There was never a more “it’s over” to “we’re so back” game for the New York Rangers than last night against the Montreal Canadians at MSG. The Rangers finally got their first win in the centennial jerseys, they mounted a comeback, and JT Miller got the tying and game winning goals. After the complete no show in Chicago, last night was about the best outcome to right the ship. The resilience to dig in and mount a comeback despite a rare poor performance by Igor Shesterkin was something we haven’t seen much this year.
After a nice pre-game ceremony honoring Rangers from the 70’s to the late 80’s, the Rangers came out firing on all cylinders, getting the first 5 shots of the game and controlling play. That goodwill though was quickly shattered when the Rangers surrendered 2 goals on 2 shots, and shortly after, a 3rd goal that Igor would absolutely want back.
Since the game was at the house of horrors that is MSG, it would have been easy for the Rangers to throw in the towel and continue the embarrassing trend of humiliating home losses. But the Rangers third line, the new Kid Line, had other ideas. Noah Laba scored his first power play goal, giving the team life and energy. Artemi Panarin scored on a penalty shot later in the period, and the Rangers were within a goal.
JT Miller has had a brutal year and has seen his share of scrutiny, and justifiably so. Last night he woke up, showing his tangible “I will take over the game” skill as he scored the eventual tying and winnings goals. We may never know what is going on with Miller, but last night he looked like the JT Miller that Chris Drury wanted last year. Miller has to continue to bring his best to lead this team to more victories.
Matthew Robertson turned in perhaps the best game of his young career. Robertson is the type of player who flies under the radar for long stretches before having near perfect games like last night. His first multi-point game with two assists were a bonus to the overall solid job on the back end, reading plays, and making appropriate pinches. It’s tough to say if Robertson will have a long NHL career in New York, but in the context of this team, in this season, he’s been truly solid on the third pairing.
Up next is Chris Kreider’s return on Monday night. Things might get misty.