3 Takeaways From Rangers’ Shutout Win Over Sabres

The Sabres found their footing in the second period after Cuylle was called for tripping Peyton Krebs, but the Rangers’ penalty kill held strong. Adam Edström had a breakaway shortly after returning to even strength, but Lyon made the stop to keep Buffalo within one. Urho Vaakanainen was then called for interference on Josh Doan, giving the Rangers a power play they couldn’t convert. The Sabres responded with sustained pressure, forcing Shesterkin to make several outstanding saves while two shots rang off the post.

Midway through the frame, Buffalo pulled even in shots, and tempers flared when Braden Schneider and Jason Zucker took matching minors for roughing, leading to four-on-four play. Shesterkin came up big again, robbing Alex Tuch in by himself and making another highlight save moments later. Will Borgen was assessed a roughing penalty late in the period for removing Zucker’s helmet, but the Rangers’ penalty kill stood tall. The Sabres outshot New York 24–21 through two, with the Rangers still holding a 1–0 lead.

The Rangers and Sabres traded penalties early in the third, with Tage Thompson heading off for high-sticking Cuylle before Cuylle took his second penalty of the night for tripping Doan. Neither side capitalized, as the Rangers’ penalty kill stayed perfect and the power play continued to struggle. Midway through the period, Justin Danforth was called for hooking Vaakanainen, giving New York its third power play of the game. With Vincent Trocheck injured mid-game and out for the remainder of the night, Lafrenière filled in on the top unit, but the Rangers again couldn’t convert, finishing 0-for-3 on the night and 0-for-5 on the season.

Panarin sparked the Rangers’ second goal with a strong forecheck, feeding J.T. Miller, who found Borgen at the point. Borgen found Carson Soucy, who beat Lyon to make it 2–0 with just over five minutes left. Three minutes later, Miller tipped a Schneider shot past Lyon for a 3–0 lead, and moments after Buffalo pulled its goalie, Adam Fox sealed the win with an empty-netter just 14 seconds later. Shesterkin stopped all 36 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season as the Rangers closed out a dominant 4–0 victory, but the Rangers were heavily outshot over the final 40 minutes, and the power play remains a growing concern.

Rangers Takeaways

1. Shesterkin was brilliant for the second straight game, stopping all 36 shots he faced and keeping the Rangers in control even as they were outshot heavily. He made several key saves in the second period when Buffalo generated sustained pressure, giving the Rangers the stability they needed. Without him, the outcome could have been very different. This is the Shesterkin the Rangers will need going forward.
2. Lafrenière had two points, including the first goal of the Rangers’ season, and continued his strong start. His goal came from hard work down low, capitalizing on a loose puck behind the net, and he later added an assist on Miller’s goal. After a quieter year last season, the Rangers will need him to keep playing with the same consistency and confidence he’s shown through the first two games.
3. The power play is a major concern. The Rangers went 0-for-3 last night after going 0-for-2 in the opener, and the unit hasn’t been able to generate enough quality chances. For a team that often leans on its power play to produce offense, it’s an area that needs to improve quickly. The power play was a major problem last season as well.
4. Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 11, 7:00 PM ET, at Pittsburgh Penguins.