Jonathan Quick faced intense pressure early in the game, as the New York Rangers struggled to maintain possession in the offensive zone, failed to contain Connor McDavid, and suffered a disappointing 6-2 defeat against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
This loss capped a four-game road trip where the Rangers started strong with two wins but then surrendered a total of 41 shots on goal in the first periods against the Calgary Flames and Edmonton. This marked the first time this season that the Rangers lost consecutive games and their second defeat by four or more goals.
Like Igor Shesterkin’s impressive 46-save outing in Calgary, Quick initially kept his team in the game by stopping the first 18 shots and extending his shutout streak to 146 minutes and 39 seconds before conceding two goals in the final moments of the first period. Among his notable saves was a split-second pad stop against McDavid, demonstrating his skill despite the onslaught.
McDavid notched two goals in the third period and assisted on Leon Draisaitl’s goal during a 4-on-4 scenario in the second.
Vasily Podkolzin opened the scoring, followed by Darnell Nurse who netted a shorthanded goal late in the game. Evan Bouchard also scored against Quick.
“It was different tonight,” Coach Peter Laviolette remarked. “It felt like our heads were in the game, but our play did not reflect that. The other night, we appeared flat and struggled with defensive coverage, which cost us.”
Artemi Panarin managed to score late in the second period as the Rangers spent more time on offense, later adding a second goal in the third. Despite playing better at times, the Rangers struggled overall, winning just 44% of their faceoffs and giving the puck away 23 times.
“It was really bad,” said defenseman Adam Fox. “It was flat out not good today.”
Quick had his highest goals allowed since joining the Rangers last season, permitting at least six goals for the first time since March 28, 2023, with the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Rangers’ record now stands at 7-6-0 after starting the season with a six-game points streak (5-0-1), which had previously masked some of their defensive issues. They have been held to fewer than three goals in seven of their last 13 games since that strong beginning.
In the game against the Oilers, Quick observed a consistent offensive push from Edmonton, with Podkolzin scoring first with 2:26 remaining in the opening period. The Rangers went into the first intermission with a two-goal disadvantage after another defensive lapse allowed Nurse to score.
“That can’t happen,” Laviolette commented. “That shouldn’t happen.”
The Rangers’ second power play was cut short when Vincent Trocheck was penalized, leading to Draisaitl capitalizing on a quick exchange with McDavid.
Following a turnover by Jacob Trouba, Bouchard scored to push the lead to 4-0. Panarin eventually got on the board with his 11th goal, but McDavid quickly took charge, scoring twice within 3:48 in the third period.
With 89 shots allowed in their final two games of this road trip, the Rangers will return home Monday to face the St. Louis Blues before traveling to take on the Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers.
