Soon after the report, the Senators announced they acquired Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2023 in exchange for the gritty forward.

The condition is as follows: If the Rangers get to the second round of the playoffs, the seventh becomes the lower of their sixth-round selection (Rangers have theirs and one acquired from the Winnipeg Jets).

Tyler Motte expected to be moved to the New York Rangers #Sens

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 19, 2023

New York Rangers re-acquire Tyler Motte

The Ottawa Senators scratched Tyler Motte prior to their matchup on Sunday versus the St. Louis Blues for trade-related purposes.

Motte, 27, has recorded 9 points in 38 games this season for the Sens while averaging 13:32 of ice time. On the year, he has one shorthanded goal and averages 2.31 hits per game.

The Rangers originally traded for Motte last season at the deadline from the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round pick. This past offseason, the Blueshirts wanted to re-sign him but the two sides could not agree to a new deal. He eventually signed a one year deal with the Sens for $1.35 million.

In his limited time with the Rangers due to a shoulder injury suffered in the regular-season soon after the trade, he recorded no points in games. However, he played a key role in the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Final recording two goals in 15 postseason matches.

The #NYR acquired Tyler Motte (1 yr $1.35M, UFA) from #Sens for Julien Gauthier (1 yr $800K, RFA) & conditional '23 7th#NYR add $550K annual cap hit, $160.5K for remainder of season.https://t.co/gfMylxXfwt

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) February 19, 2023

By sending Julien Gauthier the other way, the Rangers only take on $535,000 extra in cap space. It does not appear the Sens are retaining salary.

Gauthier, 25, recorded 9 points in 40 games this season for the Blueshirts. He will be an RFA with arbitration rights in July.

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Even if it was going higher, several players likely don’t see a future with the Blueshirts and will want opportunities in other organizations.

Here’s a look at those players, including their current cap hit, qualifying offers (QO), and expiry status.

New York Rangers restricted free agents

So which of these players will the New York Rangers extend and when? That’s a great question and one we posed to NY Post reporter Mollie Walker in an interview we conducted Monday, which you can watch in its entirety on the Forever Blueshirts YouTube channel. Please remember to Like and Subscribe!

“I think a lot of those conversations are going to come after the season,” Walker noted. It wouldn’t surprise me if K’Andre Miller were signed sooner rather than later. I haven’t heard of any conversations happening this early but the Rangers are in a precarious position due to the cap. I just don’t see a scenario where everyone can stay.”

In attempt to answer these difficult questions, I’ve broken down each key RFA’s situation and outlook going forward.

Alexis Lafreniere: When the Ottawa Senators announced an 8-year contract extension for Tim Stutzle in September worth $66.8 million ($8.35M AAV) a league source told me to bust out my calculator because he didn’t see Lafreniere signing for less. Flash forward a few months later and the first overall pick in 2020 has struggled with 22 points in 48 games. There’s no chance Alexis will see that contract this summer, and he’s heading for a bridge deal likely in the neighborhood of $2.5M to $3M with bonuses.

Filip Chytil: After struggling with consistency since being drafted 21st overall in 2017, Chytil has now been a reliable offensive threat. With 29 points though 41 games this season, he’s definitely set up to cash in. According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic (subscription required), the Rangers and Chytil’s camp have had preliminary contract talks but no extension is expected soon. A league source informed me that Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett ($4.425M) is a fair comp for Chytil’s next deal. The Rangers will want to avoid arbitration here if they can and sign him after the season ends.

Julien Gauthier: It took the big and fast winger awhile to stick with the Rangers but he’s doing a good job this season with 9 goals in 35 games on the fourth line. Teams may be interested in him at the trade deadline, but it’s unlikely Drury will move him. As younger players like Will Cuylle are knocking on the door next season, Gauthier will have his rights traded at the draft or allowed to walk as a UFA.

K’ Andre Miller: I’ve been screaming for the Rangers to extend him for awhile. The young defenseman has already surpassed previous career highs in points and assists. Miller enters the All-Star Break with 25 points in 49 games and the best odds of being extended during the season. This summer, the Rangers will get back $3,427,778 in buyout penalties per Cap Friendly. All of that and some more should be allocated to extending Miller for at least four seasons. That would be beneficial for both parties as the Rangers can likely find an AAV around the $4.5 million mark and Miller’s camp can ride that contract to unrestricted free agency at 27 years of age.

Libor Hajek: Similar to Gauthier, it’s hard to see a future with the Rangers for Hajek. Especially after the team extended Ben Harpur for two seasons. With his value at an all-time low, the Rangers will likely hold onto him at the deadline for depth. If someone wants his rights at the draft, so be it. Otherwise, the Rangers could let him walk.

Vitali Kravtsov: By far the most interesting restricted free agent. If he isn’t packaged at the deadline for either Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko, then the Rangers should absolutely qualify him and try to keep him around. Should the Rangers fail to retain Chytil or Lafreniere, despite how unlikely that seems, it will be good to have the talented winger in the fold. Plus, his next contract won’t be for too much more than his current $875K even if he gets to salary arbitration.

Zac Jones: Much like Kravtsov, Jones is likely going to be a trade asset for the upcoming deadline. With his path currently blocked by Ben Harpur’s extension and the Rangers plan to give Matthew Robertson a real shot on left defense next season, the writing is on the wall. I’m not even sure Jones would want to re-sign with the Rangers this summer. If he’s still here after the deadline, expect him to go the same route Nils Lundkvist did demanding a trade.

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As we they await the results of today’s Capitals game against the Maple Leafs, the Blueshirts hold a four point lead over fourth place Washington. That could be cut down to two with a Caps win, but New York will hold a three game advantage after Sunday’s action.

For this article, I will rank the current roster, picks and prospects into three categories: Untouchable, Probable, and Trade Bait.

This could very well change depending on injuries from now until the NHL Trade Deadline for March 3, 2023.

New York Rangers trade tiers: Untouchables

The untouchables tier is pretty straight forward. These players are considered core pieces for this season, and many go well beyond that. In some cases, the player’s contract has trade protection which automatically puts them into this tier.

• Adam Fox (NMC in 2025-26)
• Alexis Lafrenière (RFA)
• Artemi Panarin (NMC)
• Barclay Goodrow (Modified No-Trade)
• Ben Harpur
• Braden Schneider (ELC)
• Brennan Othmann (ELC)
• Chris Kreider (NMC – Modified in 2024-2025)
• Filip Chytil (RFA)
• Igor Shesterkin (Modified No-Trade in 2023-24)
• Jacob Trouba (NMC – Modified in 2024-2025)
• Jaroslav Halak (NMC)
• Jimmy Vesey
• K’ Andre Miller (RFA)
• Kaapo Kakko
• Mika Zibanejad (NMC)
• Ryan Lindgren
• Vincent Trocheck (NMC – Modified in 2025-2026)
• Will Cuylle (ELC)

This list has 7 players with either a full no-move clause or a modified no-trade for this season. In addition, they’re considered important components needed for a Cup run.

Also named here are young players like Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, Ryan Lindgren, and Braden Schneider. All can be traded, but they’re the future of the franchise and it’s highly unlikely they’ll be moved at this deadline or this offseason.

Finally, I have two prospects on this list and that’s Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle. Othmann has the potential to be a future top six-winger for the franchise in the near future. Meanwhile, Cuylle looks like he’ll be ready for a bottom six-role next season.

Probable for a trade

This list below is comprised of players that Chris Drury may move due to future cap considerations like Julien Gauthier, and some prospects that can be used to sweeten trade deadline deals.

• Adam Sykora (ELC)
• Bobby Trivigno (ELC)
• Dylan Garand (ELC)
• Jake Leschyshyn
• Julien Gauthier (RFA w/Arbitration)
• Lauri Pajuniemi (RFA)
• Matthew Robertson (ELC)

This is usually the hardest and most intriguing tier to assemble. Insiders are pretty steadfast that the Rangers will be going hard for Patrick Kane. Should they fail to land him Vladimir Tarasenko or James van Riemsdyk may be plan B options.

If cap space permits, the Rangers will also look to add some depth pieces for a long postseason run and since there’s only so many first-round picks to go around, they may need to dip into this pool.

Trade Bait – Likely to be traded

The Rangers likely to be traded list has grown since we last published this list in November. It still includes their own first round pick in 2023, and the one that the Dallas Stars gave them (w/conditions) in the Nils Lundkvist deal.

• 2023 1st Round Pick (2)
• Libor Hajek (RFA w/Arbitration)
• Ryan Carpenter (UFA)
• Sammy Blais (UFA)
• Vitali Kravtsov (RFA w/Arbitration)
• Zac Jones (RFA)

Defenseman Libor Hajek has been in this spot for two seasons and even if he’s not moved, he’ll likely be elsewhere next season. Just added are Ryan Carpenter and Sammy Blais, although I doubt there will be much interest in these pending UFAs.

The most obvious trade piece is winger Vitali Kravtsov. He’s the 9th overall pick in the 2018 draft and has good upside. I would suspect that he would need to be attached to a first-round pick to land either Kane or Tarasenko. Plus the Rangers will want those teams to eat 50% of the cap hit which always requires an incentive piece.

Zac Jones has now moved to this list after the signing of Ben Harpur to a two-year extension and Matthew Robertson likely ready to compete for a regular lineup spot next season. Jones is going to want an opportunity elsewhere and he’s a logical trade chip.

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Of note was the return of Julien Gauthier to being a full participant, as he took rushes on the fourth line. Fans in attendance were also given a sneak peek at potential new line combos for Monday’s match up against the visiting Florida Panthers.

Here’s what the forward lines looked like:

• Panarin – Zibanejad – Kreider
• Vesey – Trocheck – Goodrow
• Lafreniere – Chytil – Kakko
• Kravtsov – Leschyshyn – Gauthier

New York Rangers reunite Kids Line

The Rangers are reuniting the Kids Line, more likely because of the need for Gerard Gallant to break up Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck than anything else.

“I’ve talked about our second line all year long playing harder defensively and not giving up the odd man rushes,” Gallant stated after the loss to Boston. “[Panarin and Trocheck] have to better than what they are… They better get better. We need a lot more defensively. They’re our top players and they could’ve scored three or four, but they could’ve given up four or five just as easy. That’s not what coaches want.”

Regardless, the Rangers are stacking the first line and there’s an argument to be made which is really the second line looking ahead. By putting together Trocheck with Vesey and Goodrow you get a solid forechecking line that is a threat to score. Meanwhile, Chytil centering Lafreniere and Kakko is a high energy skill line.

“A lot of changes,” Gallant said on Saturday. “We’re just trying to balance everything out.”

The Blueshirts are scheduled to practice again on Sunday, so we will see if these lines stick.

Julien Gauthier off IR

Julien Gauthier has been activated from injured reserve late on Saturday. The move came after the Rangers placed Jonny Brodzinski on waivers to make room for his return.

“I think he looked really good,” Gallant said earlier. “It’ll be a full practice tomorrow and he’ll probably be cleared.”

The upper-body injury occurred in the Rangers dramatic 2-1 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on January 12, when Sammy Blais accidentally collided with him.

Gauthier, 25, has 9 points in 32 matches this season.

IR → NHL
Julien Gauthier (RW) | NYR#NYRhttps://t.co/w2NgxQtPvN

— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) January 22, 2023

Fans sing Happy Birthday to K’Andre Miller

Saturday was defenseman K’Andre Miller’s 23rd birthday and fans at the open practice made sure to let him feel the love.

“That was awesome,” Miller said. “I’m very grateful for everyone coming out and singing Happy Birthday. They didn’t need to do all that. It was good to see everyone out there at practice today and it was a fun experience.”

The Rangers young star is having a great season and was recently named the team’s top player under 23 last week by The Athletic.

A pending RFA this summer, he’s registered 25 points in 46 games to establish a new career-high for points in a single season.

I’ve reached out to Miller’s agent to see if there’s been any substantial talks between the two sides but have yet to receive a response. The Rangers would be wise to lock up Miller to at least a four-year deal in the neighborhood of $4.5M AAV as soon as possible.

One of our favorite moments from yesterday. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/ETNqQoctRQ

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 22, 2023

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A stint on the IR list requires a player to sit for a minimum of seven days, so Gauthier will be eligible to return for Monday’s contest against the Florida Panthers. According to Vince Mercogliano, Gauthier was a participant at Saturday’s open practice at Madison Square Garden held for fans to attend.

What will the Rangers do when the time comes for Gauthier to lace them up for regular-season action?

UPDATE: New York Rangers place Jonny Brodzinksi on waivers

Placed on NHL waivers today: Jonny Brodzinski (NYR).

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 21, 2023

Will Rangers place Sammy Blais on waivers

Oddly enough, it was Sammy Blais accidentally colliding with Julien Gauthier that sent the winger to IR after suffering an upper-body injury. The incident occurred in the Rangers dramatic 2-1 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on January 12.

Gauthier, 25, has 9 points in 32 matches this season.

The Rangers claimed 21 year-old center Jake Leschyshyn off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights soon after. In two games with the team, he’s played as advertised by being a strong forechecker, who goes to the dirty areas of the ice. It’s unlikely that the Rangers will send him down to the Wolf Pack. Which means it will either be Jonny Brodzinski or Sammy Blais.

Which of these two would the Rangers be more willing to lose?

Considering how well Brodzinski’s played on the fourth line since his call up, I am leaning towards Blais. There’s also a slight cap benefit as well because waiving Blais’ allows the Rangers to bury $1.125M of his $1.525M hit in the AHL. Brodzinski would only be $762,500.

It should also be noted that the Rangers don’t have to do anything. New York can carry 23 players and have $1.2M in space that will accommodate Gauthier’s $800,000 cap hit.

However, accrued cap space for the March 3 NHL Trade Deadline is vital. So I doubt, GM Chris Drury will not make a move.

Is there a possibility for a trade? Of course there is, but it doesn’t seem likely at this time. No big deal is ready to be had unless someone is willing to give the Rangers a mid to late round pick for Blais. Although, rival GM’s are probably expecting Blais to hit the waiver wire.

Blais, 26, has 5 assists in 38 games this season. He’s yet to register a goal with the Rangers in 52 contests spanning two seasons.

Should the Rangers place him on waivers and lose him, they will have absolutely nothing to show for the Pavel Buchnevich trade. Makes you wonder, if that will play a factor in this decision.

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Julien Gauthier was already ruled out with an upper-body with the team announcing he will be placed on injured reserve. A stint on the IR list means he’ll be out at least a minimum of seven days.

In response, the Blueshirts have called up Ryan Carpenter from the Hartford Wolf Pack. With Chris Kreider doubtful to play today and both Artemi Panarin and Vitali Kravtsov missing practice with the stomach flu, this move was necessary.

#NYR have recalled Ryan Carpenter from @WolfPackAHL. Julien Gauthier (upper body) was placed on IR.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 15, 2023

Julien Gauthier on IR, Rangers make call up

Gauthier was injured in the first period against the Stars after an accidental collision with Sammy Blais. The 25 year-old has 9 points in 32 matches this season.

Jake Leschyshyn, whom the Rangers claimed off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights will make his debut on Sunday versus the Habs.

“A huge opportunity to prove myself again,” Leschyshyn said on Saturday. “I’m just trying to bring some energy to this team. Be a good two-way center or winger, wherever they throw me and bring good compete to this team.”

Leschyshyn, 23, has no points in 22 games this season.

Carpenter, 31, registered just one goal and two assists in 21 games this season before clearing waivers and being sent down in early December. Over the summer, he signed a one year contract as an unrestricted free agent for league minimum ($750,000).

The rugged center played for head coach Gerard Gallant in Vegas for two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19). He had the best year of his career under Gallant by scoring 18 points in 68 games (2018-19) but struggled more often than not this year.

However, the veteran has done an excellent job since joining the Pack. In 15 games, Carpenter has 9 goals and 13 points. That’s good for 6th on the team in scoring, 6 points behind Turner Elson, who has played in 35 contests.

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In addition, Chris Kreider is considered doubtful as he’s also nursing an upper-body injury. Although he did skate before his teammates took the ice, which is a good sign.

The Rangers also reported that forwards Artemi Panarin and Vitali Kravtsov were not practicing. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren is also unavailable as all three players are dealing with a stomach bug revealed by Gerard Gallant after the comeback win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday.

“A lot of our guys weren’t feeling great but we pushed through it and found a way to get two huge points,” he revealed. “There’s been a bug going around group. I haven’t told you about it but there’s been.”

New York Rangers Gauthier out, Kreider doubtful

Kreider left Tuesday’s shootout win over the Minnesota Wild in the third period after a shoulder-to-shoulder hit by Marcus Foligno. The Rangers leading goal scorer, who is tied with Mika Zibanejad at 19, was seen favoring his left arm when he went to the locker room.

The 31 year-old has registered 30 points in 42 matches this season. He was replaced by Alexis Lafreniere on the first line for the remainder of the game, who is expected to remain there until Kreider returns.

Gauthier was injured in the first period against the Stars after an accidental collision with Sammy Blais. The 25 year-old has 9 points in 32 matches this season.

Jake Leschyshyn, whom the Rangers claimed off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights is expected to make his debut on Sunday versus the Habs.

“I’ve seen him one year maybe two (in Vegas),” Gallant noted. “Character kid. Works hard and competitive. He did real well in minors last year and had good numbers. He’s a role player that kills penalties and plays that defensive game.”

The 23 year-old center, was taken in the second-round by the Knights in 2017. This season he has no points with 38 hits, 8 blocks, and a -7 rating.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” Leschyshyn said on Thursday. “I guess it’s a second chance in the NHL to try and make a name for myself here in New York. I’m obviously disappointed having been put on waivers by Vegas, but I guess emotions change pretty quick when you get picked up by a team like New York.”

Update: Jake Leschyshyn is confirmed to play on Sunday

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The Blueshirts picked him up off waivers on Wednesday from the Vegas Golden Knights, and head coach Gerard Gallant is familiar with his game.

“I seen him one year maybe two (in Vegas),” Gallant noted. “Character kid. Works hard and competitive. He did real well in minors last year and had good numbers. He’s a role player that kills penalties and plays that defensive game.”

A second round pick of the Knights from 2017, he has no points with 38 hits, 8 blocks, and a -7 rating in 22 games this season.

Jake Leschyshyn may play for Rangers soon

The Blueshirts are dealing with two injuries as Chris Kreider and Julien Gauthier are considered day-to-day with an upper-body issues.

When asked if Leschyshyn will be playing soon, Gallant quickly responded in the affirmative on Thursday.

“Yes for sure, that’s the plan,” he said. “He’s a young kid at 23 year-old and I think he’s going to play center.”

That will likely shift Jonny Brodzinski to the wing or out of the lineup depending on the status of Kreider and/or Gauthier.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” Leschyshyn said on Thursday. “I guess it’s a second chance in the NHL to try and make a name for myself here in New York. I’m obviously disappointed having been put on waivers by Vegas, but I guess emotions change pretty quick when you get picked up by a team like New York.

I talked to Chris Drury quickly and he’s excited for me to work hard and bring some energy to this team.

Last season, Leschyshyn posted AHL career highs with 14 goals and 13 assists in 34 games. It’s a decent indicator that he can provide the occasional offensive punch as a fourth liner.

Another element he brings to the lineup is a willingness to drop the gloves when called upon. According to Hockey-Fights, he’s had four fighting majors since March 14, 2021 in AHL and NHL preseason action.

If Leschyshyn can impress, it could give the Rangers some flexibility to trade Sammy Blais and his $1.5M cap hit to anyone that will take him. That would be a nice cap savings of over $700K that can be accrued for rentals at the trade deadline.

Leschyshyn has two more seasons on his contract with a low cap hit of just $766,667 per CapFriendly.

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Early in the first period, Gauthier was sandwiched by former Ranger Ryan Reaves and Wild forward Brandon Duhaime leaving him in a heap on the ice. The Rangers announced his evening was over at the start of the second period with an upper-body injury. He played just 1:47 of total action.

New York took an even bigger blow when Chris Kreider had to leave the game in the third period. On the play, Marcus Foligno went shoulder-to-shoulder on Kreider as he was carrying the puck near the boards into the Wild zone. The Rangers leading goal scorer, who is tied with Mika Zibanejad at 19, was seen leaving the ice favoring his left arm.

After the game, head coach Gerard Gallant stated they have re-evaluations scheduled for this morning.

Chris Kreider and Julien Gauthier injured

Gauthier, 25, has registered six goals and nine points in 31 games since being an early season call-up from the Hartford Wolf Pack. The big and fast forward has been impressive playing a pivotal role on the Rangers fourth line.

Kreider, 31, has collected 30 points in 42 matches after a big 2021-22 campaign where he notched 52 goals. He was replaced by Alexis Lafreniere in the third period. If Kreider should miss any time, it will be interesting to see if Gallant gives the 2020 first overall pick and extended look on the top line.

Sammy Blais, who was scratched in favor of Jonny Brodzinski last night is the likely candidate to get back in the lineup should either or both players miss any time.

Regarding any call-ups from the Wolf Pack, Gustav Rydahl is most assuredly going to get the nod.

The 28 year-old forward has registered 4 goals and 9 points in 25 AHL games. He also has a +1 rating as Hartford’s coach Kris Knoblauch has applauded his overall game this season.

However, if the Rangers need to call up another forward, it would be great to see Will Cuylle get a look with the big club.

Cuylle, 20, was taken by the Blueshirts in the second round of the 2020 Draft. Listed at 6-3′ and 204 pounds the kid certainly has the size to play in the NHL. This season with the Pack, he’s recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 33 games of action.

A closer look at Cuylle’s power play goal pic.twitter.com/EEfNVDoaeO

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 11, 2023

The New York Rangers are scheduled to skate at the MSG Training Facility at 12:00 pm et today. An update on both Kreider and Gauthier should follow.

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Gauthier was a catalyst in the Rangers rally over the rival Islanders after being a healthy scratch for three games. He registered a goal and assisted on Barclay Goodrow’s tying tally in the final frame.

A measure of poetic justice was also served when Kaapo Kakko broke the tie with 2:47 remaining in the game scoring the eventual game-winner. Earlier in the contest, Kakko had an egregious turnover that led to a Mathew Barzal breakaway goal for a lead in the second period.

“Obviously that was my fault, and I think that happens for everyone,” Kakko said. “That’s the way you need to think after that. I think it was a good shift before that happened. It was nice to score a goal like that in the end, especially after a play like that.”

Julien Gauthier and Kaapo Kakko lead rally

Anders Lee put the Islanders on the board first at the 12:48 mark when a centering pass banked off defenseman Ryan Lindgren’s skate and behind Igor Shesterkin. The Blueshirts top netminder never has it easy against the Isles as he came into the match with a 1-7-1 career record.

Artemi Panarin would tie the game on the power play by one-timing a beautiful feed from Mika Zibanejad. It was the third penalty the Islanders took in the opening period.

IT'S A POWER PLAY GOALLLL!! TOO MUCH BREAD🥖

it's a tie game at 1 pic.twitter.com/ceLj55UkLM

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) December 23, 2022

The second period was a rough one for the Rangers as their quest to hit as many posts and crossbars in a single-season continued. Barzal gave the Isles a 2-1 lead just under three minutes in off a terrible turnover at the blue line by Kakko, who was dangerously playing with puck.

Gauthier would answer back a little over three minutes later as he took a gorgeous Goodrow flip all the way in on Ilya Sorokin for a goal.

“Sometimes it works better than others but I try to play every game the same way,” Gauthier smiled. “Everything was rolling tonight. It was fun to contribute to the win.”

Gaut to the net. pic.twitter.com/GUCctdQxO8

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 23, 2022

Again, the Islanders responded and took the lead again before the middle stanza was finished. This time it was defenseman Alexander Romanov with a seeing-eye shot behind a screened Shesterkin.

Then the Rescue Rangers of Gauthier and Kakko went to work in the final frame.

First, it was Gauthier throwing a shot on net that Goodrow tipped in to knot it all up exactly three minutes in.

21, CAN YOU DO SOMETHING FOR ME pic.twitter.com/4VGColY6DA

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 23, 2022

Both teams spent the next 14 minutes trying to break the deadlock and it would eventually happen after the Isles took their sixth penalty of the game.

Six seconds after the Isles killed off Scott Mayfield’s cross checking minor, K’Andre Miller found a streaking Kakko. Within a fraction of a second, he roofed it over Sorokin’s glove to complete the rally.

MILLER TO KAKKO.

A THING OF BEAUTY. pic.twitter.com/AA9Td7I7Oq

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 23, 2022

Vincent Trocheck would ice it with an empty net goal and salvage the last game of the Rangers season-series against the Islanders.

TROCHECK wrapped up this game nicely🎁 pic.twitter.com/yxGGhhIOuj

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) December 23, 2022

“Obviously in an important game like it was tonight, to give that goal up, it’s tough on a young player,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said, referring to Kakko. “But I saw [Chris] Kreider and Goodrow down there talking to him. You know, you’re going to make mistakes, but it’s nice that he finished it off the right way. It makes it a lot easier for him, for sure.”

NHL.com

Notable Rangers

• Igor Shesterkin picked up his second career win vs Isles
• Vincent Trocheck has 10 points in last 6 games
• Kaapo Kakko has 5 goals and 2 assists in last 8 games
• NYR went 9-2-1 heading into the break

Next Game: Tuesday, December 27 vs Washington Capitals (7:00 PM ET)

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