At last the Beloved Blueshirts not only found a way to win at home but also to beat an elite team such as the Dallas Stars.
Except that the said Stars conveniently – for New York, that is – arrived minus four injured regulars and, at that, the Rangers just managed to sneak in the victory.
The 3-2 triumph delivered by Slava Gavrikov at 1:09 of overtime was so good that MSG Networks analyst Dave Maloney almost wax poetic claiming, "It was the best home ice win" for the Rangers."
It also proved a few points; some of which have been missed by the mainstreamers. To wit:
1. THE TOP MAN: Gavrikov is the best player on the team. Over 28 games, the defender
has five goals, seven assists for 12 points and a team-leading Plus - 7. Kudos to GM Chris Drury for the acquisition.
2. COOL MAN CUYLLE: Willing Willy finally has swung into form, saving the club with his tying goal after Igor Shesterkin was pulled for an extra skater. Iggy also was outstanding again.
3. THIRD LINE IS THE FIRST LINE: But where are goals from the Top Six? Where – ask you – where?
4. MOST ACCURATE POST GAME QUOTE: "We didn't sink." Courtesy of coach Mike Sullivan.
A Major League Test Tonight For The Blueshirts
The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> have a whole lot to prove at The Garden tonight. Here are some key questions – and Maven answers:
5. SECOND BEST POST GAME QUOTE: "I'm proud of the way we played." Courtesy of Not So Wee Willie Cuylle.
Maven's Conclusion: The one-game winning streak will be a few degrees above meaningless if the club cannot make it two-straight on by winning in Ottawa.