The Rangers were nine minutes and change away from securing an inspiring victory over the first-place Capitals. But leading 2-1 midway through the third period, the Rangers allowed Alex Ovechkin to tie the score with a power-play goal. Then with 53 seconds remaining in overtime, Tom Wilson finished off another Capitals comeback victory, beating Igor Shesterkin for his 28th goal of the season.

TOM WILSON AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN… OT GAME WINNER 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Lj8mtDxvyk

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 6, 2025

With the loss, the Rangers (31-26-5) again failed to win a third consecutive game after back-to-back shutout victories over the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders on Sunday and Monday. New York last won three games in a row Nov. 14-19.

The overtime loss, coupled with a 4-3 overtime win by the Ottawa Senators over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday, dropped the Rangers to ninth place in the conference. They are tied with the Senators in points (67) but have played one more game. The Rangers visit the Senators in their next game, Saturday afternoon at Canadian Tire Centre.

Shesterkin finished with 23 saves for the Rangers, including a beauty with his glove to rob Ovechkin on a wicked snap shot 2:02 into overtime. His counterpart, Charlie Lindgren of the Capitals, made 16 saves, including a one-on-one stop to rob Zac Jones point blank 54 seconds into OT.

Artemi Panarin and Sam Carrick scored for the Rangers, who have points in eight of their past 11 games (7-3-1).

Ovechkin moved within 10 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894, when he tied the game at 10:28 of the third period. It was also the 1,599th point of his illustrious career.

Pierre-Luc Dubois also scored for Washington, which is now 6-10-5 when trailing after two periods this season. Wilson, who relishes playing the role of heel at Madison Square Garden, added an assist for a two-point night.

The Rangers were swept in the season series against the Capitals (0-2-1).

Related: Rangers should chase down Devils ‘not just wild card,’ Marty Biron tells Forever Blueshirts

Washington Capitals 3 – New York Rangers 2 (OT)

Though the Rangers allowed a goal just 64 seconds into the game, they rebounded quickly and gave as good as they got in an evenly-played spirited game, where emotions ran high with a playoff-type feel.

Dubois opened the scoring, giving the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 1:04 of the first period, when he whipped a pass from Wilson past Shesterkin for his 16th goal of the season. The goal came after a face-off to Shesterkin’s right and and good work by Wilson down low.

Washington nearly coughed up the lead at 8:30 following a turnover in its own end. But Lindgren took Vincent Trocheck’s wide-open look in the midsection and then lunged to his right to make a toe save on Panarin’s rebound attempt.

Two minutes later it was Shesterkin’s time to shine. No one picked up Lars Eller flying down the center, accepting a pass and driving to the net, but the Rangers goalie stretched to his left for the pad save.

Panarin’s deflection of a pretty feed into the middle by Jones tied the game 1-1 at 13:37. It was Panarin’s team-high 26th goal and extended his goal-scoring streak to three games.

Artemi Panarin steers Zac Jones' shot in to tie the game! pic.twitter.com/BxVF9iwA8o

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 6, 2025

Shortly before picking up the secondary assist on Panarin’s goal, Alexis Lafreniere leveled Washington’s Nic Dowd with a reverse check, one of his three hits in the first period and one of 16 credited to the Rangers in the first 20 minutes.

The Rangers added 12 more hits in the second period, one that saw an uptick in physical and chippy play on both sides and featured a pair of fights. Plus the Rangers scored the only goal in the second period to take a 2-1 lead.

Carrick scored the go-ahead goal at 8:05, though it came with a hint of mild controversy. On a Rangers zone entry, Carrick collided with Connor McMichael in the neutral zone, knocking the Washington forward down, creating a 5-on-4 for a bit in the offensive zone. Carrick could’ve been called for interference, but instead scored seconds later.

K’Andre Miller made an excellent keep at the left point on a Capitals clearing attempt. The Rangers defenseman then made a heads-up pass into the slot to Carrick, who skated around Matt Rempe in front before sending a backhand shot just out of the reach of Lindgren. It was Carrick’s sixth goal of the season, which extended his point streak to three games.

K'Andre Miller keeps the puck in the zone and Sam Carrick buries the backhand 💪 pic.twitter.com/GtX5F00SBC

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 6, 2025

That 2-1 lead carried to the second intermission after Shesterkin made one really sharp save against Rasmus Sandin, and Lindgren had a pair of beauties on open looks for Panarin and Trocheck. That latter chance came on a rare power-play scoring chance; the Rangers were 0-for-4 on the power play, including a failed four-minute advantage late in the first period following a double minor high-sticking penalty when Brett Berard was clipped by Ethen Frank.

Carrick and Brandon Duhaime squared off for a fight at 12:54 of the second period, one that was more wrestling match than boxing. Then at 14:58, Juuso Parssinen got into a scrap with Matt Roy, and after missing with a pair of wild swings, the recently-acquired Rangers center was sent to the ice by the Capitals defenseman.

That second fight broke out when Roy roughed Brennan Othmann — who had five hits through two periods in limited ice time — from behind by the boards. Roy received an extra minor penalty, but the Capitals killed that one off, too.

Juuso Parssinen drops the gloves with Matt Roy after Brennan Othmann took a big hit pic.twitter.com/TkhR2vOkFO

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 6, 2025

The Rangers had to like their start to a low-event third period. But with Jones in the penalty box serving a hooking minor, the Capitals tied the game 2-2 when Ovechkin buried a power-play goal from in tight at 10:28. It was his 32nd goal in 46 games played this season, and fourth in three games against the Rangers.

ALEX OVECHKIN DOES IT AGAIN!

HE'S NOW JUST 10 GOALS AWAY FROM BREAKING GRETZKY'S GOAL-SCORING RECORD ‼️ 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ecMdmMvc1Q

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 6, 2025

To make matters worse for the home team, Will Borgen was assessed a hooking penalty as Ovechkin was shooting the puck into the net, and Washington went right back to the power play. Shesterkin had to make a sharp glove save on Ovechkin’s patented one-timer from the left circle at 12:10 but the Rangers killed off the rest of the penalty.

Playing with extra jump after tying the game, the Capitals nearly took the lead at 14:51, but a left-wing shot by Taylor Raddysh off a 2-on-1 rush kissed the near post.

There were five shots combined in overtime, with, first Jones then Ovechkin, getting Grade-A looks. But Washington scored on its third shot of the extra session, after Dylan Strome carried the puck in on a 2-on-1, slowed to let a diving Braden Schneider slide by, before zipping a pass to Wilson, who chipped it past Shesterkin.

This was New York’s fifth loss (22-2-3) when leading after two periods, dropping the Rangers to 2-5 in OT this season.

They’ll have two days to sit on this one — including the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday — before playing that crucial games in Ottawa on Saturday and then an equally as important home game Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who hold the top wild card in the East.

All in all, the Rangers had themselves a good 3-2 win against the slumping Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. But as detailed in our three takeaways from the game, there’s concern over defenseman K’Andre Miller, who didn’t play at all in the third period with an upper-body injury.

The Rangers don’t practice Thursday, so the next Miller update may not come until Friday. Including Jacob Trouba, who was traded last week to the Anaheim Ducks, that’s two defensemen who play 20+ minutes a night no longer in the Rangers lineup, if, indeed, Miller misses some time. Keep in mind that newcomer Urho Vaakanainen is on IR.

Icing a defense corps that features, say, two of Victor Mancini, Matthew Robertson, Connor Mackey, Ben Harpur and/or Brandon Scanlin is a concern, and would put greater pressure on Zac Jones to take on a larger role.

That said, let’s wait for the Miller update before true panic sets in.

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New York Rangers news

Rangers prospect Noah Laba — photo courtesy Alan Selavka

Mika Zibanejad scored his 300th NHL goal in the win Wednesday. Prior to the game we posted a story quoting Hall of Fame reporter Larry Brooks from an appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, stating that Zibanejad ‘spirals’ when criticized.

Alan Selavka traveled to Rhode Island to file a first-hand take on Rangers center prospect Noah Laba, who was playing that night for Colorado College against Providence.

Our Hartford Wolf Pack weekly focused in part on Rangers forward prospect Dylan Roobroeck, who’s finding consistency during his rookie pro season, and an improving power play.

NHL news

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson will be forced to wear a fishbowl face shield for several weeks after he was hit in the face by a slap shot off the stick of teammate Jakob Chychrun in a game Saturday. Wilson explained Wednesday that the shot broke bones in his sinus cavity.

More on the Capitals, who remain atop the Metropolitan Division with 40 points. Alex Ovechkin was joined on the ice by long-time running mate Nicklas Backstrom in a workout Wednesday. Ovechkin is working his way back from a broken leg. Backstrom is on indefinite leave after hip resurfacing surgery and is not expected to play again in the NHL. But it was good to those two back together, even for just one day.

J.T. Miller was back on the ice for his first full practice with the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, after the former Rangers forward took a leave of absence for personal reasons last month. Coach Rick Rocchet said “it’s a possibility” that Miller could play against the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

It was a rough night for Trouba on Wednesday. In his second game with the Ducks, the former Rangers captain was on ice for the first four goals scored by the Ottawa Senators in a 5-1 Ducks loss. Two of the goals against were even strength and two were on the power play; and Trouba was on ice for Anaheim’s only goal late in the third period.

Watch Drake Batherson score a natural hat trick for the Senators in their win against Trouba and Co.

During the first intermission, Valiquette called the Rangers nemesis an “idiot” when discussing a roughing penalty Wilson was assessed in the final seconds of the first period.

“The thing about him, right, he’s an idiot,” the former Rangers goalie and current television analyst said.

Vally on Wilson: "The thing about him is right, he's an idiot" 😂 Vally's the best ❤️ #NYR pic.twitter.com/mTycxsX85O

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 29, 2024

Wilson was penalized after he grabbed Adam Fox when the Rangers defenseman was on his way to celebrate Vincent Trocheck’s power-play goal at 19:45 of the first period with his teammates behind the Capitals net. The rugged forward roughed up Fox, who lost his helmet in the scrum before Chris Kreider came to his defense.

Related: Rangers captain admits he’d hate to play against Matte Rempe

Tom Wilson adds to long history as Rangers nemesis

Why Wilson was so angry at Fox is up for debate. It could be that he believed Fox embellished a tripping penalty against Washington defenseman Nick Jensen, which was a knee-on-knee hit.

Fox stayed down on the ice and appeared to be in signifcent pain. He was able to get up on his own, skate around and wanted to stay on the ice for the start of the power play. However, he was ushered to the Rangers bench.

Adam Fox and Nick Jensen collide knee-on-knee#NYR | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/8EMMGVnr2G

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 29, 2024

Fox ended up back on the ice and started the passing sequence that ended up with Trocheck’s goal that gave New York a 2-1 lead.

The Capitals killed off Wilson’s minor penalty that carried into the second period.

On air, Valiquette further explained his “idiot” comment, after admitting “you like to have those guys on your team.”

“You know the way he’s going to behave, it’s not the way he should behave,” Valiquette explained. “You don’t grab a guy, Fox, when he’s going on his way to celebrate with his teammates, you wait for the next scrum to get in there and mix it up.”

Tom Wilson grabbed Adam Fox after the Trocheck goal and was penalized accordingly#NYR | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/3HKNFIRLgl

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 29, 2024

Valiquette also referenced the infamous 2021 incident when Wilson “ragdolled” Rangers star Artemi Panarin during a wild brawl at Madison Square Garden. Since then, Wilson has been among the most hated opponents at MSG.

This incident, though less severe, won’t endear him to the Rangers — nor their broadcasters, obviously.

But the most important hit of the game wasn’t delivered by one of the more likely candidates on the ice, like Matt Rempe of New York nor Tom Wilson of Washington.

Instead it was Alexis Lafreniere who delivered a massive hit early in the second period that created a turnover which led directly to a goal scored by Artemi Panarin. And in the process, Lafreniere knocked one of Washington’s defensemen out of the game, further depleting its ravaged defense corps.

For the Rangers, it couldn’t have been more of a win-win scenario. For the Capitals, it just deepened their frustration of what turned out to be a 4-1 series-opening loss.

“It was borderline,” Capitals coach Spender Carbery said about the game-changing Lafreniere hit.

But even the Capitals coach wouldn’t commit to anything more than that since Lafreniere delivered a clean, punishing check. Simply, a really good hockey play.

Related: Rangers Recall: Depth, defense, 5-on-5 scoring in Game 1 win

Alexis Lafreniere delivers game-changing hit in Ranghers’ Game 1 win vs. Capitals

The play in question occurred on the first shift after Rempe’s goal gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead 4:17 into the first period. Capitals defenseman Vincent Iorio had the puck in his own end and was looking down when Lafreniere crushed him with a shoulder-to-shoulder check.

Lafreniere not only separated Iorio from the puck, the Rangers winger quickly took it away and passed back to Vincent Trocheck, who, in turn, swung a pass to Panarin on the right wing. Wide-open, Panarin had time to pick his spot and sniped a shot far side past the glove of Washington goalie Charlie Lindgren at 4:50.

Come for the Breadman goal.
Stay to hear @TheGarden ERUPT. pic.twitter.com/gV7aco3eES

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 21, 2024

In an eyeblink, a scoreless game was now 2-0 Rangers. Jimmy Vesey scored 1:33 later and the entire scope of Game 1 changed with the Rangers up 3-0 against an offensively-challenged opponent and The Garden absolutely rocking.

“That was a big goal (by Rempe) to put energy in the building, maybe because it was him, too, it put a little more extra juice in the building,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette explained. “Then to get another one right after that, that was a turning point in the game.”

And that turning point was started by Lafreniere’s huge hit, one of five he was credited with Sunday tying him with Jacob Trouba for the team lead.

Carbery said Iorio put “himself in a bad spot.”

“(Iorio) really needs to move the puck quicker there just to get it out of his hands, and then he hangs onto it and (Lafreniere) wallops him,” Carbery explained.

Iorio left the ice holding his shoulder and didn’t return. He’s being reevaluated Monday. The Capitals are already without veteran defensemen Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen, neither of whom played in Game 1 because of an upper-body injury.

The Capitals are expected to be the more physical team in this series, but the Rangers, and specifically Lafreniere, had something to say about that in Game 1. Braden Schneider showed some grit late, getting into it with Wilson after the Capitals forward had barged into Igor Shesterklin’s crease. And rookie Will Cuylle drew the ire of Washington defensemen Trevor van Riemsdyk with his aggressive play at the end of the second period, as well.

Dylan McIlrath, Tom Wilson & Braden Schneider with misconduct penalties#Capitals 1 #NYR 4 3rd pic.twitter.com/UYe1gf8uZN

— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) April 21, 2024

“It’s the playoffs, it’s competitive out there,” Laviolette said. “They’re gonna be physical and we’re going to try and do the same. There’s going to be emotion between the two teams. I didn’t think anything was really out of line with that.”

Wilson was relatively quiet. The Rangers nemesis was credited with two hits in 20:26 worth of ice time before he and Schneider received 10-minute miscounducts with one minute remaining in the game.

“You’re expected to finish your checks this time of year,” Wilson said. “I think we could do a little bit more of that. I think the first period teams are feeling each other out a little bit. That being said, it’s playoff time. Guys are expected to get hit. You’re expecting guys to give hits.” 

And the biggest hit of Game 1 was delivered by Alexis Lafreniere.

Though feared throughout the League for playing on the edge and often crossing the line into dirty play, Wilson may be most hated by the Rangers and their fans. The Rangers have long memories that stretch back to 2021 when Wilson cross-checked Pavel Buchnevich and then ragdolled Artemi Panarin, injuring the star forward who’s not known at all to be a physical player nor fighter.

The Rangers were so furious with Wilson’s actions and the fact that he wasn’t suspended, that they ended up being fined $250,000 by the NHL for a statement denouncing the League and its Department of Player Safety.

But Rempe took the high road when speaking about Wilson on Thursday after Rangers practice.

“I like the way he plays, plays hard,” Rempe told Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “Very skilled player, as well. It’s a guy who does a lot of different things. Obviously, I’ve got a lot of respect for the guy.”

It is true that the polarizing Wilson is some ways a unique player. The feisty forward has been suspended six times since 2017, including a six-game ban in March for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor in the face.

Wilson has also scored 20 or more goals three times in the NHL and was fourth on the Capitals this season with 18.

“I think he’s … a hell of a player,” Rempe said.

Related: Rangers vs. Capitals schedule, results, TV info for 1st-round series

Matt Rempe shares respect for Tom Wilson ahead of Rangers playoff series against Capitals

Rempe is striving to be a similarly effective player as Wilson, minus the dirty play. The 6-foot-8 forward’s goal is to be a regular in the lineup, not only because he’s an intimidating player, but because he can be a trusted two-way player.

The 21-year-old stated Thursday that he’s been enjoying Wilson for years, even as a kid.

“When I was younger, i think there’s this montage of him on YouTube just blowing guys up,” Rempe explained. “I used to watch that sometimes when I was younger, it got me fired up.”

So, there’ll be respect if Rempe is in the lineup against Wilson in the first-round series. Though it can be expected that Rempe won’t be in awe nor will he back down against Wilson. It shapes up to be a wildly intriguing sublot to the series, especially because Washington is expected to play a heavy, physical game, trying to wear down New York.

“I don’t think it’s been an issue for us. i think we have guys that can play a physical game,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. “I don’t think we’ve been in games where we’ve been bullied or intimidated.”

Rempe’s presence in the lineup certainly provides an extra layer of piece of mind for the Rangers. He finished third on the Rangers with 71 penalty minutes, despite playing in only 17 games. He also was kicked out of three games and was suspended four games for elbowing Jonas Siegenthaler of the New Jersey Devils

Whether Rempe is in the lineup for Game 1 is not known. Laviolette said he won’t divulge any lineup decisions throughout the playoffs.

Rempe took a regular turn on the fourth line with Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey at practice Thursday. The odd forwards out appear to be Jonny Brodzinski and Filip Chytil, who practiced again but hasn’t played since early November because of an upper-body injury believed to be a concussion.

The New York Rangers said they moved on from the Tom Wilson incident that saw their best player Artemi Panarin tossed around the ice like a dog’s chew toy. They’ve held firm to that stance since the first game of the season, which was a 5-1 drubbing against Wilson and the Capitals.

“It’s not going to overtake the team,” Gerard Gallant said about Wilson before that game. “You knew whoever was going to be with the Rangers this year was going to change the complexion of the team a little bit, there was no doubt. Fortunately for me, I got the opportunity to be the coach and we’re going to change it a little bit, the way the team is going to play and respond to issues like that. I don’t think they’re going to happen anymore.”

Rangers not thinking about Tom Wilson

As the two teams square off in a pivotal four-point contest that could see the Rangers either up by six or just two depending on the outcome, they’re rightfully not concerning themselves with Wilson.

Albeit, his 15 goals and 34 points in 48 games this season is something they need to be aware of, the Rangers won’t waste a second thought on if he’ll run someone.

“We never talked about it once,” Gallant said on Wednesday. “I really think there’s nothing. It’s just another game against a team that’s a rival, a division opponent that’s a few points behind us and that’s what’s important.”

Chris Kreider, who was seen having a laugh with Wilson during the All-Star Break was asked about that by the press. He quickly responded that he was being a professional and that players can be friendly off the ice and away from the game.

“The minute the puck’s dropped, the only friends out there are the guys wearing the same jersey as you,” Kreider explained. “I think that’s what being a pro is all about. It’s being able to respect one another and converse with one another away from the ice but obviously doing your job and battling incredibly hard and being competitive when you’re playing that game.”

Ryan Reaves is a big reason why the team isn’t concerned

The Rangers certainly are not the same team as was constituted with Wilson went wild and took those liberties. Players like Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves have certainly changed that dynamic.

Reaves in particular has done an amazing job keeping the opposition in check. The rugged forward is listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. He also has 72 fighting majors to his credit and is just the type of player the Rangers lacked in the May 3rd game that saw Wilson punch a prone Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the head before rag dolling Artemi Panarin.

“I’m not here because of Tom Wilson,” Reaves said during training camp in September. “I’m here because of what players like Tom Wilson brings to his team.”

Tonight, the two teams will square off again with hockey first on the mind. The Rangers will still need to be leary of Tom Wilson, especially on the scoresheet. However, if the score is lopsided in the Blueshirts favor they’ll need to keep their head on a swivel whenever Wilson is out there.

Having Reaves too patrol the ice certainly provides some comfort, but they’ll need to beware of Wilson nonetheless.

NHL Rumors

The Latest Rumors have the Flames saying Johnny Gaudreau’s contract is a “done deal”, plus the Predators are now shopping Filip Forsberg. Read More.

As they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, we look back on one of the most interesting years in recent memory. Alexis Lafrenière’s debut was an easy choice to kick us off, but no story had bigger implications to the franchise than the Tom Wilson incident.

Let’s review 2021.

5. Alexis Lafrenière debuts with Rangers (January 2021)

On January 14, 2021, Alexis Lafrenière made his long awaited debut for the New York Rangers at home against the rival Islanders. The first ever real #1 overall pick in franchise history did not record a point but played 13:21.

“First NHL game is something I’ve been dreaming for a long time,” Lafreniere said at the time. “It’s going to be a really special moment for sure.”

Lafrenière registered his first ever NHL point on an OT goal against the Buffalo Sabres on January 28.

The 20 year-old has recorded 29 points in his young career spanning just 87 games.

4. Artemi Panarin deals with political hit job (February 2021)

Panarin is unquestionably the Rangers best player and was having a great start to the 2020-21 campaign before a political hit job derailed his season in February.

An outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin, he found himself in the crosshairs of his former KHL coach Andrei Nazarov claiming Panarin assaulted a girl and it was covered up. Nazarov, a Putin loyalist had a reputation for outlandish remarks prior to this.

The unfounded allegations were quickly refuted by former teammates, but Panarin needed a two-week leave of absence to deal with the safety of his family in Russia.

3. Tom Wilson Incident (May 2021)

The Tom Wilson Incident as it is now known began when the Blueshirts crashed the Caps net during a power play. Pavel Buchnevich was in the middle of the action, face-down on the ice when Wilson blatantly punched him in the back of the head. The Rangers responded as best they could to defend him led by Artemi Panarin.

Wilson started punching Panarin and dislodged his helmet to the ice. The Caps’ enforcer then pulled his hair and slammed him to the ice. As Panarin tried to get up, he slammed him back down causing a cut over his eye.

Wilson received a double minor and a ten-minute misconduct. Panarin was out for the rest of the season.

The ultimate insult came when the NHL DoPS slapped only a $5,000 fine to Wilson for just the sucker-punch to Buchnevich. What came next was a statement by the Rangers calling George Parros unfit to lead DoPS. This prompted the league to fine the Rangers $100,000 for the disparaging remarks.

Owner James Dolan stepped in and cleaned house one day after the Wilson incident.

“No, I didn’t know it was going to turn into that, it surprised me,” GM Jeff Gorton said. “Obviously, I lost my job – it probably has to be more than that. I don’t know but it has to be more than that – it can’t be just one thing.”

This is without a doubt the biggest story of 2021! The ramifications have been felt ever since.

2. Davidson, Gorton, and Quinn fired; Drury promoted (May 2021)…

On May 5th, President John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton were fired. Upon the official announcement, Dolan said that the team needed a “change in leadership.” He then promoted assistant general manager Chris Drury to the role of President and GM after speaking with his advisor, Glen Sather.

“What I’m talking about is not just something that happens in the locker room,” Dolan said. “It’s an entire organization that has to be together as a team. It’s everybody from the president, the general manager, the coach, the players, the assistant coaches, the trainers. … Everybody has to be together as a team, because everyone makes a contribution. Our organization doesn’t have that.”

NY Post

On May 12, the Rangers relieved David Quinn and his entire coaching staff of their duties.

and Gallant hired (June 2021)

On June 16, the New York Rangers made the hiring of Gerard Gallant official.

“I would like to welcome Gerard to the New York Rangers,” owner James Dolan said in the team’s press release. “Gerard’s proven track record has made him one of the league’s most sought-after coaches, and we are fortunate to have him as part of the team. I have no doubt that he will play a critical role in helping us take the next steps to building a championship-caliber team.”

The move so far appears to be an excellent choice. This season, the Rangers are 19-8-4 for 42 points which is good for third in the Metro Division and just 3 points behind the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes for first.

1. Adam Fox wins Norris Trophy (September 2021)

Adam Fox won the Norris Trophy beating out the Lightning’s Victor Hedman and Avalanche’s Cale Makar.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted their ballots for the Norris Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, and Fox rightfully won the award which was presented by former Rangers great, Brian Leetch.

“It’s definitely special to have my friends and family come see me play,” Fox said as he accepted the honor. “It’s definitely a privilege to play for the Rangers have you present me the award.”

Fox was rewarded for his Norris win by the Rangers with a massive new contract on November 1. The team announced AN extension worth $9.5 million annually against the cap for the next seven years.

Editor’s Note: I just wanted to thank you all for the support you gave Forever Blueshirts in 2021. Every article read means the world to us! Happy New Year to you and yours!

NHL Trade Rumors

The Habs are likely to move Toffoli at the deadline. NY Rangers cap crunch and rescheduling updates. Read more.

Fans will be watching for a fight on opening night. But, the Wilson incident happened last season. The Rangers can’t let it negatively impact them now.

“The team is beyond that, that’s behind us,” Gerard Gallant said before leaving for DC. “We’re not planning on going over there and saying ‘if you get a chance to run over Tom Wilson – run him over’, that’s not our objective. Our objective is to win the hockey game.”

Tom Wilson incident served as a wake up call

Some good came out of Wilson’s antics. The Rangers started to learn what it meant to stand up for each other. It also sparked offseason moves to increase toughness. The additions of Ryan Reaves, Sammy Blais, and Barclay Goodrow will all help in that area.

Ryan Reaves seems eager to get going with the Rangers. He understands his role as an enforcer and knows exactly what happened with Tom Wilson last season. If he plays, he will be ready to go if there should be a problem on opening night, as many fans seem to believe there will be. While it’s helpful to know that Reaves will willingly put himself in this position, he and the Rangers need to be smart.

“I’m not here because of Tom Wilson. I’m here because of what players like Tom Wilson brings to his team, and Cal Clutterbuck and (Matt) Martin bring to their team,” Reaves declared in camp. “It doesn’t matter what the player is, what team it is, whether we’re out east or out west. I’m holding everybody accountable. It doesn’t matter what happened last year. It matters what happens this season and everyone is going to be held accountable when they go up against our team.”

There is no sense in fighting Wilson on opening night

Though the Wilson situation occurred late last season, the Rangers need to put it behind them like Gallant stated. These players are professionals. If they haven’t already decided that what happened last year can have no baring on this year, they need to immediately. Holding a grudge against Wilson will only create a distraction. The focus needs to be on hockey.

If the Rangers want to start something with Wilson early in the game on Wednesday night just to get it over with, that might be acceptable. This remodeled Rangers team may want to send a message so teams don’t take advantage of them this season. But at the same time, once Wilson and the Capitals retaliate, the Rangers will be looking at a feud that could’ve been avoided. Rivalries are fun until they take away from the actual hockey. That’s the danger here. The best thing for the Rangers to do is to leave the situation alone and not start anything.

From a strategic standpoint, starting an incident through a fight or dirty hit doesn’t make sense. This would only result in a penalty. Penalties based on something that happened last season are a sign of an immature team. With the rebuild over and sights set on the playoffs, that is not how the Rangers want to look.

“We’re going to go play the game tomorrow night, if stuff happens – stuff happens,” Gallant said. “We’re a more physical team, we want people to worry about us.”

The goal is to make the playoffs this season

As has been repeated by players and management, the main goal this season is to make the playoffs. For this to happen, the Rangers have to stay focused. That has to start on day one. Wilson presents a potential distraction. But the Rangers have the power to not allow that possibility to become a reality.

Chris Kreider demonstrated leadership and physicality against the Devils last week which is huge for the Rangers. This, among other factors, is a great reason to name him captain. However, the Rangers will not be naming a captain at this time. Captain or not, Kreider can use his leadership to keep this team on track. It’s true that they have new elements of physicality, but they also have skill. They need to be smart about using physicality to improve play and stand up for each other. It cannot be used recklessly if they’re looking to make the playoffs. Disciplined teams have success.

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What can the Rangers get for Kravtsov? Read that and more here.

Tom Wilson’s comment proves last year’s Rangers were missing something

Obviously, the Tom Wilson ordeal confirmed what had been suspected about the Rangers all season: that they were too soft. The incident made it clear that the players didn’t have defined roles, something Chris Drury is working to remedy. Per Washington Hockey Now, Wilson said “It shouldn’t be a guy like Panarin jumping on my back… That whole situation — I won’t speak to it too much — but he shouldn’t feel like he ever should have to do that. So there are things in the game of hockey where teammates stand up for each other and stuff.”

Possibly the most concerning part about this comment is that Wilson is right. Artemi Panarin shouldn’t be the guy to jump into that kind of situation. Panarin is easily the Rangers’ most valuable offensive player. He needs to be protected. He wanted to stand up for Pavel Buchnevich and therefore went after Tom Wilson, but it doesn’t make sense from a strategic standpoint. Your top player risking their safety is never something you want, and in Panarin’s case it had consequences. He was out for the remainder of the season with an injury sustained during the scrum.

Panarin put himself in that position when others didn’t. Not only is this an indication that the Rangers were lacking a real enforcer, but also that it was unclear who should assume such a role should an event like this occur. Wilson’s statement just illustrates that the league was aware of this vulnerability and that it truly does matter even in this era of NHL hockey.

Rangers offseason additions and remodeled lineup will be put to the test

The most notable offseason addition is Ryan Reaves. He understands his role as an enforcer and takes it seriously.

“I’m not here because of Tom Wilson. I’m here because of what players like Tom Wilson brings to his team, and Cal Clutterbuck and (Matt) Martin bring to their team,” Reaves declared. “It doesn’t matter what the player is, what team it is, whether we’re out east or out west. I’m holding everybody accountable. It doesn’t matter what happened last year. It matters what happens this season and everyone is going to be held accountable when they go up against our team.”

The 6′ 2″, 225 lbs winger should be instrumental in turning the fourth line into more of an identity or checking line that makes other teams so successful. If he can stay in the lineup consistently, he will make a measurable difference. But one player is not enough to solve the grit shortage.

The Rangers also acquired Sammy Blais from St. Louis in exchange for Buchnevich. Blais plays fourth line minutes and in the last two seasons, has become very physical. In 2019-20, he recorded 155 hits through 40 games and in 2020-21, he recorded 103 hits through 36 games. He has the size for this kind of play at 6′ 2″ 205lbs. He does seem to be fairly injury prone. But if he can stay healthy, he will be effective on the fourth line with Reaves on the other side and either Kevin Rooney or Morgan Barron at center.

With these moves along with the general message and understanding that the team must be more physical and willing to fight, the Rangers will be tested. They will have to prove to the league that they can no longer be taken advantage of. The Rangers are going into this season with more defined roles than they did last season, especially in this department. So now players like Panarin can be smarter about physical situations and let others handle them. The team is better prepared heading into this season.

Note: All stats came from hockeyreference.com

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We can all agree that the soap opera that has become the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel would rival some of the great TV classics. Slap an old soap title and it seems to fit. The Young and the Restless, or how about As the World Turns? Try on General Hospital for size, or One Life to Live. These titles seem to apply in one way or another.

One NHL Insider has an idea to help end this. Read more.

“There’s something with that team that probably had nothing to do with me, and it might have been the perfect storm. It all came to a tee at the right moment, and it was probably boiling over to begin with,” Wilson said per Sammi Silber of WHN. “And people like to jump on the part of whatever people are saying.”

Of course, the Caps forward is referencing the melee that occurred at Madison Square Garden HE started by sucker-punching Pavel Buchnevich.

Wilson says Panarin shouldn’t have been in that situation

Artemi Panarin jumped into action by grabbing Wilson from behind. The 6-4,220 lbs beast was seeing red at the time and rag-dolled the Rangers’ 5-11′, 170 lbs skilled forward to the ice.

“It shouldn’t be a guy like Panarin jumping on my back,” Wilson explained. “That whole situation — I won’t speak to it too much — but he shouldn’t feel like he ever should have to do that. So there are things in the game of hockey where teammates stand up for each other and stuff.”

After the incident, it was revealed that Wilson and Alex Ovechkin called Panarin to see if he was doing okay. “I think [Panarin] is a player that’s great for the game,” he said after the incident. “He’s a great personality. He’s a heck of a player, and I like battling against him. I just wanted to send him a text and check in.”

Jeff Gorton was shocked to lose his job over the incident

Podcast hosts Andy Strickland and former NHL tough guy, Cam Janssen wanted to know just what happened with the Tom Wilson incident.

“No, I didn’t know it was going to turn into that, it surprised me,” former GM Jeff Gorton answered. “Obviously, I lost my job – it probably has to be more than that. I don’t know but it has to be more than that – it can’t be just one thing.”

“You can’t tell me JD who loves toughness didn’t know we weren’t tough,” Gorton revealed. “All the meetings we had with David Quinn talking about getting tougher over time, we also needed some of these young guys who were playing for us to have to deal with adversity – see how they did with it too.”

“Obviously it didn’t go well, and Wilson should’ve been suspended,” he said. “I didn’t think that night was going to be what it turned into – that people were going to lose their jobs.”

Rangers said they won’t be concerned with payback on Wilson

The Rangers brought in a lot more size and toughness to the roster this offseason. Barclay Goodrow, Sammy Blais, Jarred Tinordi, and Patrik Nemeth will all bring those elements. However, it is Reaves that once called himself “the solution to your Tom Wilson problem” that has everyone focused on what payback is coming for the Capitals forward.

“It’s not going to overtake the team,” Gerard Gallant wanted to make clear. “We’ll address that before the first game of the year, I’m sure, but the bottom line is that when we brought these players in over the summer we wanted to make our team tougher to play against. You knew whoever was going to be with the Rangers this year was going to change the complexion of the team a little bit, there was no doubt.”

Ultimately, Wilson sees the Rangers as a playoff caliber team and feels the moves make the Rangers better to compete in the Metropolitan Division.

“Maybe it does a little bit have to do with the toughness of the division, but I wouldn’t credit that to me,” Wilson said. “I think those new guys in there are trying to make that team better, they’re trying to contend to make the playoffs.”

The Rangers and Capitals open up the season against each other in Washington. If I were a betting man, Wilson and Reaves are dropping the gloves.

Whoa! Sabres strip Jack Eichel of captaincy

The Sabres announced that Eichel failed his medical test and has had the C removed. Read more.