Artemi Panarin tallied two goals and an assist. At the same time, Igor Shesterkin recorded his second consecutive shutout as the New York Rangers cruised to a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.
Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren also found the back of the net, helping the Rangers secure their sixth win in nine games (6-1-2). Colin Blackwell notched a career-high three assists, with Ryan Strome adding two more to his tally.
“Igor’s been incredible for us,” Blackwell said. “He kept us in it when we needed him most, especially during those stretches when they applied pressure.”
Shesterkin made 16 saves to earn his second NHL shutout—both coming against the Devils within a span of three days. He had previously stopped 27 shots in a 3-0 win over New Jersey on Tuesday night. In Thursday’s game, Shesterkin faced minimal shots—three in the first period, nine in the second, and just four in the third. The Rangers’ defense also helped out by blocking 20 shots.
“There wasn’t a lot of action, but the team did a fantastic job blocking shots,” Shesterkin said through a translator. “The fans’ energy kept me focused, and that helped me stay sharp.”
The Rangers remain four points behind Boston for the final playoff spot in the East Division after the Bruins defeated the New York Islanders 4-1.
Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves for New Jersey but suffered his fifth consecutive regulation loss. The Devils have now lost four straight games and eight of their last nine (1-6-2).
“We gave away chances that we usually don’t,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff. “We lacked the energy we had in the last game… it was a pretty disappointing performance.”
The teams are set to continue their four-game series with a rematch at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, followed by another game on Sunday in New Jersey.
The Rangers started the game strong, netting three goals in the first period.
Trouba opened the scoring just 47 seconds in, converting a pass from Blackwell into his second goal of the season. Lindgren doubled the lead at 6:39 with his first goal of the year, finishing off a pass from Panarin between the circles. Panarin then made it 3-0 with a one-timer from the right circle off a pass from Strome during a 2-on-1 rush.
“It’s always great to dominate a game,” Panarin said through a translator. “We played well, but there are still things to improve on, especially with tough games ahead.”
Jack Hughes had a prime chance in the second period to score off a Rangers turnover, but Shesterkin denied him with a close-range save.
Panarin added his second goal of the night in the third period, pushing the Rangers’ lead to 4-0 with 7:09 remaining. Blackwell set up the play, with his shot rebounding off the boards and the side of the goal, allowing Strome to pass the puck to Panarin, who quickly buried it for his 15th goal of the season.
P.K. Subban had a near miss for New Jersey, hitting the goalpost with about five minutes left in the second period.
“We capitalized on our chances early,” Rangers coach David Quinn said. “But we know we need to be better. Our goalie made some big saves when we got away with a few things.”
Blackwood’s Struggles Continue
Blackwood is now 0-5-2 in his last seven starts, with a 3.71 goals-against average since his shutout win in Boston on March 28. That victory ended a streak of three wins in four starts for the Devils’ goaltender.
Zibanejad’s Consistency
Mika Zibanejad extended his point streak to four games with an assist on Trouba’s early goal. He has accumulated 15 assists and 27 points over his last 18 games.
Kravtsov’s First Goal Disallowed
Rangers rookie Vitali Kravtsov nearly scored his first NHL goal midway through the third period, finishing a cross-ice pass from Pavel Buchnevich. However, the goal was overturned after Devils coach Lindy Ruff successfully challenged the play for offside.
Jones Impressing in Practice
Zac Jones recently helped UMass win the national championship and has been practicing with the Rangers after signing his entry-level contract. Although impressed with the 20-year-old’s performance, coach David Quinn is uncertain when Jones will make his NHL debut.
“He’s got great skating, a high hockey IQ, and he competes hard,” Quinn said. “But this is the NHL—you have to earn your spot. We won’t hesitate to put him in if we think he can help us win.”
