Stan Fischler On Rangers Cup Chances The New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/game-day/panarin-driving-new-york-rangers-engine-into-postseason-promise], entered Monday night's game against the Ottawa Senators looking to wrap up the Metropolitan Division and the Presidents' Trophy. Mission accomplished. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NzY4NjY2NzU3NzM1NTM1/usatsi_22874028.jpg] The Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-0 to earn home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Igor Shesterkin faced 34 shots, while Joonas Korpisalo saw 26 pucks for the Senators. The Rangers started the game looking to take care of business, and came out of the gate quickly. They jumped out top a 7-1 edge in shots at one point in the first period, before the Senators began to push back. Eventually, Chris Kreider [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/game-day/the-greatness-of-rangers-chris-kreider-is-getting-greater-every-day-stan-fischler] fed Jack Roslovic on a 2-on-1, and Roslovic converted to give the Blueshirts a 1-0 lead. After one period the Rangers held a 13-10 shot advantage, and a 1-0 lead. In the second, with Kaapo Kakko in the box for slashing Thomas Chabot, the Blueshirts picked up a shorthanded goal in a gorgeous exchange between Kreider and Adam Fox, who scored. Later, the Rangers were unable to convert on the power play with senators, Artem Zub in the box. In the third, the Breadman delivered, as Artemi Panarin scored his 49th goal of the season 4:34 into the third period. Ryan Lindgren, who fired the shot that Panarin tipped home, and Fox picked up assists. With seven minutes remaining in the third, Alexis Lafrenière scored his 28th goal of the season; and on the goal Panarin picked up his 120th point of the season. With 4:29 remaining in the third, Jimmy Vesey missed on a penalty shot, while Rempe sat in the box for roughing. Vesey was hooked from behind while on a breakaway. The rest of the game was spent trying to setup Panarin to help give him 50 goals, but the Breadman fell one short. Shesterkin earned the win and his 4th shutout this season, and the Rangers finish the regular season with 55 wins, a new franchise record after defeating the Senators 4-0.
