The New York Rangers (37-16-6) are coming off of a strong win against the Calgary Flames (32-24-4) last night at the Garden, blanking the Flames and handing the Rangers an NHL leading 9th season shutout. This is the first time since the 70′-71′ season that the New York Rangers have had multiple goalies with 4 shutouts in one season since Giacomin and Villemure.
Multiple #NYR goalies have recorded at least 4 shutouts in one season for the 1st time since 1970-71 (Giacomin & Villemure). (@KennyAlbert)
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 25, 2015
Playing Strong in February
The Rangers, 7-1-2 in their last 10, currently lead the NHL in point percentage (.833) and lead the entire Eastern Conference with 9 wins on the month of February. The team leads the league in goal differential as well (+41).
Scoring Surge
The New York Rangers have given Papa John a run for his money in their last 10 games, scoring 3 or more goals in eight of the 10. The Rangers offense has stepped up in a big way with the help of their leading scorer Rick Nash, whom continues to produce night after night. Alongside Rick Nash, has been the help of Martin St. Louis who has stepped out of his goal scoring slump and produced an impressive 7 points in his last 5.
Keeping Up the Momentum
The Rangers have surged past the opposition since the loss of Henrik Lundqvist and that comes with the strong goal tending of Cam Talbot. Talbot is sporting a .914 SV% and 2.46 GAA.
The team lost their leading scorer Rick Nash on Tuesdays game against the Flames due to neck spasms and managed to net a win. Sure, it wasn’t the offensive showcase we’re use to seeing based on their last couple of performances, but if the team can see that they can play strong and get wins without their leading scorer in Nash and leading net minder in Lundqvist, it should surely boost their confidence going into this last stretch of the season.
Young Guns Producing
Kevin Hayes is starting to come into his own. The forward netted the sole goal in the teams shutout to the Flames. The 6’5, 225 lb is a strong two-way player, playing well in both his offensive and defensive efforts. Hayes is a big body and will certainly develop into a strong player for the team.
J.T. Miller has been playing steady in recent games. Miller has spent a lot of time bouncing up and down from Hartford. Miller had a strong game against Calgary on Tuesday but was robbed by an outstanding glove save from Ramo in what looked like a definite goal in a wide open net.
Hockey: Game on.
Save of the night: GAME OVER.https://t.co/f9nO20xbXw— NHL (@NHL) February 25, 2015
The defending Eastern Conference Champions seem to have things moving in their favor. With the return of Lundqvist on the horizon and goal scoring at a season high, the New York Rangers are a threat to the rest of the league come playoffs.
And I’m loving every second of it.