Following a three-game losing streak that put their playoff hopes in danger, the Rangers have won two in a row this week in come from behind fashion. On Sunday, Feb. 2, they scored three times in a strong third period to come back and defeat the Golden Knights 4-2.

J.T. Miller’s impact was felt when he helped set up a pair of power-play goals from Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. After Zibanejad tied it by putting in a rebound past Adin Hill, Panarin and Zibanejad combined to set up K’Andre Miller for the game-winner. On the goal, J.T. Miller was screening in front, which made it difficult for Hill to pick up the shot. Panarin added the dagger late in regulation on a nice setup from Zibanejad.

One of the highlights from that comeback win was a huge open ice hit Will Cuylle put on Alex Pietrangelo. He caught him flush, knocking the Vegas defenseman to the ice. That led to Nicolas Hague challenging Cuylle to a fight. Hague is one of the tougher defensemen in the league. He also likes delivering big hits. Cuylle did well against Hague in an entertaining scrap. There was no instigator due to Cuylle obliging quickly. He knew what was coming.

The biggest headline from the game was Jonathan Quick finally picking career win number 400. If not for his brilliant play in the first two periods that saw him make several key stops, the Rangers lose handedly. Jack Eichel was dominant scoring twice, including a highlight reel goal off a rush when he used Vincent Trocheck as a screen for his patented wrist shot that Quick had no chance on. The Ranger survived thanks to Quick, who finished with 34 saves on 36 shots to grab the first star of the game for the milestone. The winningest goalie in American history is a future Hall of Famer, who’s won two Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe. Quick has been a positive influence for teammates in the locker room. The 39-year-old is class personified.

After a couple of days off, the Rangers returned to the ice on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to take on the Bruins. It was a battle of atrocity with neither side budging in an uneventful first period that saw few shots reach the net. Boston was playing in the second game of a back-to-back. They didn’t have much energy. The game was played at a snail’s pace.

Panarin got the Blueshirts on the board from Zibanejad to make it two straight games with a goal. It doesn’t happen without the tenacious work of Miller, who came in on the forecheck and finished a check on Brandon Carlo to cause a turnover. That allowed Zibanejad to set up Panarin for his 23rd. Miller didn’t get a point on it, but his willingness to get dirty helped create the game’s first goal. It’s that extra effort from the former Canuck that’s made him an asset to the Rangers since coming over from Vancouver on Jan. 31. In three games, he has two goals and two assists while making an impact. Zibanejad has six points since Miller joined up on the top line. Panarin has five points. So far, so good.

The Bruins responded with a pair of goals late in the second period to surge ahead. David Pastrnak finished off his 28th from Pavel Zacha following a faceoff win to tie the score. Elias Lindholm scored just 16 seconds later to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead. That put the Rangers behind with a period left to play.

Needing every point possible, they had a strong third to deliver a second consecutive comeback win. It was much needed with the Bruins one of the teams they are chasing in the standings. An undisciplined Brad Marchand roughing minor led to Trocheck tying the game when he tipped in a K’Andre Miller shot after the power play expired. Jonny Brodzinski helped set it up to pick up a key assist. Since returning to the lineup, Brodzinski’s acquitted himself well. He has goal and a helper in three games this month while centering the third line.

With Brodzinski at center, that’s left Arthur Kaliyev out in the cold. Even with the loss of Adam Edstrom to a lower-body injury that’ll sideline him for over two months, Kaliyev has lost his spot on the third line. Peter Laviolette prefers to use Jimmy Vesey on the fourth line with Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe. Unfortunately, Kaliyev’s become the latest victim to watch from above. As long as the new first line continues to have success, it doesn’t seem likely that Kaliyev will return to the lineup.

The winning goal against the Bruins came while shorthanded. With Rempe off for holding, Adam Fox sent Zibanejad and Kreider on a two-on-one. Zibanejad’s pass deflected off Charlie McAvoy right to Kreider, who was able to put in the 12th shorthanded goal of his career from a tough angle to put the Rangers ahead to stay. All 12 have come since 2021-22 when he scored his first three under Gerard Gallant. He followed that up with four in 2022-23. Then, he had a pair last season. Kreider’s up to three this season. His game-breaking speed is what makes him a good penalty killer. Combined with his ability to finish, he’s formed a dynamic duo with Zibanejad while shorthanded.

Igor Shesterkin stopped 15 of 17 shots to earn the victory. It was a rare light night for Igor, who improved to 18-18-2. It hasn’t been his best season statistically, but he gives the Rangers a puncher’s chance. He’ll get the nod in goal against the Penguins on Friday night. Pittsburgh will skate without leading scorer Sidney Crosby, who sustained an injury against the Devils on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

For the Rangers, it’s a break. Simply put, they must take care of business later tonight at 33rd and 7th. Although the Pens have played better lately, with more of a commitment to defense, they’re without their best player. The Rangers enter play with 56 points in 53 games. They trail the Red Wings by five points for the second wild card. Both the Blue Jackets and Bruins each have 60. The suddenly resurgent Islanders are up to 57.

With a visit at Columbus on Saturday night, it’s imperative that the Blueshirts get four points this weekend. Better yet, they need to beat the Blue Jackets in regulation. The Jackets will likely be without Kirill Marchenko, who suffered a broken jaw in a recent game. They lost to the Utah Hockey Club 3-2 in overtime on Thursday night, falling to 0-1-1 since Marchenko’s injury.

The Four Nations Face-Off Challenge begins next Wednesday, Feb. 12. Saturday will feature 14 games with 28 teams in action. That will include an important matinee between the Lightning and Red Wings. With a second straight win last night, the Bolts moved ahead of the Senators and Red Wings into third place in the Atlantic Division with 62 points. One total point separates the three teams, with Ottawa and Detroit occupying the two wild cards. The Bruins will host the Golden Knights as well in another key game. The Senators will try to snap a two-game losing streak when they face the Panthers tomorrow night. The Islanders visit the Wild in another key game. They’ve been reinvigorated by the additions of Tony DeAngelo and Adam Boqvist.

Every game has playoff implications. In a topsy turvy race that remains unpredictable, each team will continue jockeying for position over the next two months. Anything can happen. For the Rangers, they must finish strong before the break to put themselves in better position. Their season depends on it.