No Kidding Around: Rookie Chris Kreider had enough of Dion Phaneuf getting a takedown during a fight. He also scored his team best 11th in the Rangers’ 7-1 rout of the Maple Leafs.
The Canadian Press/Mark Blinch

Call it a bounce back. Whatever you will, the Rangers brought it tonight burying the Maple Leafs 7-1 at the ACC. In front of a Saturday Hockey Night In Canada national audience, they rang up a touchdown and kicked the PAT to post a convincing win. They concluded the five-game road trip 3-2-0. A much better outcome following Friday’s humiliation in Pittsburgh.

The Leafs are hardly synonymous with team defense. Despite locking up captain Dion Phaneuf, defense is optional. No wonder the Rangers responded in such strong fashion. Maybe last night woke them up. After all, they held a team meeting.

Whatever the reason, they were ready to play and the Leafs- who were coming off an emotional Winter Classic victory over the Red Wings at the Big House- weren’t. It resulted in the highest output of the season. Chris Kreider continued his Calder push with his 11th goal and even got a takedown of Phaneuf during a fight. Dominic Moore scored twice to triple his goal total (3). Benoit Pouliot also continued his surge netting his eighth. Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin each scored. Even Brian Boyle got a late one on the power play from Michael Del Zotto, who after being reinserted recorded an assist and finished plus-two.

It made for a much happier night. Coinciding with our fun holiday get together with Brian being back one more day, it was all the more fitting. Even his Sabres got a win over the Devils. Playing as they usually do in front of unflappable rookie Cam Talbot (25 saves, 9th win), they stepped up with a complete performance which was easily one of their best. It all added up to a nice win.

Most importantly, it allowed them to get back on the winning track. With the Devils and Islanders losing, the Rangers gained ground inside a tight Metro. Every point is valuable. Interestingly, they’re now 13-10-0 on the road. Eight of the next 10 are at home including a pivotal one against Columbus Monday. After suffering a bitter loss last month, the Rangers should have plenty of incentive. The Blue Jackets are one of the teams they’re competing against.

The games are always fun. Hopefully, it won’t be a field day for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Fedor Tyutin.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (10th of season, assist)
2nd Star-Dominic Moore, NYR (2 goals- 2nd, 3rd, nice night for a solid team guy)
1st Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (11th of season, fought Phaneuf)