The New York Rangers achieved a satisfying rebound victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, following a lackluster performance in their first regulation loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday.
Despite a final score of 2-1 that lacked flair, the game was filled with excitement. The Rangers’ record improved to 6-1-1 for the season, allowing them to regain a one-point lead in the Metropolitan Division. They also sit at the top of the Eastern Conference and rank third in the NHL, behind the Dallas Stars (7-2-0) and Winnipeg Jets (8-0-0).
The Rangers continue to gain momentum, not allowing one disappointing performance against the Panthers to hinder their progress. They have one remaining game in October, facing the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. Here are three key points from Saturday’s match:
1. Quick’s Stellar Performance
In his second start of the season, Jonathan Quick showcased remarkable goaltending, making 21 saves on 33 shots and improving his record to 2-0-0. He outperformed Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal, who is 14 years younger but also played exceptionally well.
Despite the Ducks having fewer high-danger chances than the Rangers (12-5), Quick had to remain focused throughout the game. He made crucial saves during the second period, including a fantastic glove save on Mason McTavish during Anaheim’s only power play and stopping McTavish again on a close rebound attempt.
2. Rising Stars
While Artemi Panarin extended his point streak to eight games and Ryan Lindgren scored a significant goal, the Rangers’ younger players played a critical role in the team’s success.
Will Cuylle netted the game-winning goal and had another one disallowed due to an offsides call. Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko assisted on the goal, highlighting the third line’s ongoing dominance. Chytil was particularly active, generating multiple breakaway chances, finishing second on the team with four shots on goal.
Alexis Lafreniere also contributed with an assist, bringing his season total to eight points in eight games. Following a substantial seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension, he is poised to become a true star in the league.
3. Surprising Defensive Pairing
In an effort to reestablish pairs with a righty/lefty balance and keep K’Andre Miller with Adam Fox, coach Peter Laviolette experimented with a new defensive pairing: Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba.
This pairing, consisting of two defense-first players with limited offensive production, showed surprising effectiveness. Excluding Lindgren’s goal, they controlled the game well, with Lindgren on the ice for 11 scoring chances for and only three against, while Trouba was involved in 12 for and four against. They were also on the ice for four high-danger scoring chances for, with none allowed.
Meanwhile, Zac Jones and Braden Schneider performed well on the third pairing, leaving Victor Mancini, who was a healthy scratch for the first time this season, in a precarious position entering Tuesday’s game against the Capitals. It will be intriguing to see how the defensive pairings are adjusted for that matchup.
