Carl Hagelin Scores

After a slow start, the Rangers are playing better hockey. Despite no Rick Nash, they’ve managed to score enough goals to reach .500. A 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets in Columbus leveled their record at 8-8-0. With 16 points in the Metro Division, they’re currently third trailing the Pens and Caps. Only six out of first, Alain Vigneault’s Blue Crew have weathered the storm. Even though Washington has won four straight, they trail us in ROW. Our eight wins are second to the Pens’ 10 with the Caps’ 5 three behind in the first tiebreaker. Sure. It’s early and nobody will remember this. But being able to win in regulation and overtime has its benefits. 

In last night’s win over Rangers Ohio, Carl Hagelin scored twice including the game-winner which he got credit for. During a sustained forecheck, Hags applied pressure on a Blue Jacket, who accidentally shot the puck past a stunned Sergei Bobrovsky. One of those crazy moments that’s becoming the norm. How about that goal Roberto Luongo allowed? It happens. Sometimes, you make your own luck. In the case of Hagelin, he deserves it for how well he’s played since returning. Already with four goals and three assists in just six games, his seven points are tied for fifth with Ryan Callahan, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider. In fact, his four goals are tied with Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh trailing only Callahan and Brad Richards, who each have five. He’s a mini-Cally whose speed and energy provide so much. Ditto for Zuccarello, who continues to put up points after a cold start.

Indeed, the offense is finally doing its part. McDonagh’s empty netter gave him four already. He’s benefited from playing the point on the power play. He has struggled some defensively but his increased offensive role is a positive. That was supposed to be Marc Staal, who’s been eerily quiet. Mike Del Zotto has three points so far but is being more aggressive. Anton Stralman has been steady so far with just two assists. John Moore’s been more of a project. With a goal and helper, he’s experiencing peaks and valleys that come with a young defenseman. I’m not sure how good this system is for Dan Girardi, who at times has been a step slow. However, he always gives max effort.

With rookie Cam Talbot allowing two goals in his fourth start, he’s provided a steady backup that Vigneault can lean on to give Henrik Lundqvist a night off. So far, so good for Cam. By permitting two, it marked the ninth straight game a Ranger netminder has allowed two or fewer. A welcome change. There’s still things to work on. But they’re settling in. With the struggling Panthers coming in on the heels of a seven-game losing streak axing Kevin Dineen, they must be on their toes. Sunday is a classic letdown game. Don’t take it lightly. Especially with the Kings paying a visit Sunday for a back to back.  This is an opportunity for the Rangers to keep building momentum. We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge.