Rangers Show Grit and Growth in Statement Win Over Dallas
For one night at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers looked like the team fans have been waiting to see all season - fast, structured, resilient, and, most importantly, clutch. In a game that had all the makings of a measuring stick against a red-hot Dallas Stars squad, the Rangers delivered their most complete performance of 2025, outshooting Dallas 41-25 and walking away with a gutsy overtime win - all without their most important skater in the lineup.
This wasn’t just a good win. It was a blueprint.
From the opening puck drop, the Rangers played with purpose. Their penalty kill came up big in momentum-shifting moments, they sustained pressure in the offensive zone without forcing plays, and when it mattered most - with the goalie pulled - they executed.
That’s been a rare sight this season. But on this night, they looked like a team that believed in its identity and trusted each other to play within it.
Gavrikov Steps Up in Fox’s Absence
With Adam Fox sidelined, the Rangers needed someone to stabilize the blue line and bring a two-way presence. Enter Vladislav Gavrikov, who didn’t just hold the fort - he seized the moment. His overtime game-winner was the product of smart positioning and quick instincts, jumping on an Artemi Panarin rebound and slipping it past Casey DeSmith.
Gavrikov has quietly been one of the more effective players on the roster this season. His 12 points in 28 games already have him tracking toward a career high, and his five goals are just one shy of his personal best.
But his impact goes beyond numbers. He’s been a steadying force - defending first, disrupting plays, and now showing he can chip in offensively when needed.
As the most complete defenseman on the roster with Fox out, Gavrikov is becoming the kind of partner Braden Schneider can grow alongside, especially with the organization approaching a pivotal point in Schneider’s development.
Cuylle Carving Out His Role
Will Cuylle might have been cast into a top-six role a bit early, but he’s starting to show why the coaching staff gave him that shot. His tying goal with the goalie pulled - the Rangers’ first 6-on-5 goal since the 2024 Stadium Series against the Islanders - was a product of grit and positioning.
Cuylle wins puck battles, goes to the dirty areas, and doesn’t shy away from contact. Those are the traits that translate in tight games and playoff-style hockey.
And lately, he’s been finding the scoresheet, too. With four points in his last five games, Cuylle is beginning to look more comfortable in all situations. He’s not just surviving in a top-six role - he’s starting to thrive.
Morrow’s Usage Raises Questions
If there was one head-scratcher in an otherwise impressive win, it was the limited role for Scott Morrow, particularly on the power play. With Fox out, this felt like the ideal opportunity to give Morrow a look on PP1. After all, he wasn’t brought in during the K’Andre Miller trade just to sit back - Morrow was acquired for his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts.
He’s 23, with both regular season and playoff experience, and he’s not exactly a developmental project. Yet, the Rangers stuck with a five-forward power play unit that once again came up empty and looked a bit stale.
Morrow might still be working through some 5v5 growing pains, but the upside is clear. He has the skill set to be a difference-maker on the man advantage, and this stretch without Fox is the perfect window to see what he can do.
A Win to Build On
When the only real critique of a game is a young defenseman’s power play usage, you know things went well. This was a statement win - not just because of the opponent, but because of how the Rangers played. They were disciplined, opportunistic, and resilient - three traits that haven’t always shown up consistently this season.
Now comes the real test: can they build on it?
Next up is a tricky matchup against a surprising Ottawa Senators team, followed by a weekend gauntlet featuring Colorado and Vegas. But if this version of the Rangers - the one we saw at MSG against Dallas - shows up again, they’re going to give themselves a chance in every one of those games.
The pieces are there. Now it's about putting them together night after night.