NYR/OTT 12/4 Review: Sully’s Squad Makes It 2-0 Without Adam Fox; Russian Rangers Capitalize in Canada’s Capital City, “Same Old Rangers” Winning Script; Back-Up Goalies & Injuries Galore, Even-Strength Dominance; Special Teams Still Needs Work, Panarin Needs to Defend Himself, Garden of Dreams Night Reports Interesting Figure; M$GN, Standings; Huge “Prove It” Weekend Ahead & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Did you purchase your playoff tickets yet?

And go figure – the Rangers are now 2-0 without Adam Fox in their line-up this season!

While I don’t think that Fox has been a problem for the Blueshirts during this centennial campaign (in fact, quite the opposite – as it’s my opinion that he’s been their best player); but needless to say, and the six defensemen in Mike Sullivan’s line-up, and as they were some 48-hours ago against Dallas, once again embraced “THE NEXT MAN UP” mantra on Thursday night in Ottawa.

And just like the win over the Stars?

Then, and for the second straight game – and two different defensemen scored – including “VLAD THE IMPALER” – and a #44 who has now lit red lamps during his past two consecutive matches.

For all of the losing – and extremely bad losses sustained this season at that – and defeats that have all followed the “Same Old Rangers” script; then conversely, and this 4-2 double-down of the Senators also felt like a “Same Old Rangers” victory too.

Just like any one of the other Blueshirt victories this season, and whether it be Nashville, St. Louis, Dallas, Seattle, Carolina, Boston, and you get my point – and once again – and the Rangers’ foe entered this game extremely banged-up – while also sporting a back-up goalie in their net too.

On this night, Leevi Merilainen (LM for the rest of this manifesto), “boasting” a goals allowed average near 4.00, while also featuring a sub-.880 save percentage, took the pipes for the Senators, while starter Linus Ullmark took in this match from the bench.

Granted, while the Rangers were without Fox, but the former “Silver Seven” were also without their top defenseman too, Thomas Chabot.

Also among the missing in Ottawa were the club’s other top d-man, Artem Zub, while reliable bottom-sixer, Lars Eller, remains out.

In some deja vu (but let’s hope this injury isn’t as serious as the one that Tyler Seguin endured – as after his collision with Vladislav Gavrikov from Tuesday night – and he’s now out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL), and the Senators, just like the Stars some 48-hours prior, lost their top scorer against the Rangers too, as Shane Pinto, after all of 5:07 played, left the game with an undisclosed lower-body injury.

Obviously, I’m not here to make excuses for the other team.

I’m just here to tell you what’s what – and where in addition – then I don’t think that fans of the Avalanche, Golden Knights, Blackhawks, Canadiens and Ducks, the five teams that the Rangers will see next through December 15th, will be making any excuses either should they down a Fox-less Blueshirts’ brethren.

With all of the injury and back-up goalie talk now out of the way – then this was an impressive performance that the Rangers showcased to us on Thursday night.

It’s easy to first talk about the negative stuff – as it’s only one thing – special teams.

Once again, and this is where missing Fox hurts them the most – as the Rangers’ special team units were beyond dreadful.

The Blueshirts only drew one power-play in Ottawa – and come the end of those two-minutes – and nary a shot on goal.

Apparently, Sullivan hasn’t heeded this beer-bellied blogger’s advice – as he’s hellbent with his new five-forward unit – and in turn – hasn’t given Gavrikov a spin in his partner’s spot.

And as said last time around, then even if Gavrikov wasn’t an offensive threat (but no one can say that at all right now), but by allowing him to man the power-play at the point, then it would at least prevent short-handed attacks – while also saving us from watching NDA Panarin do his hot potato/hand grenade act at the blue line.

For as bad as the power-play was, then the penalty kill was much worse.

On a night where the Senators drew three power-plays – and they scored two goals.

The kicker?

The fact that Ottawa only put two shots on CZAR IGOR’s net during these three power-plays, which in turn, means that whenever a man-up on Thursday night – and they shot a perfect 100%.

Sully’s Squad sure put the word “special” in “special teams” – but outside of that – then this was a riveting Rangers’ victory – and where it were the Russians – CZAR IGOR, Vladislav Gavrikov and Artemi Panarin, that really stood out the most.

While I do have CZAR IGOR featured in tonight’s silly blog header photo; but in reality, while the goaltender was amazing – the team in front of him all played well too – that is, and one more time, sans special teams.

CZAR IGOR went a flawless 25 of 25 during even-strength play – while admittedly – also getting help from the iron on two occasions too.

But when you’re locked in, then shooters are forced to be a little bit extra precise, and in a game of inches, then this match favored the Rangers’ goaltender.

These two Eastern Conference teams, and ugh, 2017 playoff rivals too, put up the following shots on goal totals:

— 11-9, Senators, in the first period

— 12-7, Rangers, in the second period.

— 9-6, Senators, in the third period.

While Ottawa registered eleven shots on goal in the first period, it were CZAR IGOR’s nine saves during do-or-die time, the final frame, that really shone brightest.

Not only did he protect the Rangers’ wire-to-wire lead – but he also took some wind out of the Senators’ sails – including when making non-stop save after non-stop save on the likes of Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle.

The Rangers, who pretty much dominated the puck for most of the game, also wasted no time when scoring the first goal of the contest either.

Just 3:19 in, and an Ottawa crowd, all sporting cowboy hats (the Senators’ free giveaway item of the game – and why is it that every other team in the league has cool giveaways, while all we get in New York are 2-cent towels), saw J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad hook up on a 2 x 1 odd-man rush – as the former Senator, now the longest-tenured Ranger today, #93, scored his tenth goal of the season.

1-0, good guys.

The Blueshirts’ third line – Cuylle/Laba/Berard – continued to make their presence felt.

In a cruel little moment, then neither Brett Berard or Noah Laba were credited for assisting on Gavrikov’s 2-0 goal – and a two-goal lead that was gained at the 9:45 mark.

And for the 6767989867986879678679867896th time on this site – then this is why the EYE TEST will always trump all!

On Gavrikov’s sixth goal of the season, which matches a former season-high (and he now has 53 games in order to surpass it), and the Blueshirts, as led by the third line, kicked off an elongated attack in the Senators’ zone – and one that lasted for about two-minutes.

It was Laba’s forecheck that created it.

It was a Berard screen, while Miller was dishing to Schneider, which then allowed #4 to hook up with #44, that allowed Gavrikov to easily beat the Ottawa back-up.

And also for the 678679867986986896798678967986th time on this site?

Then just like the dazzling days of Chris Kreider on Broadway – and I just wish that the NHL statisticians also tracked “screened assists.”

After all, and make no bones about it – then without Berard – then no goal here.

The Rangers, now feeling good with a 2-0 lead before the ten-minute mark had even hit, couldn’t allow the good vibes to last.

With just 2:17 remaining and Will Cuylle was boxed for holding David Perron.

Come 90-ticks left on the clock – and Dylan Cozens banged home a Senators’ power-play goal, thus improving the score to 2-1 – and another late opposing goal as allowed by the Blueshirts.

I saw some Ranger fans get on CZAR IGOR for giving up this goal (I have the clip of it for you below) – but as always on this site – then unless it’s truly egregious – then I can’t get on a goalie for giving up a man-down goal.

Plus, and I’m not exaggerating when I say this:

This may have been the worst penalty kill of the season – as the Rangers just looked lost – and they could never get control over the rubber either.

Come the second period, and with this 2-1 score still in-tact; then come the 7:24 mark, and there was Big Billy Borgen ripping a wrist shot for a regained Rangers’ two-goal lead.

What I loved about this goal, sans the red light itself, was the fact that it were two players that a lot of jackasses get on (gladly, I am not this type of jackass!), Jonny Brodzinski and Carson Soucy, that made it happen.

Brodzinski, who earlier in the game, was demoted from the top-six to the fourth line, found Soucy, and for the best Ranger to ever wear #24 during the past six-years, then put some backhanded “SOUCE” on a platter for his partner.

And as my pal Gideon likes to say, “IT’S JUST ME SOUCE! DAY ONE! IT’S JUST ME SOUCE!”

(Yes, you have to be a jackass wrestling fan, a group that I am part of, to understand this reference!)

The Blueshirts had a chance to run up the score at the 12:13 mark, as this is when they drew their one power-play of the game – a Stutzle cross-check on Tro-check.

But as mentioned – not even one SOG – and not even against a back-up goalie no less.

And as also previously mentioned?

CZAR IGOR’s third period heroics.

The Senators, down by two during the final twenty-minutes, tried their best to crack the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner – but it wasn’t going to happen on this night – or at least not while at even-strength.

At the 8:50 mark of the third period, Borgen, and blatantly at that, elbowed Michael Amadio – and as if he was paying tribute to “The Macho Man” Randy Savage.

The Rangers were able to kill off this Ottawa advantage – and to their credit – didn’t even allow the Senators to muster up one shot on goal.

However, then it only took seconds after their first kill of the game in order to put the Senators on their third power-play of the match.

Down to 7:51 remaining and Miller was dubiously boxed for slashing Jake Sanderson.

Hockey can be funny.

I always tell you as it is here, which is my way of telling you that you probably could’ve called three different penalties that weren’t called against the Rangers tonight – including one where, and I forget who, just slashed and blew up Sanderson’s stick into smithereens.

This Miller infraction wasn’t one of them – but I guess after missing three other calls – then the officials decided to give the home team a “make-good” here.

And the Senators did “make-good,” as with just 6:52 remaining, and Tkachuk, who probably should’ve had at least five-points tonight, finally got his first of the match – as his wicked and powerful shot blasted off of the leg of Batherson and then into CZAR IGOR’s net.

3-2, visitors.

The Blueshirts, who don’t get paid extra to work overtime, weren’t looking to extend their stay in Canada’s capital.

This is when CZAR IGOR really showed up – while also showing the country where hockey is the national sport why he deserves to be the highest-paid goalie in the league.

Perhaps the most maddening moment of the match?

How the Rangers, with no goalie in the Senators’ net, treated the vacated twine as if they were on a power-play.

Rather than just shooting the damn puck into the gaping hole – and instead – and the Blueshirts did their pass-pass-puff-puff-scoring-opportunity-up-in-smoke bullshit.

Thankfully, and unlike their power-plays – and this didn’t blow up in their faces.

After the two kids who made their beginnings in Pittsburgh youth hockey, the new BFF’s in-town too, Miller and Trocheck, were done dicking around – and there was the alleged sexual assaulter, NDA Panarin, for the 4-2, SEE YA, goal with just 44-ticks remaining.

4-2, Rangers, the good guys, your final.

While I thought that both CZAR IGOR and the skaters in front of him all played well; this was also a milestone night, as with a goal and an assist, and Panarin registered his 900th career point.

I just wish, and especially with terms of his NDA being violated (it’s now public), that he’d speak about it – and in turn – give us his side of the story.

But since the Rangers’ state media equally protects him like the organization themselves – then all we get is talk about his most recent hair cut and what type of cell phone he uses.

I mean, someone accuses you of stealing from them, using drugs and then of an alleged sexual assault/rape too – and you don’t want to defend yourself?

And signing an NDA afterwards doesn’t exactly exonerate you from guilt either.

Ditto the fact that this took place under the employment of James Dolan – a team owner that defended-and-paid-off every Isiah Thomas victim two decades ago.

I know that I’ve been banging this drum all-season – and really – I don’t like to do it.

But since nobody else will bring it up, then I will.

Wherever Panarin is next season, then one fact will always remain true regardless:

He’s been the greatest free agent signing in franchise history.

While mainly a no-show when it matters most (the playoffs), then at the same time – then for all of the deep playoff runs that the Rangers have had with him on the roster – then they just don’t get there without him – as in all six of his seasons here (and most likely a seventh – providing he isn’t moved at the deadline – and hell – then even if that happens – and with the Fox injury – and he still may lead the team anyway – holy run-on sentence Batman!) – and he’s led the team in all scoring statistics – goals, assists and points.

In another story unrelated to this, then team captain J.T. Miller finished with a game-high three assists.

That’s his season-high too.

And with his three apples, then Miller also finished with a game-high plus/minus rating of +3 – and where the new top pair in the Big Apple – Gavrikov and B-Schneids, also joined him with this rating – which is just to say that two games in as Fox’s replacement – and Schneider is passing the sniff test.

In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off, Tuesday night’s 3-2 overtime win against Dallas:

On Wednesday, both following the overtime win against Dallas and prior to boarding their bird to Ottawa – and the Rangers reconvened for practice in Tarrytown, NY.

As you’d expect, then due to the big win over the Big D – and the Blueshirts’ line-up, including the five-forward power-play, remained the same.

Elsewhere, and Adam Edstrom remained M.I.A. after sustaining a lower-body injury during Monday’s A.M. skate.

In news pertaining to the alumni, then I present to you the following:

*beep beep*

Mac Truck’s locked in for three more years! 👏

🗞️ https://t.co/FKD7n2mCs3 pic.twitter.com/B3p9Z9ysE3

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 4, 2025

As first reported by the Bolts, and Ryan McDonagh, who shares a birthday with me (I’m seven-years older, as I was born on 6/13/1982, he was born in 1989), re-upped in Tampa for three more years, where starting with the 2026-27 season, he’ll earn $4.1M annually – or $12.3M overall throughout the duration of the contract.

Selfishly, and I was always hoping that McDonagh would return to New York – but after this extension – then it’s never going to happen.

It’s my belief that the former “Captain Mac” already has a Hall of Fame resume.

And should he ever one day enter those hallowed halls in Toronto – then it won’t be as a Ranger – as instead of Blueshirts’ Blue – he’ll go in with Bolts’ blue colors adorned on him instead.

For all of the good that Jeff Gorton did with the Rangers, then there’s also the bad too – as that ill-fated trade from February of 2019 – where both McDonagh and J.T. Miller went to Tampa – will now always be remembered as a Top-Five worst trade in franchise history – and this is coming from the guy who literally wrote the book on this subject! (Check the PLUGS segment for more!)

Here’s word-salad Sully after Wednesday’s practice:

Here was Sully’s line-up for the twenty-ninth game of this 2025-26 season:

(Note: As the game progressed, and right around the ten-minute mark of the first period, then Brodzinski and Sheary were flip-flopped.)

FIRST LINE: Miller/Trocheck/Brodzinski

SECOND LINE: Panarin/Zibanejad/Lafreniere

THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Laba/Berard

FOURTH LINE: Sheary/Carrick/Raddysh

FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Schneider

SECOND PAIR: Soucy/Borgen

THIRD PAIR: Robertson/Morrow

STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR

BACK UP GOALIE: Spencer Martin

HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Brennan Othmann and Urho Vaakainainen

DAY-TO-DAY: Adam Edstrom

INJURED RESERVE: Jonathan Quick

LTIR: Matt Rempe and Adam Fox

BOX SCORE time.

The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:

SCORING:

PENALTIES:

TEAM STATS:

GOALIES:

Tonight was the first of two M$GN Garden of Dreams fundraisers – and where as always – many raffle prizes were up for grabs following a $100 donation.

Also “as always?”

Then should I ever win the signed Sieve Vagistat stick, then I’ll post a video on this site of me burning it!

I bring up the annual Garden of Dreams fundraiser for one reason.

Prior to last season, then this charity drive always netted in excess of $100,000 in donations – including in 2015 when I won the Zuccarello stick – which is why I was so shocked when I won – as you had over a thousand entries involved!

Once “The King of Commentary,” Rangers’ franchise icon Henrik Lundqvist, joined M$GN – and the donations continued to not only smash the $100K mark – but into the $150K+ realm too.

Last season, and I even brought this up at the time, and they only generated $70K.

Of course, the Rangers were god-awful last year (thus driving off viewership) – and so bad that the 2024-25 campaign will always be remembered as one of the worst seasons of all-time.

In turn, then you didn’t have the same viewership/eyeballs when the Rangers/M$GN last held this charity drive.

The Rangers have been running this Garden of Dreams fundraiser for nearly fifteen-years now – and where it’s recently become bi-annual too.

I bring this up, because I don’t know if it’s because they are now doing it twice a season, the economy or what – but John Giannone, during the final minutes of the post-game show, was touting how Ranger fans had donated over $60K – which would be an all-time low.

Obviously, richer fans, mainly older fans, are dying off.

A younger generation may not have an extra $100 per-pop to spare.

I totally understand – and I say this as a 43-year-old who has to work a ton of overtime in order to pay my increasing bills, including a condo maintenance fee that never ends!

I also wonder if the TV ratings of these games are falling off a cliff too – and they must be – since you now have streaming alternatives – and where in some cases – fans are watching these games off of their phones – which also means that they aren’t going to close their browser/app in order to fill out a lengthy donation form.

Plus, this team isn’t that much better from last year either, which only speaks to a shrinking audience that’s available for this promotion.

If you’ve donated to the Garden of Dreams in the past, but didn’t do so this time around, then I’d like to hear from you – and why you decided to stay away.

And with that said, GAME REVIEW time – and where I’ll try to keep it brief.

However, and as always, then if you want a complete play-by-play, then check out my live running commentary from the match here: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC

Let’s roll.

FIRST PERIOD

As noted earlier, then tonight was a tribute to everything “cowboy and country” in Ottawa – and where all of the in-house music was drowning out both Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney to start the match.

Thankfully, M$GN were able to adjust their audio levels quickly thereafter.

About a minute in, and with nothing but cowboy round-brims all over the building – and Sens’ fans wanted a penalty called against Gavrikov for wiping out Stutzle as he rocketed towards CZAR IGOR.

I must admit – I don’t watch much of the Senators (especially since they play at the same time when the Rangers do) – as they aren’t a “sexy” team to me – and like the Avalanche, Ducks, Oilers and other teams are in my eyes.

That said, and just based on this one-game evaluation – and it does feel like the German dives a lot – while crying for calls too.

Again, just my opinion off of one game.

The third line picked up right where they left off last time, as they were flying around all over the place (in a good way).

After their first (and successful) shift, and the fourth line came on – and where Carrick drove right to LM before being stopped.

In what I found hilarious, then just 2:58 in and the Rangers iced the puck – and where M$GN showed us Sully screaming “FUCKING CHRIST!”

We hadn’t even hit the 3:00 mark and the Blueshirts’ bench boss was using the Lord’s name in vain!

Immediately after Sully’s profanity?

The Rangers won their d-zone draw (because of the icing) – and blammo – the following:

LETS GO

1 MORE POINT FROM THE BOYS

Panarin gets the 2nd Assist on the Zibanejad goal https://t.co/8Jsc29jndh pic.twitter.com/73EUF4KjC4

— UziPlays (@uzi_plays) December 5, 2025

1-0, GOOD GUYS.

Right after the goal and Trocheck almost scored, but after being denied, Tkachuk, who just hopped over the boards, jetted up ice – and where CZAR IGOR didn’t just deny the American’s breakaway attempt – but then shut down his rebound try too.

As noted earlier – and Tkachuk could’ve very easily had a five-point night.

But sadly for him – and CZAR IGOR wasn’t having any of that.

In a period, and really, a sixty-minute game too, that was full of breakaways and odd-man rushes; then down to 13:28 remaining, and Spence blocked Panarin during a Rangers’ 3 x 2 chance.

Shortly thereafter, and “VLAD PARK” as Kenny Albert calls him, Vladdy “WHO’S YOUR DADDY?” Gavrikov, put the Rangers up by two-goals:

Gavrikov gives the Rangers a 2-0 LEAD! 💥 pic.twitter.com/7SEox4dMLl

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 5, 2025

As talked about above – and both Laba and Berard made this goal happen.

But kudos to #44 too – as his next goal will be a season-high.

On the shift following Gavrikov’s sixth goal of the campaign – and Perron became the second Senator to find iron instead of net.

Maybe Igor was lucky – but maybe the Sens were scared too!

As we hit the twelve-minute mark – and the Rangers only had three SOG – but when two of these three shots on goal went for scores – then you weren’t crying about another paltry SOG sum!

Conversely, and the Sens had nine SOG – and two <DINGS> too.

When Cuylle was boxed for his penalty, then Albert, and I quote, said, “The Rangers’ penalty kill haven’t given up a power-play goal in their last three games, and the Senators’ power-play has been struggling.”

The infamous-and-almighty announcer’s jinx – the kiss of death – took place next:

THERE WE GO.

Dylan Cozens finds himself with another great chance on the powerplay, and he doesn’t miss this time. Beautiful shot from the slot.

(Goal is being looked at I think? Not sure why yet)

2-1 #Rangers #Sens #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/sB9PnX24xB

— Pesky Sickos (@PeskySickos) December 5, 2025

2-1, road team.

After a monitor issue at the bench, then down to 29.1-seconds remaining, and Gavrikov and Cuylle almost hooked up, but #50’s deflection just missed.

2-1, good guys, after twenty-minutes.

Here’s what I said at the time:

2-1, #NYR, after 20. 1p thoughts:
— Wide open game, both teams with lots of odd-man chances.
— SOG 11-9, Sens and where the home team has two dings to go with their PPG.
—- Sully’s third line remains hot, set up the Gavrikov goal.
—- Nice to see the FAT CATS show up.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) December 5, 2025

SECOND PERIOD

After Mika lost the first draw of this here second stanza in Kanata, Canada – and LM made two quick stops just 1:50 in – and where Brodzinski and Sheary remained flip-flopped.

Both teams moved the puck well to start the frame – and where the Senators kinda controlled the first three-minutes of this frame too – but the Rangers would then control all play for the final 17-minutes of this period.

4:20 in, and Sanderson broke up a Panarin-to-Mika 2 x 1 try.

A few seconds later, and Lafreniere found Mika wide-open, and all alone, to the right of LM – but the back-up goalie made his best save of the game at this juncture.

As noted earlier, the Rangers, as led by Berard and Laba (again), then allowed the fourth line to come on – and where Brodzinski and Soucy, as a result, then picked up assists on Borgen’s 3-1, GOOD GUYS, goal:

Will Borgen restores the Rangers two-goal lead! pic.twitter.com/cyrbMz5srT

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 5, 2025

The Rangers continued to press once regaining their two-goal lead, as LM made stops on Lafreniere and Mika, and with the Sens chasing, this then led to the Stutzle penalty on Trocheck.

As it was noted that Maloney, on Tuesday, became a five-time grandfather (congratulations), then Mika prevented former Flyer captain, Claude Giroux, of scoring a shorty.

And once the Rangers’ 0-1, no SOG, power-play was concluded?

Then CZAR IGOR immediately denied Tkachuk on a 2 x 1 with 4:45 to go.

Come 3:55 remaining – and Trocheck looked hurt after being smushed into the boards by Cozens.

Thankfully, #16, who already missed a chunk of the season with an undisclosed injury, returned to the match without issue.

Down to 2:30 left in the period – and CZAR IGOR came up with his best save of the frame – as following a Cuylle turnover right onto the blade of the man we’d all love in New York, Brady Tkachuk – and the goalie bailed out his third-line winger with a monster robbery.

3-1, Blueshirts, after 40-minutes.

Here’s what I said at the time:

3-1, #NYR, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Ottawa owned the first three-minutes, then all #NYR after that.
— SOG 22-17, Rangers – Igor has been great – lone goal allowed was a PPG. He’s also made a bunch of big saves on Tkachuk, including one after a bad Cuylle turnover.
— Special…

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) December 5, 2025

THIRD PERIOD

As brought up before, and just a minute in – and Batherson’s stick was splintered all over the ice – but no penalty for a Rangers’ slashing.

After not being able to challenge Igor to start the period, then at around the 4:00 mark – and the Sens peppered him a bit – but where #31 was spicy himself – including when he made this breakaway save on Stutzle – and the puck that left the German’s blade too:

Stützle denied on another breakaway. Chances galore for Ottawa but Shesterkin continues to baffle them. #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/OPqh2QhqYJ

— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) December 5, 2025

Tkachuk, who found Stutzle for this breakaway, had to be frustrated – as one more time – and CZAR IGOR easily robbed him of a five-point night.

Come 12:00 remaining, and the Senators, and akin to the goal that Borgen scored, had a long attack.

However, rather than scoring, and instead they drew a penalty – as Borgen went UFC on Amadio:

Michael Amadio makes a nice play toward the net, ultimately thwarted by Will Borgen.

Borgen ends up elbowing Amadio up high and the #Sens head to the powerplay. #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/oVapvta971

— Pesky Sickos (@PeskySickos) December 5, 2025

This was the only penalty that the Rangers killed – but it wasn’t without a shart inducing moment either – as CZAR IGOR nearly scored on himself, as the usually ultra skilled puck handler fumbled like a Giant or Jet here.

But down to 6:52 remaining, and with the Rangers once again on the penalty kill, and this is when Tkachuk’s one-timer hit Batherson for the 3-2 goal:

JUST HOW THEY DREW IT UP

Brady Tkachuk’s one-timer attempt misses so basdly that it hits Drake Batherson in front and ends up in the net.

A goal is a goal. I’ll take it.

3-2 #Rangers #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/RfDS30VgzG

— Pesky Sickos (@PeskySickos) December 5, 2025

As we hit the FOXWOODS FINAL FIVE mark, and with this 3-2 score still in-tact, and Maloney said, “The Rangers need to get hard here.”

Yes – I chuckled like Beavis when those words, a sexual innuendo, escaped his mouth.

Kind of like the Stars on Tuesday night – and the Rangers, with a lead, missed a net on a wide-open 2 x 1 try – and as Mika did with 4:30 remaining.

Thankfully, this failed opportunity didn’t come back to bite the Blueshirts in the ass.

Down to 2:05 to go and this is when LM left his net – and where the Rangers seemed hellbent in not depositing a puck into it.

After a lot of dicking around, then, and thankfully at that, Panarin did, and with 44-seconds to go, 4-2, GOOD GUYS – and your final score too!

Come the end of Thursday night, then this win, and the two-points netted in the standings too, allowed the Rangers to creep closer to Carolina – but it was also “a keep the pace” victory  – as the Islanders, Flyers and Blue Jackets, the other active Metro teams, also won as well:

Come the end of the night, then had the Rangers lost or tied, then they would’ve been the worst team in the division.

I bring this up, because with a current home record of 3-8-1, then had the Rangers just won two more home games, then they’d be in first-place today.

It’s at M$G where the Blueshirts will reside this weekend.

Up first is a Saturday matinee against a Colorado Avalanche team that finally lost their second regulation game of the season – as the Islanders, UGH, absolutely molly-whopped them to a tune of 6-3.

And after losing to the Islanders – then you know that Jared Bednar’s team, who beat the Rangers three-weeks ago by that same 6-3 final, will be out for revenge – as they don’t want their first two-game losing streak of the season.

It doesn’t get any easier.

Win-or-lose against the best-in-the-NHL Avalanche, then come Sunday, at 7PM and the Rangers will host a Vegas Golden Knights team that’s getting healthy – and they won’t be as banged up as compared to the last time these two teams played – a Blueshirts’ loss in Sin City.

The crazier-than-normal schedule will then continue in a wacky fashion, as following all of these back-to-backs and three-in-four-night games – the Rangers will then return to action on Wednesday night against the Blackhawks – and then will have another two days off before hosting the Canadiens on my dad’s 75-birthday – December 13th.

After that?

A sick day from work for yours truly on December 15th – as there is no way that I’m going to miss a minute of Rangers/Ducks!

BLOG NOTE: I am taking off from this site on Saturday – as I’m going to my local watering hole, after a six-hour AM overtime shift at work no less, to watch Rangers/Avs with friends-and-family.

However, I’ll return on Sunday night, where I’ll catch up on that match, then talk about New York/Vegas too!

Bring on Colorado and Vegas.

And bring on my bed too, which of course, is my segue-way to your favorite segment, you know…

PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)

My fourth title and tenth book is now available!

“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!

For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/

My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”

As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD

For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:

Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today

My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.

My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.

To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/

To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”

The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.

All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.

To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com

To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/

If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:

Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”

If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com

For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/

Thanks for reading.

LET’S GO RANGERS!

Sean McCaffrey

BULLSMC@aol.com