Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG Juggernaut. That's precisely what the post-Trade Deadline Day New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/game-day/new-york-rangers-cruise-to-4-0-win-over-st-louis-blues-shesterkin-shutout] have become. After adding three solid core players, the Blueshirts took Garden ice last night and performed a 4-0 sweet symphony while St. Louis sang the blues. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0OTI0NTU1MDkxNzgwOTU0/usatsi_22740580.jpg] Notching his second shutout of the season, Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves and certainly has knocked Jonathan Quick out of the Number One goalie box. "Igor has been dialed in lately," enthused coach Peter Laviolette. "it seems that he's been that way over the last 45 days." The days -- and nights -- are now even brighter as Alex Wennberg and Jack Roslovic have been eased into the lineup. Wennberg got himself an assist and clearly will be counted on as a regular through the homestretch and into the playoffs. Ditto for Jack, who was on the first line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. Wennberg worked with Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. Aiding and abetting Iggy's goaltending were lamplighters Vinnie Trocheck, Jimmy Vesey, Kreider and Kakko. But from the players' viewpoint, the spotlight was on the man doing gyrations in the New York crease. "When Igor is on his game," said defenseman Adam Fox, "he's the best goalie there is." And Shesty seems to be locked into excellence at just the right point in the season. As a matter of fact just about everything is coming up roses for Lavvy's sextet and that has to include "The People's Choice," Matt Rempe. For starters there was the fear that he'd be hurried back to Hartford now that the three additions arrived. No way! The Remper worked with his buddy Barclay Goodrow and Vesey and -- whaddya know! -- our skating giraffe came this close to scoring as his shot hit the goal post but never cleared the red goal line. But he was indirectly responsible for the opening red light by Trocheck. Kevin Hayes was called for slashing Rempe at 4:13 of the opening period. Thank you very much, Matt, since the home club then scored the first of its three power play goals. Linemate Vesey is proving that he's at the very peak of his Rangers career and still may be getting better. "We got off to a good start," The Veser glowed, "and took it from there." Did I say "Juggernaut?" Even Kakko got a goal proving that The Maven was right by insisting the former whipping boy now is starting to flower as hoped. While Shesterkin deserved the first star and Vesey the third, you have to love the fact that The Breadman played such a good all-round game that he was named second star -- without even having scored a goal. But his two assists proved his stardom was deserved. Wennberg got an assist in his first game as a Ranger and reflected on what it was like to play on Garden ice. "When I came to The Garden on the visiting team it still was a dream come true," he smiled. "But now to be a Ranger and win in my first game with this club -- well -- it doesn't get any better than that." Despite the loss of captain Jacob Trouba -- out with a lower body injury -- the defense was solid and also abetted by Fox's continued solid play. His two assists give him 40 for the season and, right now, Adam is playing Norris Trophy hockey. Frankly, there wasn't a weak spot in the lineup although it would have been refreshing had Mika Z made the red light work for him. No matter. There was a festive atmosphere at The World's Most Famous Arena and if you want to know the names of the two most popular players last night. The chants said it all: "I-GOR, I-GOR!" "REM-PE, REM-PE!" And why nor JUGGERNAUT?
