The New York Rangers achieved a hard-fought 2-1 shootout victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 15, 2024. This win marked the Rangers’ ninth road triumph of the season, showcasing their strong performance as they prepare for an upcoming game against the Detroit Red Wings. New York entered the contest riding a three-game winning streak, having scored an impressive 13 goals in their previous two outings.
Despite dominating the Blue Jackets in terms of offensive attempts—outshooting them 67 to 44 at five-on-five—the Rangers faced challenges in terms of expected goal share, finishing with just 48.8%. Captain J.T. Miller described the match as “kind of a greasy game,” acknowledging its lack of excitement but emphasizing the importance of securing a win against a conference rival.
Rangers Continue Strong Road Performance
The Rangers’ record now stands at 9-1-1 on the road, earning them a total of 10 points in their first 11 away games this season. In a dramatic shootout, Miller scored the decisive goal, executing a perfectly placed shot over the blocker of Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves in the third round.
Head coach Mike Sullivan commented on the team’s ability to remain composed in tight, low-scoring games, noting, “A sign of a good team is when they have a comfort level playing in a one-goal game.” His sentiments reflect the growing confidence of the Rangers as they navigate close contests.
New York opened the scoring in the second period when Mika Zibanejad capitalized on his own rebound, marking his 600th point with the franchise. This puts him just 10 points behind Ron Greschner for seventh place in the team’s all-time scoring list. Zibanejad’s goal also tied him with Camille Henry for seventh place in franchise history with 256 goals.
Power Play Gains Momentum
The Rangers have seen a marked improvement in their power play, scoring four goals in their last five games. Sullivan attributed this resurgence to positive regression after a difficult start to the season. Once struggling with the league’s lowest shooting percentage on the man advantage, the unit is now finding its rhythm, aided by the imposing presence of Will Cuylle in front of the net.
“Throughout the season, the power play has generated a lot of offense,” Sullivan noted. “I feel like, as the season’s gone on, we’re starting to climb our way out of that.”
The intensity of the game heightened in the second period, with several physical exchanges between players. Notably, Sam Carrick engaged in a spirited fight with Mathieu Olivier, known for his physical style of play. Carrick’s willingness to defend his teammates reflects the team’s commitment to solidarity on the ice. Miller praised Carrick’s toughness, stating, “Sam’s tough as nails.”
In addition, Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin showcased his skills by stopping a penalty shot from Blue Jackets left winger Miles Wood. This success has added to Shesterkin’s impressive record of having stopped all seven penalty shots faced in his career.
The Rangers were without defenseman Will Borgen, who was listed as day-to-day due to an upper-body injury. His absence was noted as the team prepared for their next matchup.
The game also served as a moment of remembrance for longtime hockey columnist Larry Brooks, who passed away on March 14, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. Brooks, who spent 38 years at the New York Post, was recognized for his passionate coverage of the Rangers and his advocacy for players and journalists alike. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed condolences, stating, “Larry’s love of hockey was evident in his writing.”
As the Rangers move forward, they carry both the momentum of their recent success and the legacy of those who have contributed to the sport. For more updates on the Rangers, visit AMNY.com.
