NEW YORK — Rangers coach Gerard Gallant had hoped that fatigue had been the main reason for his team's shabby performance in Monday’s loss to Calgary, and he might have been on to something.
Because on Friday, after a couple of practices and a day off, the Rangers were energetic and peppy in putting together a sharp, entertaining performance in a 4-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden. The victory was the Rangers’ first home win of the season and gave them a split of their two-game homestand before they embark on a four-game road trip.
Two power-play goals by Chris Kreider, three assists each by Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin, and goals by Ryan Strome and Alexis Lafreniere powered the offense, while Igor Shesterkin kicked out 31 shots to earn his third career shutout as the Rangers improved to 5-2-1 on the season.
