Kappo Kakko ended his 19-game goal dry spell scored twice last night in a 5-3 win over Buffalo.
Rangers scored two power play goals both by Kreider (15,16). Artemi Panarin cashed in three more assists (18-20). Ryan Strome had two assists (15-16).
Adam Fox calculated three points including a goal and two assists.
Rangers need Shesterkin back. Kinkaid made some great saves in the first two periods. Then he looked like a AHL goalie at the start of the third. He only faced 19 shots but gave up three goals. Only 1 goal was calculated as a high danger chance.
The real discussion who will be the backup goalie once Shesterkin returns. Georgiev has a 2.92 GAA and under .900 SV% (897%). His Wins Above Replacement is -1.06 worst on the Rangers. (according to moneypuck.com) Kinkaid’s WAR is better, SV% and GAA
Kinkaid is not better than Shesterkin but has been more serviceable and would not be shocking if Georgiev is demoted this week. I would demote Georgiev for a week or two and see how Kinkaid plays.
The bottom line Rangers might be able to make a push to the postseason if Shesterkin looks like pre-injury and scoring shows up.
Another positive sign is Mika Zibanejad who picked up another point Monday night and looks like his old self. With Panarin, Kreider, Zibanejad, Buchnevich, Strome, and Fox contributing and healthy it makes you think this team can make a run for a playoff spot. If Miller and Kakko help even better. Hopefully Lafreniere and Chytil the reality can step in.
Rangers are four points behind Boston for the last playoff spot. They will have a tighter schedule down the stretch because of their reason Covid outbreak. They are scheduled to play the Islanders on Thursday night.
Rangers visit Philadelphia for a two game set starting on Thursday night at 7pm