Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Gavin McKenna, we never got a chance to know ye!
The Rangers, who entered the Olympic break on a four-game losing streak, while also going 2-11-1 ever since their 5-1 Winter Classic win over Florida (January 2nd), are now 5-1-2 following the conclusion of the world-wide games that were played over in Italy.
As a result, and for a centennial club that’s set nothing but futile records all season – they are now setting season-highs – and both from team and individual realms.
Granted, and as noted ever since the break – and the Blueshirts have been fortunate to draw some of the worst teams in the NHL today – and teams, who just like them – have also embraced rebuilding/retooling too.
As also previously brought up in this space, then Saturday’s game in Minnesota, against the red-hot Wild, will be a true litmus test.
Is this just a fool’s gold run – or can these monkey-off-our-backs (and with the alleged sexual assaulter no longer in the mix either) Rangers, convince GM Chris Drury that he was right when used the word “retool” – and not “rebuild?”
As it’s been all along (heck – and even since the dumbass decision to trade Chris Kreider over the summer), then it’s my opinion that the Blueshirts should do everything in their power to increase their odds at landing the first-overall pick come June.
After all, then there is no pending unrestricted free agent on the market today that could realistically bolster them to Cup contender status.
If it’s not McKenna, then where is the outside help going to come from?
The only way Drury can find that outside help is if he can somehow increase the political tensions north of the border, and in turn, land either Auston Matthews (Toronto) or Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa).
And if he could land both of them?
Then let’s ROCK!
Whether you’re in my camp (TANK) or not (and that’s fine too), then there is one thing that we can all agree upon:
Alexis Lafreniere is finally playing the best hockey of his career – and where in turn – he’s showing us right now, and despite how short of a sample size this all is (and what kind of sample it is too, when you consider the competition) – that he can do it.
While I still don’t buy the lazy take of “NDA PANARIN HELD LAFRENIERE DOWN,“ as after all, and as fully explained last time around on this site, then #13 would’ve never received his FAT CAT contract without the former #10 of the club, nor reach the playoffs either; but for the last two-weeks – and Lafreniere is enjoying the most individual success of his career.
Perhaps crazier than that?
Then maybe there is a shot that Lafreniere could actually become one of the faces of the franchise (instead of another one of their laundry list of draft mistakes) – and as everyone expected right out of the gate when that infamous ping-pong ball popped out during the NBC broadcasted 2020 NHL Draft Lottery.
Then again – and perhaps this is just another tease from a player that’s given plenty of them – and including to a GM who then signed him to a seven-year deal worth $52.15M overall after only one decent season of play.
My take?
This is nice, but I need to see it next season – and then beyond – and then hopefully during a Canyon of Heroes celebration too.
Until then, I still err on the side of this age-old adage – “BUYER BEWARE!”
For fans of tanking, then while CZAR IGOR continues to blow up that idea on a game-by-game basis, then at least the teams that the Rangers are “chasing” at the bottom of the standings also won on Thursday night – as Toronto, Florida, Calgary, St. Louis, Chicago and Vancouver all emerged victorious in their matches.
For optimistic tankers (what an oxymoron), then Thursday night was a wash.
But, and just like that infamous April 10th game from last year, the one that I haven’t shut up about for nearly a year now (the 9-2 meaningless win against the Islanders) – then which one of these recent Ranger wins will take them out of the McKenna Sweepstakes?
At least McKenna, and unlike Matthew Schaefer, won’t land with the Rangers’ biggest rival come the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
And can you imagine if McKenna winds up in Chicago with Conor Bedard?
If that’s the case, then the Blackhawks may enjoy another mini-dynasty – and all while the Rangers are stuck on only four Stanley Cup wins during the past hundred-plus years.
Perish the thought!
As noted above, then the Jets, and much like the Flyers on Monday night, entered Thursday with a chance to get two easy points against the worst team in the Eastern Conference.
Winnipeg and Philadelphia, both currently outside-looking-in, with a win over the Blueshirts, would’ve only been four-points away from the second wild card spot in their respective conferences.
As it was on Monday (and as it was on Tuesday against Calgary too) – and the Rangers’ goaltender, their top line, young players and another complete-and-entire sixty-minute effort to boot, dashed playoff hopes for their opposition.
Prior to Thursday night and the Rangers had only one three-game winning streak – and where overtime was required in order to meet such a feat.
This current three-game and season-high winning streak?
Then the Blueshirts have not only bashed and blown out their opponents – but they haven’t squandered a minute either.
I can’t stress this enough – we’ve just witnessed 180 consecutive minutes of ALL-EFFORT HOCKEY – and all without Captain Culture, J.T. Miller, in the line-up – who you know – following his most recent game played – and he blamed the fans for booing this god-awful team.
While some viewers of the Rangers’ 6-3 double-up job of the Jets may use the word “boring” to describe it (as there wasn’t much offensive action or shots on goal until the third period); but what every Blueshirt backer can also say was that this game was well-played.
A conservative approach, while taking chances whenever they became available, is how the Blueshirts succeeded in Winnipeg.
The first chance came early, as just 59-seconds after puck drop and Gabriel Vilardi was boxed for hooking Braden Schneider.
This was a bad call – and how bad was it?
So bad, that even the biggest homer in the land, current M$GN analyst and former team captain, Dave Maloney, said that this penalty was made-up – and how it should have never been called.
But that was a problem for the ‘Peggers – and not for the Rangers.
Just nine-seconds into the Blueshirts’ first power-play of the game – and BLAMMO – Mika, who saved the puck from going offside, dished it over to Adam Fox – and that’s all she wrote – as the 2021 Norris Trophy winner rifled home a 1-0, away team, goal at just the 1:08 mark of the contest.
It should also be mentioned that it looked like Trocheck got a piece of it, but according to the official statisticians and no contact was made.
But regardless – and Trocheck was screening his USA teammate, Jets’ goalie, Connor Hellebuyck.
Now down a goal and Jonathan Toews immediately had a chance to tie – but CZAR IGOR quickly snuffed out this breakaway try.
A save like this just stunted the Rangers’ opponents.
In a match that was so conservatively played, that the SOG counter read 3-2 when the Jets received their first power-play with 8:42 remaining (Gavrikov for interfering with Cole Koepke); then following the Rangers’ first-and-only penalty kill of the match – and CZAR IGOR finished as a flawless 2/2 – and that was it.
As the M$GN continued to bombard us with donation information for their bi-annual (second) Garden of Dreams fundraiser of the season (more on this below – but where this was the biggest flop yet – and for all of the reasons that you might expect); then we remained with this 1-0 score through twenty-minutes of play.
We also saw a SOG total of 6-3, home team, at the time too.
But a high total of SOG wasn’t a concern for the Blueshirts on this night.
The only thing that mattered to them, and the only thing that matters in general, was goals for.
By the end of the night?
Then following this 6-3 SOG first period stat, the Jets then out-shot the Rangers 11-6 in the second period – then 9-8 in the third – a grand total of Winnipeg 26 – New York 17.
In turn?
Then by the end of the game, the Rangers finished the match with a season-high shooting percentage of 35%!
Isak “NO RELATIONS WITH ME JOE” Rosen tied the game, 1-1, just 2:21 into the second stanza, following a deflection off a shot from Jacob Bryson.
If there was one thing that was for sure on Thursday night, then it was the fact that both scouting and coaching departments pleaded with their players to go for tips and deflections – as that was how these goaltenders were largely beaten.
Case in point?
When Lafreniere, still channeling his inner Chris Kreider, did the same exact thing as Rosen – and as he did at the 7:36 mark of this frame – following a blast from Big Billy Borgen.
2-1.
Down to 2:11 remaining – and the Blueshirts blew their second one-goal lead of the game.
This time, and it was the Olympic gold medal winner, Kyle Connor, dancing around the Olympic snub, Adam Fox, then beating CZAR IGOR, for the 2-2 equalizer.
I bring up the Olympic stuff here because I just want to get this out of my system:
For all of the never-ending, and sometimes nauseating talk about the Fox snub (and I don’t need to explain it all again for you), then perhaps Lafreniere, the only recent first-overall pick not to even be considered, much less play for his team (Canada – and where both Bedard and Schaefer are younger than him – but where both of these players WERE up for consideration), is looking to prove all of his snub-doubters wrong the most.
Following this Connor goal (clip included in the GAME REVIEW segment), then all of the Fox haters loudly-and-proudly pointed this play out as the reason why he was snubbed – but nary a word either about his opening PPG.
To them and not only was Fox not Olympic – but he played as small as an Ozempic too!
Just sayin’!
Entering the third period still tied at 2-2 – then, and just like the last two games – and the Rangers exploded with a barrage of goals – but to be fair – then there was less than ten-minutes remaining when Sully’s Squad first scored their insurance goal.
Prior to that and Matthew Robertson blasted a puck – and where in the aftermath of such a blast – then there was the newest Ranger, Tye Kartye, for the deflection.
3-2 – and at just the 1:15 mark.
And it must be said too:
Yet again this week, and the Rangers have bucked their negative trend – as they were the ones – and not their opponents – to score an early goal at the start of the period.
And for the second time this week?
They did it twice in the same game!
And yep, and I’m still looking for this answer:
What 13th forward in Seattle beat out Kartye for a Krakhead roster spot?
Kartye has been a nice find for Drury – and whether his excellent play is because of the poor opposition or not – then either way – and you can only play who’s on the docket.
Kartye?
After tonight, and he’s now enjoying a career-high four-game scoring streak (2G, 3A, 5P).
The Blueshirts soon blew their third one-goal lead of the game – and as they did at the 4:19 mark -when Vilardi beat CZAR IGOR off a Jets’ swarm and a rebound afforded in his crease.
3-3.
With each side now with a field goal a piece – the Rangers would kick one more – while also shutting down the Jets for the rest of the way too.
At the 6:57 mark, Lafreniere led a rush into the Jets’ zone – and by the end of it – Schneider found Perreault for an easy tap-in goal.
4-3 – and again -your game-winner too.
I don’t know the answer to this, but let’s assume this is true – as I can’t think of another occasion:
Then with Gabriel Vilardi scoring prior to this, and with Gabriel Perreault scoring here – then this was the first time in NHL history where two Gabe’s, from either side, scored consecutive goals!
The more you know!
Adam Edstrom, promoted to the second line tonight, soon made his future Hall of Fame coach look like genius.
With 8:52 remaining, and fearing another Jets’ comeback – and Big Ed – or as Maloney calls him, “THE SWEDISH CONDOR” – took a pass from Trocheck – and then cleanly beat Donald Trump’s favorite goalie today.
5-3.
The Jets, who would eventually pull their goalie with 2:33 remaining, saw Kartye factor into this game once more.
In a pair of individual, physical and WE F’N WANT IT plays, and Kartye battled for a puck in his own end, while Noah Laba battled for it in the other.
The end result?
A 6-3 empty-netter for my niece’s favorite player, #42, Mr. Laba!
I know that I’ve been redundant, repetitive and pretty much pessimistic ever since Drury’s “RETOOL” letter – but to be fair – then it is a season-long story too.
While I can’t let go of the idea of McKenna; but I can also admit that these last three wins have been fun to watch.
I just wish that I saw them earlier this season.
That said?
Then at least it’s a lot of the future that’s succeeding now – and if they can do it in the Land of 10,000 Lakes on Saturday – then I’ll somewhat turn the corner!
Let’s now get into all of our other usual segments – including a rare interview with an English-speaking NDA Panarin.
But up first, and in case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers’ 4-0 shutout of the Flames:
NYR/CGY 3/10 Review: TORCHED! Refuse-To-Lose Meaningless Games Rangers Douse Tanking Flames, Alexis Lafreniere Picks Up Hat Trick; Shutout For Jonathan Quick, Gabe Perreault All The Rave – But The Gavin McKenna Dream Continues to Fade, Another Full 60-Minute Effort; Special Teams Show Up, Top Line Chemistry, Brennan Othmann Can’t Even Play in “The Toilet Lotto Bowl,” Crazy Stats, M$GN & More
Following the Rangers’ shutout victory from Tuesday night, the team then flew out to Winnipeg on Wednesday.
The only off-ice news from the team’s travel day was that Brett Berard was sent back to Hartford for the twentieth time this season.
In a corresponding move, then Taylor Raddysh, previously non-rostered for personal reasons (the death of his father), returned to the club.
I’m still surprised that Raddysh rushed himself back into the mix – as it would’ve been completely understandable had he requested more time off – and especially with where the Rangers are at today.
Furthermore, and not to be callous here either – and it’s highly doubtful that Raddysh will be a Ranger next season.
Come Thursday morning, GAME DAY, and the team practiced in Manitoba, where “Captain Culture,” J.T. Miller, resumed with his recovery.
Despite winning their past two games with the same line-up; then Silly Sully decided to tinker a bit, as he promoted Edstrom to the second line, while returning Brodzinski to the fourth line.
Raddysh was given the night off, and where it’s possible that both he and Miller could return to the line-up as soon as Saturday in Minnesota.
(But after these last three games – then do you want to see that?)
As far as anything else, then as expected after Quick started last time around, CZAR IGOR was returned to the starter’s net.
The L.A. Kings, now featuring NDA Panarin, are currently on their NYC area road-trip, as they will play guest at IBS on Friday night, at the Pebble on Saturday night, then come Monday – PRIDE NIGHT (where FAG BAGS and FANNY PACKS are being offered – you gotta laugh!), play at M$G against the Rangers.
For whatever reason, then the majority of the birdbrain Blueshirts’ beat didn’t go on this Winnipeg/Minnesota road-trip.
Funny enough?
It was my original plan to attend both of these games – as of the four NHL cities that I haven’t visited in my life – then Winny & Minny compromise half of them.
However, then due to Somali pirates and a crazy liberal-ran Minnesota – then yours truly, and my fellow road-trippers, including the always mentioned TEN O’CLOCK TOMMY, decided to take a pass.
After all, then we did Seattle during the height of CHOP/CHAD/crazed maniacs running around with colored-hair and nose rings – and we just didn’t want to do it again.
And yeah – we could never get our vacation time at work to align with this potential getaway either.
I don’t know if the likes of Colin Stephenson (Newsday) and Peter Baugh (the liberal ran The Athletic) had no desire to visit a liberal shithole (Minnesota) – and one of the least desired cities in the league too (Winnipeg – and as voted on by NHL players); but either way, then both of these scribes were on Long Island on Thursday – as the Kings, ahead of their Friday match against the Islanders, were practicing in East Meadow – formerly the home of the last “HOOTERS” on L.I.!
Getting ahead of Monday’s hysteria – and both members of the beat interviewed Panarin.
You can read their respective sites for all of it; but Panarin, when trying to earn sympathy, said “they didn’t want me,” when asked if he would’ve been willing to take a two-year deal worth $22M in N.Y. – and as he did in L.A.
Not mentioned?
How Panarin never wanted to give Drury/the Rangers a team discount during all of his previous negotiations.
I must also give credit to Baugh too.
In his story, then he said that he asked Panarin if his sexual assault allegations/confirmed NDA signing was part of the reason why – while also giving the alleged Russian Rapist a chance to defend himself too.
Panarin declined to comment about anything related to this matter – but continued to speak perfect English when doing the “woe-is-me” act about his Rangers’ departure.
Just to mention it, then from what’s out there, then Panarin wasn’t asked about turning down a $56M/four-year deal with Seattle.
Maybe we’ll get that question on Monday.
Also of note?
Then the Rangers have continued their “Breadman Ban” with their social media staffers – as they are still no longer allowed to travel and mingle with the team despite the alleged sex fiend no longer in New York.
In some future/prospect news, then Drury got his “Little Lamb” signed on Thursday.
The following comes from https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-brody-lamb:
New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Brody Lamb on a two-year, entry-level contract.
Lamb, 22, recorded 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 35 games as a captain for the University of Minnesota this season. Among all Minnesota skaters, he ranked second in goals, tied for second in points and ranked third in assists. His 30 points and 16 assists were both career-highs.
In four seasons with Minnesota, the 6-1, 179-pound forward collected 91 points (47G-44A) in 152 games. Last season, he led the Gophers with eight power play goals and ranked third in goals (17). He was named Big Ten Conference Second Star of the Week twice in 2024-25 and once in 2023-24. During the 2023-24 season, he tied for second on Minnesota with four game-winning goals.
Prior to playing collegiately, the Rochester, Minnesota skated in 72 games across two seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. He recorded 41 points (19G-22A) in 62 games during the 2021-22 season and tied for third in goals among all Gamblers skaters. He also appeared in 10 games at the end of the 2020-21 season with the Gamblers and tallied two assists.
Lamb was originally selected by the Blueshirts in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Unlike Gabe Perreault, who had the first-year of his entry-level-contract (ELC) burnt last year – and Lamb will report to Hartford on a try-out contract.
As a result, he’ll finish the season with the Wolf Pack – and then his standard three-year ELC will begin next season.
Why bring this up?
Just to tell you that Perreault’s ELC expires at the end of next season (2026-27) – and just to spitball – then what do you think his next contract will look like?
Here was Silly Sully’s line-up for the sixty-fifth game of this wretched-and-rotten 2025-26 season:
FIRST LINE: Perreault/Mika/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Edstrom/Trocheck/Cuylle
THIRD LINE: Kartye/Laba/Sheary
FOURTH LINE: Brodzinski/Parssinen/Chmelar
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Robertson/Schneider
THIRD PAIR: Vaakanainen/Borgen
STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
BACKUP GOALIE: Quick
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Taylor Raddysh and Vincent Iorio
IR: J.T. Miller and Matt Rempe
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 27 | 3 | 24 | .889 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 59:09 | 0 |
|
WPG
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 16 | 5 | 11 | .688 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 57:43 | 0 |
Tonight’s M$GN broadcast was the second Garden of Dreams fundraiser of the season – and where I now believe that we’ve had twenty of these charity drives over the years too.
For whatever reason, than rather to use one of the faces of the franchise today, Henrik Lundqvist – and instead we had that egomaniac Sieve Vagistat.
Just to fast-forward ahead, and since I’ve been relaying to you what’s said on their air during these occasions (and I donate to every single one of them – so it’s all fair game); then by the end of the night (into the post-game show) and John Giannone was thanking fans for “raising nearly $40,000.”
Holy shit.
In the past, and the Rangers/M$GN would easily smash-and-surpass the $100K figure.
At their height and they were flirting with $200,000 in donations.
During the past two seasons, and between the team being atrocious (which results in low viewership – and case in point – as noted in January of this season – and this has been a down year for site traffic – and even if I don’t care about such things) and this event taking place so late during a god-awful year – and they couldn’t even raise $40K by the time tonight’s game concluded.
My, oh my, have the mighty have fallen.
I mean, they couldn’t even have Lundqvist there?
He would’ve been good for a few thousand himself.
They have the worst goalie, the smuggest jackass of them all, Vagistat, as the company’s spokesperson?
As a result, then it’s no wonder at all why this was the worst received Garden of Dreams fundraiser ever since the Rangers & M$GN started holding these events.
As far as anything else worth noting from this pregame show, the following:
— Giannone echoed what I’ve been saying ever since the Olympic break – the Rangers have played nothing but cup cakes (but doing their job in those games) – and where Saturday in Minnesota will be telling.
— CZAR IGOR was wearing a new mask (as pictured above – and one more time below too) – all white – and with no color to be found.
— To fast-forward, then after the game, CZAR IGOR said that his new white mask wasn’t a mistake (lost/damaged in travel) – as rather than that and he said he wanted to try something new – then added he didn’t have the time to get it painted yet either. (He was laughing during all of this.)
— And after tonight, then he may wait a bit for a paint-job – as there is no one else in the land more superstitious than professional athletes.
— After Sieve Vagistat jerked himself off to kingdom come when talking about his made-up charts; then Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney finally reunited for the first time in weeks.
— Maloney, well refreshed, sported a tan that even Trump and Hulk Hogan would be jealous over.
— Albert, hoarse against Philly, was back to his normal and excellent self.
— Last but not least? Then, and as always, if I’m named the winner of the signed Vagistat stick – then I’ll post a video of it being burnt!
GAME REVIEW time – and you know my usual spiel – which includes how if you want my complete play-by-play, then check out my Tweeter/X feed over at: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC
Everything else below will be clips and whatever else that I haven’t mentioned yet.
Let’s roll – and let’s roll fast – as I do have to be up early tomorrow for some O.T. at the real J-O-B!
FIRST PERIOD
After Zibanejad beat Scheifele at the dot in the game’s first faceoff (surprisingly, Mika had no SOG tonight – but he did finish 8/16, 50%, at the circles – and he did get the game’s first assist too), then up next was Fox’s power-play goal:
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) March 13, 2026
1-0.
Just a minute later – and CZAR IGOR absolutely robbed Toews on his breakaway try.
With not much going on offensively at 5 x 5, then, and even at only the 5:00 mark – and Edstrom’s physicality was noticeable.
Ditto Trocheck, Laba and Kartye, who all finished with Ranger game-highs of four hits a piece.
As it was last game and the Rangers also did a very good job of blocking shots – including game-high leader Adam Fox (4).
It wasn’t until the 8:18 mark of the game when Kartye registered the Blueshirts’ first even-strength shot of the game – and their second in total.
After CZAR IGOR made two saves on the Rangers’ first-and-last penalty kill of the game, then, and with 5:11 to go, Hucklebuck made a great save on a backhanded Cuylle attempt.
As both teams continued to struggle to generate offense, then we remained at 1-0, Rangers, through twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-0, #NYR after 20 minutes. 1P Thoughts:
— SOG 5-3, Jets – not much going on – but there was a 9:00 stretch there without a whistle/stoppage
— Fox gets a PP early and no scoring.
— Igor has the save of the game thus far, robbed Toews on a breakaway.
— Winnipeg crowd…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) March 13, 2026
SECOND PERIOD
Kartye, who just owned this game, made a nice rush to the net 2:05 in, but couldn’t finish the play for a goal.
After that, the Rosen goal:
Jacob Bryson with a great point shot, and it looks like it’s redirected by Isak Rosen.
Great shot, and the love is poured on during the goal announcement.
The #NHLJets are all tied up early in the second period. 1-1 game. #ITR pic.twitter.com/WwkwxfzMU1
— Conrad Jack (@jacko_media) March 13, 2026
“OH JOE, THAT’S ROSEN’S FIRST GOAL AS A JET JOE – AND MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI ALWAYS SCORE AGAINST THEM JOE! WHERE’S MY WINE JOE?”
Now 1-1 at the 2:21 mark, and Kenny & Dave then started singing the praises of former Ranger, a Winnipeg native too, James Patrick.
I know that I’ve said some form of this 79867986979696976 times, but what’s one more:
Patrick is the most forgotten Ranger of them all.
All of these centennial ceremonies, eight in all, and the Blueshirts shunned him.
Whether or not he denied an invite I don’t know – but the Rangers never mentioned him at all during any one of them.
As far as why there’s bad blood between the two sides?
Well, then read my first book for all of it!
(In short, he was mad about the way Mike Keenan and Neil Smith dealt him – and since the Rangers then won the Stanley Cup a few months later afterwards – and Patrick, one of the greatest rearguards in franchise history, soon became an afterthought. The ascension of Brian Leetch didn’t help matters either.)
Down to 12:24 remaining and this is when Lafreniere regained the Rangers’ lead:
Alexis Lafreniere puts the Rangers back ahead after tipping in Will Borgen’s point shot.
The Rangers really turned it up after the #NHLJets tied it briefly.
2-1 game. #ITR pic.twitter.com/bQHNiFvRKn
— Conrad Jack (@jacko_media) March 13, 2026
2-1 – and where at the time – the Rangers were also shooting at 33.3% (2/6).
Come 11:02 remaining and CZAR IGOR denied a sneaky Connor backhanded attempt – but the American would soon best him.
As we approached the half-way mark of the game, the Rangers then spent over two-minutes in the Jets’ zone, which as a result, forced Elias Salomonsoon to high-stick Jaroslav Chmelar.
The Blueshirts’ power-play wasn’t that good here.
In fact, the Jets had two short-handed chances to score – while the Rangers never registered a SOG.
But no matter, as once returned to even-strength – and the Blueshirts maintained their lead.
As we hit five-minutes remaining – and the Rangers still only had six SOG.
In real-time, then here’s how I recapped our next scoring play:
Igor stops Connor again, 2:25 to go – Jets getting zone time but not many SOG – and as I say this – just fourteen seconds later – and Connor makes it 2-2 with 2:11 to go. The American beats Igor with some sweet hands.
Here’s the goal – and one that many Fox haters ripped him for too:
Kyle Connor dances around Fox for an absolute beauty of a goal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SER42gMNSB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 13, 2026
2-all through forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-2 through 2. 2P Thoughts:
— #NYR being out-shot 2:1, 16-8.
— Jets have created a lot of chances, but didn’t really start turning it on until the Rangers’ failed second PP.
— Rangers’ top line scores again – Perreault with another point (secondary assist on Laf goal).
—…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) March 13, 2026
THIRD PERIOD
In a tied game – then the Rangers would soon score four goals in this period – while the Jets only scored one – here at Manitoba Square Garden!
Just 35-seconds in – and Scheifele, on a breakaway, blew by Mika and hit the post.
That was the second <DING> for the Jets on this night – and their second breakaway failure too.
In order to capture the essence of what happened next, then here’s what I said in real-time about Kartye’s goal:
Robertson almost catches Hucklebuck off-guard, gold medal winner makes the stop, 69 (nice) seconds in.
And right after stopping Robertson, NYR win the o-zone faceoff afforded (Sheary), Robo blast, Kartye deflects it and it’s now 3-2, just 1:15 in. Two deflection goals for the Rangers – maybe 3 if they change the PPG from Fox to Trocheck.
Here’s Kartye’s fifth goal of the season:
Tye Kartye makes it a 3-2 Rangers game early in the 3rd period. pic.twitter.com/aks0dTQ40g
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 13, 2026
Seriously – who was the 13th forward in Seattle that beat out Kartye?
I know that these games are meaningless, the opponent, blah-blah-blah – but he’s been a solid addition to this line-up – and should he keep this up – and he’ll have a future next season here too.
Since these games are always emotional roller-coasters, then, and at the 4:19 mark, Vilardi scored a backhanded rebound goal after an initial save on Adam Lowry:
Macarena gets to ring out here at Canada Life Centre as Gabriel Vilardi nets his 25th of the season.
The #NHLJets get some good legs out of their top-six leading up to that goal.
3-3 game. #ITR pic.twitter.com/Vpp35BWwLB
— Conrad Jack (@jacko_media) March 13, 2026
3-3.
And it always feels like, Palms are sweaty, Mom’s Spaghetti, Cole Perfetti, gets a point against the Rangers – and as he did here – via his secondary helper.
Up next?
Lafreniere being stripped on a 3 x 2 attack – but a Rangers’ recovery too – which then led to Perreault’s game-winner:
Gabe Perreault gives the Rangers the lead again in the 3rd period. pic.twitter.com/ygiKsx1j9Q
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 13, 2026
4-3, Blueshirts.
And come 8:52 remaining?
5-3, Rangers – and courtesy of Big Ed:
Adam Edstrom gives the Rangers some insurance halfway through the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/0AHMuFvQbJ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 13, 2026
You have to laugh.
This season has been one of the worst in franchise history – but yet – the Rangers can’t tank correctly – and all while beating a Presidential Medal of Freedom winner too.
Not even Team Canada could do that!
To close the game, then both Kartye and Laba worked their asses off when getting the Blueshirts’ 6-3 empty netter:
karts and laba are you KIDDING ME pic.twitter.com/88OfhOr5lZ
— alexandra (@borgenszn) March 13, 2026
6-3, your final.
Another impressive win for the Rangers – and only time will tell if they’ll eventually live to regret it – and as they did when they beat the Isles last year. (Have I mentioned that game one or 675675567858 times yet?)
Can you believe that Mats Zuccarello will turn 39-years-old in 2026 – and as he will come September 1st of this year?
And can you believe that he’s now been in Minnesota longer than he’s been in New York too?
For most of us – and this will make us feel old – extremely old at that.
Up Next For The Rangers: You already know – Minnesota.
There are plenty of subplots in this game, aside from the Blueshirts trying to prove themselves against a legit Cup contender.
For starters, can Fox show up Quinn Hughes?
Not only was Fox snubbed by his own GM and head coach – but Hughes, easily at that, is the best American defenseman in the game today – and where only the Canadian Cale Makar can challenge him for best rearguard status in all of the game in 2026.
(And no disrespect intended here for another gold medal Olympian, CBJ’s Zach Werenski.)
Elsewhere, and can Trocheck, who even took pictures with American members of the Wild prior to the commencement of the eventual gold medal victory, make Minnesota & Team USA GM, Bill Guerin, regret his decision not to meet Drury’s price for him at the deadline?
Trocheck, and as covered/as we all know, was willing to accept his fate – and a brand new green jersey too.
It should be mentioned that the Wild, in a super-tough Central division, were upset on Thursday night on home ice by Philadelphia.
In other words, then they most likely will come out completely pissed-off on Saturday against the Rangers.
And unlike their loss against Philly, where back-up Jesper Wallstedt as in their net – and starter Filip Gustavsson will get the nod – and presumably – play against CZAR IGOR too.
Up Next For Me: I have a crazy weekend of overtime work at the real job – so I won’t be able to live-tweet everything – but I’ll try to return sometime on Sunday with a few words.
(That said – and I’m trying to wiggle some of my hours away – as I do want to see this game.)
Up Next For All Of Us: Our 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
Just read that Sully will put JT back on PP unit 1 instead of Perrault. Hopefully he keeps Perrault at 5 on 5 with Mika and Laf. As always, excellent write up Sean.