The New York Rangers have had an impressive month of February, earning a 10-1 record and climbing to first place overall in the standings. The team’s success can largely be attributed to the exceptional performance of their goaltender, Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin went 7-0 in February with a 1.72 goals against average and a .953 save percentage.
Shesterkin’s saves have been crucial for the Rangers, as they have had to fight hard for every victory. In their recent game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Rangers had to hold onto a one-goal lead late in the match before securing a 4-1 win with two empty-net goals. Shesterkin faced 10 high-danger chances in the game but only allowed one goal. However, he admitted that he needs to work on his stickhandling skills.
As the trade deadline approaches, Rangers’ General Manager Chris Drury will have two more games to assess the team’s personnel and determine any necessary moves. The team’s success so far in the regular season is an accomplishment, but the players remain focused on continuing to improve their game and striving for greater success in the playoffs.
During the game against the Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks’ General Manager Pat Verbeek was in attendance, leading to speculation about potential trade targets for the Rangers. The team has shown interest in Ducks’ players Frank Vatrano and Adam Henrique, but it is unclear who Verbeek was scouting. There is a possibility that the Rangers could be considering a trade involving young forward Kaapo Kakko, but there is no concrete evidence to support this idea.
In terms of player lineups, Kakko was moved up to skate with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, while Jimmy Vesey took his place on the third line. This decision has raised questions about the team’s intentions, especially with the trade deadline approaching. The Rangers have been heavily reliant on their top players this season, and removing Kakko from the third line leaves that unit without a clear identity.
Despite these uncertainties, the Rangers have reason to be optimistic. With 22 games left in the regular season, they are tied for first overall and hold a seven-point lead in their division. Their success has exceeded expectations, and now the team’s expectations are elevated as they aim for even greater achievements. As the trade deadline looms, fans and analysts eagerly await any potential moves that could further bolster the team’s chances in the playoffs.
