The New York Rangers have started the 2024-25 season strong. On Saturday night, the Blueshirts faced off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a classic original six matchup and secured a 4-1 victory, though the game was closer than the score suggests.
Igor Shesterkin played a crucial role in the win. Although the final score might imply that New York dominated, a closer look reveals otherwise. The Rangers were outshot 35-29 and only led in shots during the first period. The Maple Leafs generated more high-quality scoring opportunities, which put pressure on Shesterkin, who rose to the occasion. He delivered a stellar performance, allowing just one goal and achieving a .971 save percentage in his fourth start of the season. Without Shesterkin’s near-flawless game against Toronto, the Rangers likely wouldn’t have come away with a victory.
Artemi Panarin is not only leading the Rangers in points but is also at the top of the NHL with 12 points in five games, positioning him as an early MVP candidate by contributing to the scoresheet in every game. After scoring a hat trick against Detroit, he netted another goal against the Maple Leafs and demonstrated solid defensive play with a +2 rating. If he maintains this level of performance, he could be a strong contender for the Hart Trophy as the season progresses.
Alexis Lafreniere has also emerged as an elite player. While many anticipated his breakout campaign to continue, it has clearly evolved into elite status. Like Panarin, Lafreniere has scored in every game this season and added another goal against Toronto. His presence elevates the Rangers’ second line, joining established elite players Vincent Trocheck and Panarin, creating a potentially formidable offensive unit that could be the best in the NHL.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will face the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night as they continue their Canadian road trip. The Canadiens have had a rough start to the season, providing the Rangers with an excellent opportunity to extend their winning streak and maintain their record without a regulation loss.
