This one was impressive. Even with the predictable hanging on at the end, the Rangers had enough in the tank to defeat the Sharks 3-1 allowing them to complete a California sweep. They did it on heart and thanks to a money performance from Henrik Lundqvist. His 30 saves allowed him to become the first NHL goalie to win 20-or-more his first 10 seasons.

They won because of yeoman efforts like the one Mats Zuccarello had when the Sharks pulled Antti Niemi for an extra attacker. Twice, he hustled back and made key defensive plays including the latter allowing Rick Nash to come out with the puck and use sheer power and determination to tie Tyler Seguin in the Rocket Richard race with his 26th. It was that kind of commitment that they have exhibited in winning 13 of 14 to stay right on the heels of the Pens and Islanders. The Isles lead them by five with a huge match coming at MSG Tuesday. That should amount to a must watch.

The Blueshirts got it done thanks to a big first period from Chris Kreider. He set up and scored the winner. He and Derek Stepan combined to set up Martin St. Louis for his 14th. Then, Kreider used his big body in front to redirect a Dan Girardi feed for his eighth. Kreider has gotten back to using his size, speed and strength. When he does that, he’s a heck of a player.

It wasn’t pretty because it didn’t have to be. All the fancy stats don’t matter as long as you win. The Rangers got killed by the Sharks on faceoffs losing 38 of 59. But they still were able to prevail due to strong defense and better goaltending. That wins in the Spring. Though it would be nice if they had a dependable faceoff guy. A subject for another day.

They overcame an apparent Zuccarello goal that was waived off on the ice in the third. The play in question had Nash feed Zuccarello, who was robbed by a cat-like Niemi reflex glove. Refs Brad Meier and Dan O’Halloran ruled it no goal. But MSG replays showed that the puck was in the web of Niemi’s glove showing daylight beyond the goal line. However, as they had earlier in upholding Nathan MacKinnon’s goal in the Avalanche game against the Stars, Toronto upheld the decision ruling it “inconclusive.”

I don’t have a problem with that. It’s what they have in place. At some point, the league needs to reevaluate such lengthy reviews. Especially if it determines the opposite of the original call. Ultimately, it’s about getting it right.

Earlier in the period, the Rangers blew a golden opportunity on a four-minute power play. Following the Zuccarello ‘no goal,’ Dominic Moore took a holding minor. Karlsson was able to finish in front from James Sheppard. Instead of being up 3-1, they led only by one. Predictably, the Sharks pushed hard. There was a close call when Patrick Marleau had a step on the D but ex-Shark Dan Boyle was able to recover at the last split second to force Marleau wide. It looked like he was going to score. That was a crucial play by Boyle, who got a video tribute during a stoppage and a nice ovation from the crowd.

The bottom line is they did enough to win. When you’re able to get consistent efforts from top to bottom, it means you’re a winning team. The Rangers are a contender. That much is certain. With everyone continuing to win, the question is where will they wind up? Matches like Tuesday against the Islanders will go a long way to determining that. Especially if it means the difference between having home ice for an all important Game 7. There’s a lot of season left. Let’s enjoy it.

NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Kevin Klein, NYR (SOG, 3 attempted, 3 blocks, +1 in 25 shifts-18:10-tremendous)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (8th of season, assist, 3 SOG, 3 hits, +2 in 15:57)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (30 saves for 20th win-NHL record 10th straight year with 20 wins)