Gabe Perreault Shows Poise Beyond His Years in Rangers’ Loss to Ottawa
The Rangers didn’t just lose a game to the Ottawa Senators - they gave up eight goals at home in a performance that raised more questions than answers. But amid the defensive lapses and mounting frustration, rookie forward Gabe Perreault offered a glimpse of something Rangers fans can hang their hats on: maturity, accountability, and a mindset that speaks volumes about his potential.
After the 8-4 loss, Perreault was asked about his two-goal night - the first multi-goal performance of his young NHL career and his first goals at Madison Square Garden. Instead of basking in the personal milestone, the 19-year-old cut straight to the point: “It’s nice to get one, but at the end of the day, we lost, so it doesn’t really matter.”
That’s the kind of answer you expect from a ten-year vet, not a teenager still finding his footing in the league. And it’s exactly the kind of leadership-by-example the Rangers need as they try to navigate a season that’s teetering between playoff aspirations and a potential retool.
Perreault, wearing No. 94 - a number that evokes memories of the franchise’s last Stanley Cup win - is being looked at as a key piece of the Rangers’ future. And performances like this, even in a blowout loss, give the front office and fans alike a reason to believe in what’s coming.
Let’s break it down: Two goals in a single night, both at MSG, in just his 15th NHL game. He now has three goals and four assists on the season, averaging just over 14 minutes a night.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they’re solid for a rookie still earning his stripes. And considering how little ice time he’s had to work with, there’s reason to think there’s a lot more in the tank.
The Rangers are at a crossroads. Their playoff hopes are slipping, and with that comes a shift in focus - from chasing wins to evaluating what they’ve got in the pipeline.
Perreault is front and center in that conversation. The goal now isn’t to rush him, but to give him the kind of meaningful minutes that allow for real growth.
That means more shifts, tougher matchups, and a longer leash to make mistakes and learn from them.
Head coach Mike Sullivan seems to be on the same page. He’s already bumped Perreault up to the second line, a move that signals trust and opportunity.
The next logical step? A look on the top power play unit.
If the Rangers are serious about seeing what Perreault can be - not just this season, but as a foundational piece moving forward - that kind of exposure is essential.
This isn’t about putting the weight of the franchise on a 19-year-old’s shoulders. It’s about recognizing when a young player is ready for more, and giving him the runway to take off. Perreault’s performance against Ottawa, and more importantly his attitude afterward, suggest he’s ready for that challenge.
The Rangers may not have figured everything out yet. But in Gabe Perreault, they’ve got a player who already understands what it means to be a pro. That’s a good place to start.