Brian Boyle deflects home a Mike Del Zotto pass for a power play goal.
The Canadian Press/Mark Blinch

The Rangers came away with easily their most complete effort of the season. It only took 43 games. Following a dismal effort in a 5-2 loss at Pittsburgh, they clicked on all cylinders by hammering Toronto 7-1. The seven goal explosion was the most they’ve scored since putting home eight in an 8-4 home win over Buffalo on Apr. 19, 2013.

”I know the guys were ready last night and turned the page on it, analyzed it, we got ready, the guys came out, moved the puck well, got some good opportunities and we were able to finish a couple,” a more pleased coach Alain Vigneault said.

Among the highlights, fifteen different Rangers hit the score sheet. Of the 18 skaters dressed, only three didn’t register a point. They included Rick Nash, Anton Stralman and Mats Zuccarello. The offense was so spread out that only two of the 15 recorded two points with Carl Hagelin notching a goal and assist while Dominic Moore scored twice. A lucky 13 Blueshirts had at least a point including five out of six defensemen. So thorough was the performance that 16 of 18 skaters finished with pluses. Only goal scorer Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan (assist) went even.

”I’ve always just kind of started as a backup and then started playing more games, so I’ve been in these situations before and you learn from every situation you’re in,” rookie Cam Talbot pointed out after making 25 saves only allowing a goal to Joffrey Lupul.

The Rangers outshot the Leafs by a healthy margin (50-26). They chased starter Jonathan Bernier with five on 32 shots. Moore’s second of the night at 16:35 of the second forced Leafs coach Randy Carlyle to replace Bernier with James Reimer. In relief, he allowed two on 18 shots including Brad Richards’ 10th and Brian Boyle’s second on a late power play. It nearly became three when Benoit Pouliot appeared to have his second but the refs ruled that Reimer didn’t have enough time to recover after incidental contact.

Prior to the game, the Rangers made a minor deal sending a seventh round pick to the Kings for antagonist Daniel Carcillo. He’ll join the team tomorrow.