When the Rangers signed Jonathan Quick in the off-season, it was for games like the one he delivered on Thursday night at Edmonton. The Rangers got Quick results in a 3-0 shutout win over the Oilers.

Facing a struggling team without superstar Connor McDavid (upper-body injury), they took advantage to improve to a perfect 3-0 on the five-game road trip. So far, the Rangers have outscored opponents 10-2 in the three victories. They sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a 5-2-0 record.

Quick On Top Of His Game

So far, so good. Making his second start of the season, Quick was on top of his game. After stopping 18 of 19 shots in a win over the Kraken on Oct. 21, the former King returned to the net five days later to face the Oilers.

He certainly made Rangers’ coach Peter Laviolette look smart. Quick was sharp throughout the game, making 29 saves to pick up his first shutout as a Ranger. It was the 59th of his career. That tied him with Evgeni Nabokov for 20th on the all-time NHL shutout list. Only Marc-Andre Fleury has more among active goalies.

Although he didn’t have to contend with McDavid, Quick still had to face the dangerous Leon Draisaitl. One of the game’s best players, the former league MVP, created a few scoring chances during the game. Quick was up for the challenge. His best saves came on Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. He also denied Darnell Nurse.

Most notable was how aggressive he was. Known for an unorthodox style that makes him exciting to watch, Quick challenges shooters. He was on top of his crease to make several key stops. He had good rebound control to stifle the Oilers.

Offense Comes to Life in Big Second Period

After a scoreless first period in which Oilers’ goalie Stuart Skinner was good with his best save coming on a Filip Chytil point blank chance, the Rangers offense came to life in a big second period.

They outscored the Oilers 3-0 and out-shot them 18-13 in the period. The game’s first goal came on the power play. After Alexis Lafreniere drew a high-sticking minor on Warren Foegle, the Rangers’ top unit went to work.

On a nice passing play that was started by leading scorer Artemi Panarin, he moved the puck over to Vincent Trocheck in the right circle. Trocheck immediately sent a good pass across for a wide open Adam Fox in the left circle to bury a one-timer high, short side for his first power play goal of the season.

It was a simple wheel around play that began following a Skinner stop on a Fox shot from the right circle. The former Harvard standout wisely went around the net and got open on the opposite side for the power play tally.

Schneider Scores First Goal

With the game still hanging in the balance halfway through, Braden Schneider scored his first goal of the season. It came in transition on a good shot that went far side to give the Rangers a two-goal lead.

After Fox got the puck up for Jimmy Vesey, he made a perfect pass for a pinching Schneider, who just stayed onside to get the Rangers’ second goal of the period. He fired a laser by Skinner inside the top of the net.

Before they dropped the puck, the refs got together to review the scoring play. Barclay Goodrow made a good line change at the Rangers’ bench while the puck was entering the Edmonton zone. The officials took a long look at whether Schneider was able to control the puck at the blue line. The replay showed that he did. That made it a good goal.

Schneider had his best game so far finishing with a goal and an assist in 16:41. After a slow start, he’s been better over the last two games. A positive sign for the Rangers.

Lafreniere Stays Hot

If there’s been a good development on the road trip, it’s been the play of Lafreniere. He stayed hot by scoring for the third consecutive game with under two minutes remaining in the second.

He continues to find chemistry with Panarin. On a good outlet from Schneider, up to Panarin, he gained entry and found an open Lafreniere in the right circle for a quick one-timer that gave the Rangers a three-goal lead.

Panarin drew two Oilers to him, which left Lafreniere wide open. It made for an easy pass across that the more confident Lafreniere buried for his fourth. He’s been more instinctive. It’s netted positive results. His four goals rank second on the team behind Chris Kreider (5). Both he and Panarin lead the Rangers with three even strength goals.

The more he plays with Panarin and former Kid Line center Filip Chytil, the better he looks. If the early start is any indication, it could be a breakout season for Lafreniere.

Cuylle Has Goal Overturned

During the third period, Will Cuylle thought he had a goal. On a good play from a more noticeable Blake Wheeler, he made a backhand feed in front that banked in off Cuylle’s back skate with 6:31 left.

Judging from the video replays, it looked like it should’ve been Cuylle’s second goal. Instead, a lengthy review determined that it was a kicking motion. A tough call that went against the Rangers. It was the fourth time they’ve had a goal overturned.

The controversial ruling wiped out a good play from Wheeler, who had his most impactful game. Facing an opponent he’s done well against, the former Jets’ captain was much more involved on the forecheck. He also had four shots-on-goal in 11:22. If he can continue to improve his play, it would solidify the third line. The Rangers are counting on him.

Zibanejad Still Without A Goal

When the Rangers visit the Canucks on Saturday night, they’ll look to make it 4-for-4. They’ve played well in winning the first three games of a road trip that concludes at Winnipeg on Oct. 30. If there’s a key player who can use a big game, it’s Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad is still without a goal.

The number one centerman is off to a slow start. He still has five assists in seven games. However, the 30-year-old Zibanejad needs to start burying a few. Counted on to score at both even strength and the power play, he’s fired blanks so far. He’s had enough chances to get on the scoreboard. At some point, they have to start going in.

Zibanejad has always been a streaky scorer. It isn’t time to panic. Eventually, he’ll score one and get hot.

Road Warriors

It’s early. But the Rangers have been road warriors. They’ve won four of five away from home. They’ll look to continue that trend on Saturday when they visit the Canucks.