Hurricanes Silence Rangers at MSG as Bussi Blanks Hometown Team
A new chapter officially began for the New York Rangers on Thursday night, but it didn’t exactly start the way the home crowd at Madison Square Garden had hoped. Just 24 hours after trading away star winger Artemi Panarin, the Rangers were shut out by a surging Carolina Hurricanes squad that’s now riding a ten-game point streak.
And while the storylines were swirling around New York, it was Carolina’s Brandon Bussi who stole the show in his first career start at MSG - and he did it in front of a crowd packed with friends and family.
Let’s break this one down.
Bussi’s Broadway Debut: A Masterclass in Calm
You couldn’t script a better homecoming for Brandon Bussi. The Long Island native - a lifelong Rangers fan - made his third straight start for the Hurricanes and delivered his most memorable performance yet: a 16-save shutout in front of the people who’ve watched his journey from youth hockey rinks to the NHL.
Now, 16 saves might not jump off the stat sheet, but don’t let the number fool you. The Rangers had their chances, especially with a few dangerous deflections and net-front scrambles.
But Bussi looked dialed in from puck drop, tracking pucks cleanly and controlling rebounds with poise. Even more impressive?
His puck-handling - a part of his game that’s been shaky at times this season - was sharp and mistake-free all night. No misplays, no turnovers, just clean, confident decisions that helped Carolina exit the zone with ease.
Bussi is now up to 23 wins in 27 starts. That’s elite territory.
And he’s heading into the break with a shutout at Madison Square Garden under his belt. Not a bad way to hit pause.
Svechnikov Strikes Early, Canes Set the Tone
Carolina wasted no time grabbing control of this one. Just minutes into the first period, Andrei Svechnikov jumped on a loose puck and snapped one past Jonathan Quick glove-side to give the Canes a 1-0 lead. It was the kind of early punch that can deflate a team - especially one trying to recalibrate after a major roster shake-up.
The Rangers tried to push back, especially during a pair of power plays in the opening frame, but Bussi stood tall and the Canes’ penalty kill did its job. After 20 minutes, Carolina had the lead - and the momentum.
Quick Keeps It Close, But Carolina Dominates the Middle Frame
If not for Jonathan Quick, this game could’ve gotten out of hand early. With Igor Shesterkin still sidelined and Adam Fox also unavailable, the Rangers leaned heavily on their veteran netminder - and he delivered.
The second period was one-way traffic. Carolina outshot New York 19-3 in the frame and peppered Quick with high-danger looks.
Shayne Gostisbehere nearly doubled the lead with a one-timer that rang off the post. The Canes’ power play looked dangerous, and their forecheck wore the Rangers down shift after shift.
But Quick refused to break. He was square to everything, reading plays like a seasoned pro and giving his team a chance to hang around. Through 40 minutes, the Canes had a 30-10 shot advantage - but just a 1-0 lead to show for it.
Staal Seals It Late, Canes Head to Break on a High Note
The third period saw both teams trading chances, but neither side could find the back of the net - until the final minute. With Quick pulled for the extra attacker, Carolina’s forecheck pounced. Nikolaj Ehlers and Jackson Blake forced a turnover that ended with Jordan Staal burying the empty-netter to seal a 2-0 win.
That goal capped off a strong night for the Staal line, and for Staal personally, it extended his goal streak to three games and his point streak to five. He’s now up to 15 goals on the season - a quiet but steady contribution from the veteran captain.
A Complete Team Effort
This wasn’t a one-line, one-player performance. It was a full-team clinic from Carolina.
The defense was active offensively, contributing 19 of the team’s 43 shots. The Stankoven line was buzzing all night.
The third line chipped in with the empty-net goal. And even the fourth line, though absent from the scoresheet, delivered gritty shifts that helped keep the Rangers off balance.
It’s telling that the top line - the one that scored the opening goal - may have been the least noticeable. Not because they weren’t effective, but because the rest of the lineup was just that good.
Point Streak Hits Double Digits
With the win, the Hurricanes extended their point streak to ten games - the longest of their season and the tenth double-digit streak in franchise history. They’ve picked up eight wins during this run and continue to lead their division by eight points, with the Penguins also winning their final game before the break.
This team is humming right now. They’re getting contributions up and down the lineup, their special teams are clicking, and they’ve got a goaltender in Bussi who’s looking more and more like a legitimate No. 1 option.
A Word on Quick
Before we wrap, let’s give Jonathan Quick his due. In a season that’s been turbulent at best for the Rangers, Quick turned in one of his best performances of the year.
He stopped 41 of 42 shots, and the only one that beat him was a laser from Svechnikov early in the first. He didn’t get any help on the scoreboard, but he gave his team every chance to steal a point.
That kind of effort deserves recognition - even in a loss.
What’s Next
The Hurricanes now head into a three-week break. They’ll return to action on February 26 with a home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, followed by a Saturday matchup with the Detroit Red Wings.
In the meantime, several Canes players will be suiting up for their countries at the Olympics. Sebastian Aho and Team Finland kick things off next Wednesday, while Canada, the U.S., and Denmark begin their tournaments the following day.
But for now, Carolina gets to rest - and they’ve earned it. Ten straight with points, and a statement win at MSG to cap it off.