The Blueshirts came into Dallas seeking to get back on track after a disappointing loss to NJ. They did that and more as they got goals from a player not named Zibanejad and a bounce back win by Igor Shesterkin. Oh! They also got a goal from Zibanejad too.
Rookies Roll
The Rangers made a statement right out of the gate when Artemi Panarin found rookie blue-liner Adam Fox for the opening goal just a minute in. Fox would go on to finish the night with a goal and an assist, putting him at 40 points on the season.
When it comes to prized rookies, 19 year old Kaapo Kakko is the one everyone is watching. The strapping forward broke out of a long slump last night scoring twice to up his goal totals to 10 on the year. His second goal made it 4-0 and shows the absolute silky smooth mitts this kid has.
Bounce Back Win
Igor Shesterkin had a rough start on Saturday when he gave up 5 to NJ. Yes, he looked rusty but his body language was also off as he seemed dejected and shaken. For me. watching this rookie’s reaction was even more important than any other storyline last night. Well he responded with a rock solid 31 game performance.
Magic Mika
There is simply nothing more that could be said about Mika Zibanejad who tallied his 40th goal in just 56 games. He is the fastest in NYR history to reach that mark. He also has a staggering 22 goals in his last 21 games. Stunning.
David Quinn will have his charges ready for Colorado tonight, but has not decided on who is starting goalie is. I’m betting on Georgiev, but a Lundqvist start would not be out of the question.
Post-Game Notes
- The Rangers earned their 77th and 78th points of the 2019-20 season in tonight’s contest. With 13 games remaining in the regular-season in 2019-20, the Blueshirts have matched their points total from the 2018-19 season. In addition, the Rangers have earned five more wins in 2019-20 (37) than in 2018-19 (32).
- Kaapo Kakko tied single-game career-highs with two goals and two points, registered the game-winning goal, and recorded three shots on goal in tonight’s contest.
- Adam Fox recorded two points (one goal, one assist), including the first goal of the game. Fox has registered 40 points this season, and he is one of five rookie defensemen who have tallied at least 40 points in a season in Rangers history, along with Brian Leetch (71 in 1988-89), Reijo Ruotsalainen (56 in 1981-82), Ron Greschner (45 in 1974-75), and Mike McEwen (43 in 1976-77).
- Mika Zibanejad tallied two points (one goal, one assist), led all skaters with 15 faceoff wins (15-for-27; 55.6%), tied for the game-high (and led the Rangers) with four shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating in 21:39 of ice time.
Notes courtesy of NYR PR Dept
