3 Rangers takeaways after fortunate 5-3 win over Penguins
The New York Rangers bounced back with a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena, a game involving teams that each surrendered eight goals in a loss just a day prior.
Despite being outshot 39-16 and outplayed for the majority of the game, the Rangers found a way to escape Pittsburgh with a big win.
Igor Shesterkin and J.T. Miller practically willed the Rangers to victory in this one. Shesterkin was huge making 36 saves, while Miller, named the game’s First Star, scored twice in his hometown to give the Rangers the edge over their Metropolitan Division rival and earn a huge two points as the playoff race heats up.
The Rangers fell behind in the first period before scoring a goal of their own by Will Cuylle. Miller scored his first of the game late in the second, but that’s all the Rangers could muster in what was an abysmal period — however, Shesterkin stood tall to carry New York into the third with a 2-1 lead.
After two quick goals by the Penguins, Jimmy Vesey tied the game 3-3, and Adam Fox gave the Rangers the lead for good. Miller scored his second of the game into an empty net to seal it for the Rangers in a game that they likely did not deserve to win.
Aside from the goal-scorers, K’ Andre Miller, Reilly Smith (2), Fox, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Ryan Lindgren, Mika Zibanejad, and Vesey all had assists.
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Three takeaways from Rangers 5-3 win over Penguins
Here are three takeaways from the game on Sunday:
1. Igor Shesterkin bounces back
Shesterkin desperately needed a bounce-back game after his poor performance Saturday in Buffalo. He gave up five goals on 16 shots and was pulled after 18:21 in an onslaught by the Sabres, who routed the Rangers 8-2. Playing less than a full period in that game, the Rangers turned to Shesterkin again Sunday, a wise decision which paid off in a big way.
The 29-year-old goalie was sensational in a game where the Rangers were anything but. He especially came up big in the second period where the Rangers were outshot 19-4. He also made some key stops in the final moments of the third period when the Penguins pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. This performance from Shesterkin came at a time when he desperately needed it, and so did the Rangers.
âYou know heâs going to bounce back,â Ryan Lindgren said about Shesterkin. âHeâs one of the best goalies in the League. He works so hard, he cares so much. You look at [Saturday], too, weâre leaving him out to dry. Did that tonight, too, in that second period. He made some huge saves.”
It’s been a rough stretch Shesterkin, who had failed to record a save percentage over .900 in his previous six starts, maxing out at .885 on Feb. 7, a 3-2 loss to the Penguins. He and the Rangers were 1-5-0 in those games, with each carrying more and more significance every passing day in the playoff race.
2. Rangers are outshot badly but steal two huge points
Despite being more than doubled up in shots by the Penguins, the Rangers were able to secure two massive points in the wild-card race. The win gives them 60 points (28-25-4), and they’re two points out of the second wild-card spot, held by the Ottawa Senators with 62 points.
The playoff race is as tight as ever, as the Columbus Blue Jackets also have 62 points, and the Boston Bruins have 61. Three teams are right behind the Rangers, each with 57 points and the Islanders hosting the Dallas Stars on Sunday. So, while it may not have been a pretty win by any means, earning the two points gets New York back on track and within striking distance of a playoff berth after getting blown out by the Eastern Conference cellar-dwelling Sabres.
3. J.T. Miller picks up where he left off, scores two massive goals in win
It’s been a whirlwind three weeks for J.T. Miller. After being traded by the Vancouver Canucks, the 31-year-old forward made the transition and played for the Rangers less than 24 hours after the trade. After five games with the Rangers, he suited up for the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off and was an integral piece of the lineup. Now, he’s back with the Rangers trying to help them earn a playoff spot, and he certainly did his part against the Penguins.
Miller’s two goals against the Penguins give him four goals and eight points in seven games with the Rangers, and he continues to make an impact in every imaginable way. Not only has he contributed on the score sheet, but his speed and physicality continue to open up the game and generate offense for the Rangers. Miller helped save the Rangers from another embarrassing loss, and boosted their playoff hopes.
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