NEW YORK — In a tightly contested matchup, Vincent Trocheck netted the decisive goal in the shootout, leading the New York Rangers to a narrow 1-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday evening.
Igor Shesterkin demonstrated exceptional skill, turning away 27 shots which secured him his second shutout of the season and the 17th of his entire career. With this win, the Rangers have now clinched their second consecutive victory, improving their record to 5-0-2 over the last seven games, and an impressive 6-1-2 for the month of January.
On the other side of the ice, Daniil Tarasov made a commendable 26 saves for Columbus, but the defeat ended their six-game winning streak.
During the shootout, Trocheck capitalized in the second round, putting the Rangers ahead. Shesterkin then stepped up to stop attempts from Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko on the Blue Jackets’ final two shots, ensuring the Rangers came away with the win.
Throughout the contest, both teams adopted a defensive strategy, frequently jamming the neutral zone to force the opponent into taking shots from the perimeter. The goalies were resolute, thwarting the limited opportunities that arose in close quarters.
In terms of performance, the Blue Jackets were anticipated to struggle this season, often projected to linger near the bottom of the NHL standings. However, they have managed to claim the top wild card position in the Eastern Conference. Columbus effectively restricted the Rangers’ attacks, allowing Tarasov a relatively uncomplicated night.
Conversely, the Rangers faced challenges against Columbus’ aggressive forecheck, finding it difficult to maintain possession in the offensive zone for extended periods.
A pivotal moment came with just 53.2 seconds left in the second period when Rangers’ right wing Reilly Smith executed a crucial backcheck that thwarted a semi-breakaway attempt by Columbus’ Mikael Pyythia, keeping the score tied at zero.
An interesting statistic from the game was that the Blue Jackets recorded a notable 16 blocked shots, showcasing their dedication on defense.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will travel to Montreal for their next game on Sunday, while the Blue Jackets are scheduled to face off against the New York Islanders on Monday.
