The New York Rangers gave their fans something to cheer about Monday night-and not just the pregame tribute to the 1994 Stanley Cup team. Matthew Robertson capped off a wild back-and-forth game with the overtime winner at 3:53, lifting the Rangers to a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins and snapping a three-game skid in the process.
This one had all the makings of a turning-point win for a Rangers squad that’s been searching for answers. Coming into the night, they had just two wins in their last 13 games and were sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But against one of the NHL’s top teams, they found a way to punch back.
Will Cuylle, J.T. Miller, and Will Borgen all found the back of the net for New York. Borgen’s tally was especially timely-his wrister tied the game at 3 with just over six minutes left in regulation, setting the stage for Robertson’s overtime heroics.
And how about Jonathan Quick? The veteran netminder turned aside 21 shots and picked up his 408th career win, passing Hall of Famer Glenn Hall for 12th on the NHL’s all-time list.
That’s elite company, and Quick added a little flair to the milestone by picking up an assist on the game-winner. Not bad for a guy who’s been in the league since flip phones were still a thing.
For the Bruins, Elias Lindholm was a force with two goals, and Morgan Geekie added another. David Pastrnak continued his torrid playmaking pace, dishing out three assists to reach the 900-point milestone for his career.
He’s now got nine helpers in his last five games, and his vision on the ice continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Joonas Korpisalo kept Boston in it with 24 saves, but the Bruins couldn’t close it out in the extra frame.
New York actually took two of three from Boston this season, a surprising stat given where both teams sit in the standings. The Rangers also improved to 6-13-4 at home-still not where they want to be, but a step in the right direction.
The night had a special energy from the start, as the Rangers honored their iconic 1994 championship team as part of the franchise’s centennial celebration. That group knew how to win when it mattered most, and maybe-just maybe-this current squad found a little inspiration from the legends in the building.
Up next: The Bruins head back home to host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.