There is still fight in New York.
It’s been a whirlwind of a week for the Rangers, who had descended into a state of unrest amid a five-game losing streak that set off a siren throughout the organization.
Each loss seemed to hit like a gut punch until the Blueshirts finally struck back with a nail-biting 4-3 win over the Canadiens on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
There has been something intangible missing from this team since the start of the season.
In this much-needed win, however, the Rangers’ emotions seeped out.
New York Rangers Chris Kreider reacts on the ice after Artemi Panarin scores a goal in the first period at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA, Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The New York Rangers celebrate the game-winning goal by Kaapo Kakko #24 against the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2024.
They pushed. There was a sort of engagement on the ice we haven’t seen.
In terms of effort, no one could question the Rangers in this one – albeit against an inferior Canadiens team.
A feel-good win nearly slipped through their fingers, however, when the Rangers blew a two-goal lead in the third period.
Kaapo Kaako then capitalized on a fortunate four-minute power play for the final 2:40 of regulation.
Montreal, tied for the second least amount of points in the NHL, suffered the six-game losing streak the Rangers were specifically trying to avoid on Saturday. That much was apparent.
New York Rangers’ Jacob Trouba passes the puck as Montreal Canadiens Joel Armia tries to block in the second period at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA, Saturday, November 30, 2024.
New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) skates with the puck against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) during the second period at Madison Square Garden.
So the Rangers finally gripped their fists and put them up to defend what is currently a very salvageable season.
This all while equipped with a newly minted lineup, which reached full strength once again with the returns of Filip Chytil and Chris Kreider. Head coach Peter Laviolette put the kids in the driver’s seat and deployed them accordingly.
