The New York Rangers improved their record to 2-1 on the season with a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. Mika Zibanejad finally found the back of the net, igniting the Rangers’ offense and playing a key role in the team’s home victory.
Mika Zibanejad recorded his first points of the season
After being held scoreless in the Rangers’ first two games, Mika Zibanejad broke through in their third game with a standout three-point performance. He scored one goal and provided two assists, playing 17:10 over 21 shifts and finishing with a +2 rating. Zibanejad also led the team with five shots on goal, helping drive the Rangers’ offense to secure the win.
Igor Shesterkin is earning his mega-million contract
Speculation continues to swirl around the New York Rangers as they contemplate a new contract for star goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The Russian netminder is reportedly seeking to reset the goalie contract market, having already turned down lucrative offers from the team. Betting on himself, Shesterkin entered the season without a new deal, and so far, his gamble is paying off. He has been living up to his nickname “the Czar,” proving why he deserves a mega-million contract.
In Monday’s win over Detroit, Shesterkin faced 32 shots, stopping 31 of them for an impressive .969 save percentage. He thwarted eight power-play attempts and made a few spectacular, highlight-worthy saves. Shesterkin continues to be the backbone of the Rangers, and it’s only a matter of time before he, or another team, rewards him with the deal he’s seeking.
The Alexis Lafreniere breakout story continues
Former 2019 first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere faced plenty of criticism early in his career for not living up to the expectations of his draft status. However, he began to show signs of breaking out last season, and that progress has carried into the 2023-24 campaign. In the third game of the season, Lafreniere extended his point streak to three straight games, scoring a highlight-reel goal to continue his impressive start to the year.
There is no stopping the Bread Man
Artemi Panarin delivered a world-class performance last season, tallying a career-high 120 points and finishing fifth in Hart Trophy voting. The “Bread Man” has carried that elite form into this season, already amassing seven points in just three games—the most in the NHL. On Monday night, Panarin added three more points, all assists, showcasing his exceptional playmaking ability. Few, if any, can rival Panarin’s skill as a playmaker in the NHL right now.
Peter Laviolette is keeping Matt Rempe on the bench
Despite the Rangers’ strong win over the Red Wings, a notable question remains: where is Matt Rempe? The fan-favorite enforcer has seen minimal ice time so far this season. After being a healthy scratch in the opener, Rempe skated just seven shifts for 3:40 in the 6-5 overtime loss to Utah on Saturday, and he was scratched again on Monday. Although there seemed to be high expectations for Rempe entering the season, head coach Peter Laviolette has favored Adam Edstrom in the lineup instead. Fans are left wondering when Rempe will finally get his chance to prove himself on the ice.
Looking ahead to the Rangers’ next game against the Red Wings
The Rangers’ next game will be a rematch against the Detroit Red Wings, this time on the road in Detroit. Following their dominant 4–1 victory over the Red Wings on Monday night, the Blueshirts will look to replicate that success on Thursday. With momentum on their side, the Rangers will aim to secure another statement win and keep their strong start to the season rolling.
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