As the new week begins, the New York Rangers remain unbeaten in regulation.
Their 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena concluded a perfect week, finishing 3-0-0 after also defeating the Detroit Red Wings in a home-and-home series, winning 4-1 at home on Monday and 5-2 in Detroit on Thursday. The Rangers’ record of 4-0-1 is only the fourth time in the organization’s 98-year history that they have earned points in their first five games, with previous instances occurring in 2008-09, 1997-98, and 1983-84. Notably, they are 3-0-0 on the road, marking the third time they have started a season with three away game victories, a feat last accomplished in the 1931-32 season; the other instance was in 1927-28, the year they won their first Stanley Cup.
Saturday’s performance showcased a strong team effort, with goalie Igor Shesterkin making 34 saves and excelling in the crucial third period. Chris Kreider contributed two goals, including the game-winner. The team had excellent puck control, committing only nine turnovers to Toronto’s 15, and blocked 22 shots, with defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, who returned after being a healthy scratch for the first four games, contributing four blocks. Thanks to two empty-net goals, the Rangers have now scored at least four goals in each of their first five games, matching a record set in the 1989-90 season. Their total of 24 goals in these games is just one shy of the record established in 1979-80.
The Rangers currently sit two points behind the New Jersey Devils for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division, although the Devils have played three more games. More importantly, New York boasts a points percentage of .900, the highest in the Eastern Conference, making them the only team in the East without any regulation losses.
**Who’s Hot:**
Artemi Panarin’s four-game streak of multiple points came to an end, but his empty-net goal against Toronto kept his five-game points streak alive. He is tied for the NHL lead with 12 points (six goals, six assists) and appears likely to reach the 100-point milestone for the second consecutive season, proving to be a constant threat on the ice. Igor Shesterkin is showcasing his value during salary negotiations, having been named the game’s first star in Toronto after a solid performance that kept the Leafs’ scoring in check during the third period. He holds a record of 3-0-1 through four games, with a 1.97 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. Chris Kreider scored twice in Toronto, bringing his tally to five goals in five games, and his second-period goal marked the 46th game-winner of his career, tying him with Hall of Famer Jean Ratelle for the second-most in Rangers history.
**Who’s Not:**
Adam Edstrom is not receiving much ice time, averaging just 7:27 over five games and playing only 7:56 in Toronto. The rookie forward has not registered any points, making him the only player dressed for more than two games without hitting the score sheet, especially surprising after an impressive preseason.
