A jubilant Carl Hagelin raises his arms after scoring his eighth.
Getty Images/Seth Wenig

The record nine-game homestand has treated the Rangers anything but nice. For once, they took advantage of Madison Square Garden by dominating the Wild with a convincing 4-1 win. It was only their second victory in eight and first in regulation since Dec. 5 against the Sabres.

Of course, they fell behind early. Jason Pominville tipped home his 17th from Ryan Suter 4:08 into the contest. Mikael Granlund beat Derek Stepan clean on a faceoff and Suter had all day before centering for an open Pominville at the side to beat Cam Talbot. Talbot was making his first start since Dec. 2. For a guy who hadn’t seen much action, he responded well making 24 saves. Even though he wasn’t challenged much by Minnesota after the first period, Talbot came up with a few timely stops which allowed his team to settle down. He also got help from the post on another Pominville opportunity.

On their second power play, the Rangers drew even thanks to Benoit Pouliot, who scored for a second straight game. Derick Brassard passed across for Ryan McDonagh, whose point shot was redirected by Pouliot for his fifth. The resurgent Pouliot has four points in his last four games. He’s been a lot more noticeable on the forecheck. In fact, his line with Carl Hagelin and J.T. Miller was the team’s best at even strength. Pouliot came close a couple of other times and Hagelin scored for the third time in the last four. Another bright spot was McDonagh, who recorded his first point in seven. He was much more active and better defensively finishing plus-two.

The Rangers also responded to seeing Mats Zuccarello hit by Matt Cooke. Cooke is no stranger to the physical stuff. He caught Zuccarello a hair late with a shoulder check. With Zuccarello in his face, defenseman John Moore came over and challenged him. Predictably, he received two minutes for roughing. At least Kyle Brodziak went with him for an unsportsmanlike conduct. As for the hit itself, there was nothing wrong with it. Cooke just finished his check. At least the Rangers didn’t sit and watch.

After mostly an even first, they dominated the second outscoring the Wild 2-0 while outshooting them 17-5. It was easily one of the best periods of the season. Following a strong penalty kill of a Brian Boyle hold, Derek Dorsett made an outlet for Boyle and then outraced Minnesota players to a loose puck centering for Hagelin, who buried his eighth top shelf on Niklas Backstrom. It was a nice play for sure but one a past prime Backstrom probably wanted back. Unfortunately, that was just foreshadowing.

Taking the play to the Wild, who are average without inspiring Hart candidate Josh Harding who battles MS, the Rangers generated plenty of chances on Backstrom. Eventually, they tacked on another when Zuccarello finished off a beautiful backhand feed by Brassard from behind the net. Nobody could’ve prevented that. Just a brilliant rush from Brassard and great vision finding the trailer Zuccarello, who made no mistake depositing his eighth to make it 3-1 with 1:25 left in the second. His performance this year has been nothing short of sensational. Zuccarello continues to flourish under Alain Vigneault and should be re-signed immediately. Don’t let him get to free agency.

Occasionally, you get a bounce. Every once in a while, there’s a miraculous goal no one could’ve predicted. That would be a classic understatement for Chris Kreider, who had some very good fortune with 7:14 to go in the third. Taking a headman from Rick Nash, who also was very active, he broke in on Backstrom and fanned so badly on his shot that it fooled the veteran Wild netminder. Somehow, the puck rolled underneath him allowing Kreider to score the easiest goal of his short career. On the stat sheet, it’ll say he scored his ninth just the same. He and teammates shared a good laugh during the oddest goal celebration. For Backstrom, he might want to consider retirement.

By night’s conclusion, something rare occurred. Aside from a win and two points, a happier MSG cheered their heroes. There were even the trademark “Let’s Go Rangers,” which hasn’t been heard too often. That’s what happens when you put forth the effort. Let’s hope they can remember that when the Maple Leafs visit tomorrow to finally conclude this homestand.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (3 SOG, 5 hits, 4 for 7 on faceoffs in 17 shifts-13:23-deserves recognition)

2nd Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (2 assists 2 hits in 15:33-starting to round into form)

1st Star-Mats Zuccarello, NYR (8th of season, 3 SOG, 2 blocked shots, +1 in 16:19-the Rangers’ MVP)