N.Y. Rangers: Igor Shesterkin Rebounds With Shutout Against Columbus Blue Jackets

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

FRIDAY

Blue Jackets  0

RANGERS    4

FINAL

Chris Kreider Continues Seizing a Lead Role

Igor Shesterkin has now started six of the Rangers' eight games.  On the heels of Monday's blowout at the hands of the Calgary Flames, Shesterkin answers back with his best performance to date against Columbus.

The Rangers killed off three Blue Jacket penalties.  Shesterkin was required to make four special team saves.  Otherwise, he faced 31 total shots and stopped them all for his first shutout this season and the third of his career.

Ranger centermen generated just one point and ten shots on goal.  Ryan Strome opened the scoring at 12:29 of the first period on Artemi Panarin, and Nils Lundqvist feeds.  For the young Lindqvist, his first point this season.  Three minutes later, Alexis Lafreniere gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead on a feed from Adam Fox.

After a scoreless second period, Chris Kreider laid to rest any Columbus aspirations for a comeback.  While on a power play, Kreider stuck the dagger in Columbus' side when he tipped in Adam Fox's pass from Panarin.  He then gave it a little twist at 11:23 when he again tipped in feeds from Panarin and Fox. 

Kreider is continuing a fine start.  Through eight games, his performance remains consistent and productive.  Against the Blue Jackets, he led all forwards with seven shots on goal.  Kreider is crowding the crease and cashing in with six goals in eight games, including all four Ranger power-play goals.  Friday's game marks Kreider's second multi-point effort, both against the Rangers' last three opponents.

Said another way, Chris Kreider continues playing like he wants that C stitched to his jersey.