For the net

The NHL is well and truly back. If you need any more proof, just look at what the Rangers did to the Pens back on October 11th. On Mike Sullivan’s return to PPG Paints Arena, New York steamrolled Pittsburgh 6-1. It was exactly the type of high octane action that NHL fans needed after months of no professional hockey. In light of that, Let’s break down all the storylines from the game and predict whats next for both teams.

Key Moments

The opening salvo came just past the 7:30 mark of the first period. Fan favorite Mika Zibanejad struck short-handed to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead, with box Fox and Carrick assisting.

Pittsburgh then struck back early in the second via Ben Kindel. While tying the game 1-1, this goal also served as Kindels first at the NHL level. And while we love that for him, the New York Rangers didn’t plan on lying down after this.

Seizing control, Adam Fox answered just minutes later with a go-ahead marker (followed by a power play goal later on).

In between Fox’s goals, Will Cuylle extended the Rangers lead with his own power play goal. And in the third, New York finally stopped punishing Pittsburgh after Matt Rempe and Taylor Raddysh got on the board.

By the final horn, it was made crystal clear that Saturday night belonged to the Rangers. And while balanced scoring paved the way for this win, strong goaltending from Igor Shesterkin played a role as well.

Standout Performers

Adam Fox was the Rangers X-Factor. His dominance ensured that he recorded two goals and one assist, finishing as the engine behind New York’s surge.

Igor Shesterkin didn’t have much to do, but when called upon he gave the Rangers the stability they needed. He made 18 saves overall.

New York’s depth contributors also helped set up plays to feed the top lines. And they did it on a consistent basis. Sam Carrick, Adam Edstrom, and Noah Laba all finished the game with two assists apiece. Let’s hope they keep that kind of play up.

On the Penguins side, Ben Kindel was their bright spot on an otherwise rough night. But that’s about it for them.

Behind the bench

This game in particular carried extra narrative weight. It served as Sullivan’s return to Pittsburgh, where he spent ten seasons coaching the Pens before moving to New York. Sullivan reflected on the game by saying: “Its emotional…when you watch a tribute like that…it brings back a flood of emotions”. We bet it does, Mike. We bet it does.

What this result means

The Rangers have now improved to 2-1-0 on the season. They’ve communicated that all their lines are carrying daggers, not just at the top. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s new coaching era hit a snag, and some glaring defensive errors will need to be addressed. On the contrary, the New York Rangers power play, penalty kill, and transition game were all sharp. I’ll go ahead and say that’s a sign that they’re starting to find their identity under Sullivan. I know its way too early in the season for comments like that, but I’ll stand by it.