The Rangers' defense has gotten better in recent weeks, helping to spark an incredible season turnaround that took them from near the bottom of the Eastern Conference to the cusp of a playoff spot.
But what the Rangers did in Thursday's win over the Flyers was something they hadn't accomplished since 2019, as six defenders registered points.
The group combined three goals. K'Andre Miller, Adam Fox, and Braden Schneider all found the back of the net.
Schneider attributed the Explosions to getting good chances and taking advantage of them, as well as defenders.
“We talk about playing a five-man defense, and we did a really good job of doing that,” Schneider said. “And it's the same thing [offensive] zone. We are hard to defend when we can all move and make things. We did a great job of making all the moves and getting shots on net. It's fun to play hockey like that. ”
Especially since the Rangers extended their points streak to 10 games when they won.
In that stretch, the defense flourished, which Schneider believes has increased confidence on the other side of the ice.
“We have the skill to score,” Schneider said. “I think we did a good job of finding our lanes, and our forwards did a good job of getting to the net. They just weren’t going in. Building confidence to get goals. I hope that continues.”
Schneider's first goal was his first since October 22, when he opened the season with two goals in six games.
But scoring isn't his game. Although he was happy to add to his tally, his focus remains on keeping goals off the board.
“Good defense always leads to good offense,” Schneider said.
This defense is 6-0-1 in the last seven games and has been helped by the recent play of Igor Shesterkin.
He has allowed two or fewer goals in five of those seven and has given up one goal in his last three.
Shesterkin was at his best against the Flyers in the second period, helping the Rangers maintain a slim lead when he stopped all 17 shots he faced.
Philadelphia head coach John Torrelaella said after the game that the Flyers “couldn't figure it out.” [the Rangers’] goalkeeper. ”
Artemi Panarin reached the 50-point mark for the sixth consecutive season with an assist in the second period Thursday.
Panarin is one of only seven Rangers to reach that milestone in as many consecutive seasons, joining Rod Gilbert, Andy Bathgate, Jean Ratel, Mika Zibanejad, Mark Messier and Steve Vickers. is.
The Rangers are 9-1-0 when Reilly Smith scores a goal.
He has 10 in 47 games this season after having 13 in 76 games with Pittsburgh last year.
