The New York Rangers really stepped up to the plate on Tuesday night. After putting up a stinker of an effort against the New Jersey Devils, the Rangers traveled to Dallas and put up four goals in the first two periods to defeat the Stars 4-2.
Kaapo Kakko scored twice, and Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who have won two of their past three games and remained three points shy of a wild card in the Eastern Conference. Igor Shesterkin made 31 saves to rebound from a disappointing performance on Saturday against New Jersey.
Mika Zibanejad and Kaapo Kakko lead the New York Rangers
As to what should be a surprise to nobody, Mika Zibanejad scored a goal tonight. In doing so, he has reached the 40-goal plateau in a season in fewer games than any other player in franchise history. Just think about that.
In the entire history of the New York Rangers, he reached the 40 goal plateau faster than anybody. In addition, Zibanejad is the second Ranger in franchise history who has registered a goal in 11 games over a 12-game span. However, the biggest news of the night might be that Kaapo Kakko had two goals, stepping up in a way that many had hoped that he would when he was drafted second overall.
In hoping for some scoring balance, Kakko tallied his 10th goal of the season. He is one of nine Rangers who have recorded 10 or more goals in 2019-20. And let’s not forget defenseman Adam Fox. Upon scoring the first goal of the season, as registered 39 points this season, which is tied for the fifth-most by a rookie defenseman in Rangers history.
Think the future is bright? How about that bounce-back performance for Igor Shesterkin. With his win tonight, Shesterkin is the sixth goaltender in NHL history who has earned 10 wins in his first 12 career NHL appearances. The Rangers will travel up to Colorado to face the Avalanche in back-to-back games in their quest to make the playoffs.