November 16, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates goals against the Montreal Canadiens in the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers currently sit in third place in the Metro Division with a record of 13-4-3 for 29 points. Their winning percentage of .725 is number 4 in the NHL.
At the start of the season, Igor Shesterkin stole some matches as the group learned a new system under head coach Gerard Galant. There were also some new players on the team with roles still defined.
Still, the Rangers kept finding ways to win, and their record makes it clear that this team is genuine.
Rangers take it one game at a time
“We were not happy with our first 10 games (of the season) even though we had a good record,” Gallant said last week. “I think we’ve played better since then and it’s collapsing.”
Chris Kreider and Kevin Rooney scored two goals every Wednesday in the Rangers’ 4-1 win over Elmont, NY – just over the Nassau County line.
The Rangers followed up Friday afternoon by clearing a first period in Boston as they were beaten 17-3 by the Bruins before gathering to score three times in the third period for a 5-2 victory.
The resilient Rangers have been 7-1 since ending a four-game road trip with a 6-0 loss to the Calgary Flames on Nov. 6.
“I do not set expectations, but I’m really happy where we are,” Gallant said of his team’s record. “I take it one fight at a time.
Blueshirts have scored 30 goals in their eight games, and their 29 points through 20 games under coach Gerard Gallant is mostly for a first-year New York coach since Phil Esposito had 30 points in his first 20 games in 1986-87.
“I would say it’s a good feeling,” Rangers center Ryan Strome said. “But I also think it’s a group that is not satisfied. I think we’re starting to feel like a winning team. I think we’ve got a different feeling from our team. “
The New York Rangers continue to improve
Thanks to the team’s recent good run, the Rangers have turned the script on their goal difference now at +6.
They are currently in 14th place in the NHL with 2.95 goals for the game average and 9th in goals against with 2.70. In addition, they have begun to narrow the gap on their Shots For and Against (28.3 / 32.3).
Other key stats that Blueshirts climb up for every passing match is the powerplay that clicks at 20.3%, which is good for 12th place in the league. The penalty kill has had a bit of a hiccup with 80.7%, which is number 18 in the NHL.
Individually, Adam Fox leads all NHL defenders in scoring by 21 points in 20 games. Chris Kreider’s 15 goals are in third place overall, and his 9 powerplay goals are good for second place in the NHL.
Other stats include Ryan Reaves’ 75 hits, which are 4th best.
The bottom line is this New York Rangers team has a lot at stake and the excellent game is represented in their record. The best thing about it all is that there is still more room for improvement.
* All stats via NHL.com
NHL Rumors Roundup
Rumor has it that Jeff Gorton will be hired by the Canadiens, plus the Hurricanes, who are looking at top defender John Klingberg. All that and more to here.
– Field Level Media contributed to this report
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