The New York Rangers delivered an impressive performance last night, thoroughly outclassing the Montreal Canadiens from the start to secure a 7-2 win. With significant contributions from Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Will Cuylle, the Rangers maintained their strong season start, raising their record to 5-0-1.
**Game Summary: Rangers vs. Canadiens**
The Rangers came out aggressively, scoring within just 54 seconds as Mika Zibanejad netted his first five-on-five goal of the season. Following a setup from Adam Fox after Artemi Panarin controlled the puck into the zone, Zibanejad fired it past goaltender Samuel Montembeault to make it 1-0. Shortly after, Braden Schneider sent the puck down the ice, with Adam Edstrom rushing to avoid icing. Taking advantage of the Canadiens’ disorganized defense, Edstrom assisted Jonny Brodzinski, who made it 2-0. Reilly Smith then increased the lead by stealing the puck from Lane Hutson and scoring on a breakaway for a 3-0 advantage. The Rangers extended their lead to 4-0 following a skilled power-play sequence finished by Chytil after Vincent Trocheck drew a penalty.
The Canadiens fought back when Nick Suzuki scored, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to reduce the deficit to 4-1 by the end of the first period. Suzuki scored again on a power play in the second, bringing the score to 4-2. Nevertheless, the Rangers answered back as Schneider fired a shot past Cayden Primeau, who had replaced Montembeault, making it 5-2 by the end of the second period. In the final period, the Rangers’ third line continued to shine, with Chytil scoring his second goal of the night in a scramble, and Kakko adding another after racing past Primeau, sealing the 7-2 victory.
**Key Takeaways for the Rangers**
The Rangers’ third line, which has been outstanding throughout the season, dominated with eight points last night. Cuylle has six points (one goal, five assists), while Chytil and Kakko each have five points (two goals, three assists for Chytil; one goal, four assists for Kakko). Beyond their offensive prowess, this line has also excelled defensively, controlling 71.6% of expected goals during their playtime.
On the defensive front, the Rangers face a good challenge as Ryan Lindgren made his season debut following jaw surgery. With eight defensemen performing well, lineup decisions will be tough. Rookie Victor Mancini impressed with another assist, while Zac Jones, who has been playing well, has been a healthy scratch for two games. Coach Peter Laviolette may need to alternate Jones and Lindgren as the latter continues to recover.
Smith has emerged as a standout player for the Rangers with six points (two goals, four assists) in six games, proving to be a valuable addition to the Zibanejad-Kreider line through his hockey intelligence, contributing to both team success and opportunities for himself, including a goal last night.
Schneider had his best game yet, with a goal and an assist while being involved in four of the Rangers’ scores. His improved puck-moving abilities are facilitating smoother exits from their defensive zone.
The fourth line of Sam Carrick, Edstrom, and Brodzinski also made their mark last night, controlling 61.36% of expected goals. They’ve been effective all season, maintaining 57.1% of expected goals during their shifts, providing the Rangers with much-needed depth, particularly with Carrick proving to be an excellent offseason acquisition by Chris Drury.
Next Game: Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 PM EST vs. Florida Panthers @ Madison Square Garden
