season debut, replacing Zac Jones on the third defensive pair with Mancini. He matched teammate Braden Schneider with four blocked shots and recorded two hits in 14:04 of ice time. Ruhwedel contributed on the penalty kill and was on the ice for New York’s first two goals by Alexis Lafreniere and Kreider, finishing the game with a plus-two rating.
“Mika Zibanejad commented on the challenges of being in and out of the lineup for players like Ruhwedel, Rempe, and Jonny Brodzinski. “It’s impressive for anyone to come in after a break. Winning might make it easier, but it still takes a lot of focus and dedication.”
Although Ruhwedel is likely to return to a backup role when the Rangers face the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, his performance demonstrated to coach Peter Laviolette that he can rely on the veteran.
Shesterkin’s stellar play is evident, as even after allowing six goals in one of his four starts this season, his overall stats remain among the league’s best. He has a record of 3-0-1, with a 1.95 goals-against average and .935 save percentage, despite the team’s loss to the Utah Hockey Club. In his three other starts, he recorded a shutout against the Pittsburgh Penguins, allowed just one goal on 35 shots against the Maple Leafs, and stopped 31 of 32 shots against the Red Wings.
“He’s giving us leads we might not deserve,” said his teammate Reilly Smith after Saturday’s game. “He makes key saves that change the momentum and make a significant difference for us.”
Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz also acknowledged Shesterkin’s talent, remarking that it’s clear why he will be one of the highest-paid goalies in the league. Shesterkin, a pending unrestricted free agent, has reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88 million contract offer from the Rangers, seeking over $12 million per season instead.
