The New York Rangers' 4-3 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Monday night might not shake up the playoff picture, but for a team in the early stages of a retool, this one carried real meaning-especially for the young guns trying to carve out their place in the lineup.
Coming into the night, the Rangers were riding a three-game skid and missing defenseman Carson Soucy, who was held out for roster management reasons. That absence was tied to a trade that was finalized after the game between the Rangers and the Islanders. So, while the win didn’t move the needle in the standings, it did offer a glimpse into what the future could look like-and that future looks fast, physical, and full of potential.
The Kids Are Alright
The Rangers’ youth movement took center stage in this one, and they didn’t just show up-they drove the bus.
Will Cuylle got things rolling in the first period with a goal that set the tone early. Cuylle, along with Noah Laba and Brennan Othmann, has formed a third line that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. They’re young, they’re gritty, and they play a straight-line, north-south game that’s tough to match.
Head coach Mike Sullivan had high praise for Laba in particular, noting the growth in his game and the chemistry he’s building with Cuylle.
“Lobs is continuing to grow and develop,” Sullivan said. “He brings a speed game.
I think when he plays with Will Cuylle, they have a pretty good north-south game. They're fairly reliable defensively, so they can play on both sides of the puck.
We have no issues playing them against anyone.”
That kind of trust from the coaching staff is huge for young players trying to establish themselves. And it’s not just about energy or hustle-these guys are making plays.
Perreault’s Breakout Continues
Gabe Perreault is starting to look like the real deal. After a rocky start to his NHL stint-where the speed of the game seemed to catch him off guard-he’s now finding his rhythm and showing off the high-end offensive instincts that made him a top prospect.
Perreault’s slick setup on the Rangers’ second goal, a pinpoint feed to J.T. Miller, was the kind of play you can’t teach.
Vision, timing, execution-it was all there. And it wasn’t a one-off.
He’s been consistently generating offense, especially since joining a line with Miller and Mika Zibanejad.
“I think Gabe has done a great job playing with Mika and J.T.,” Sullivan said. “You can see his offensive instincts. I think he's getting more comfortable with the game, with each game that he plays and the experience that he gets, but he has the instincts to play with those guys, and I think it's evident.”
“That pass he made to J.T., that's an elite play. There are a lot of guys that don't have the vision or the skillset to execute the play, and it was a really smart play on his part, but just the vision to see it. We're really excited about the progress he's made.”
Despite that, Perreault didn’t see the ice in overtime-a curious decision, given how impactful he’d been in regulation. But if he keeps trending this way, his minutes will only grow.
Robertson’s Moment
The night’s biggest moment belonged to Matthew Robertson, who capped the win with a coast-to-coast overtime goal that had all the makings of a highlight-reel finish. For a player who spent four full seasons grinding it out in the AHL with Hartford, it was a signature moment-and a reward for years of persistence.
Robertson didn’t just make the team out of camp this year; he’s stuck around and earned a regular role. And on Monday night, he reminded everyone why he’s here.
“Honestly, I just blacked out and just smiled,” Robertson said after the game. “I was excited.”
He also took a moment to reflect on how far he’s come-and how quickly it can all be taken away.
“I remind myself, honestly as much as I can, just how hard it is to get here and just to keep pushing,” he said. “You can go back to where I was easily. You can get sent down at any time.”
That kind of perspective is earned, not taught. And it’s exactly the mentality the Rangers need during this retool.
Bigger Picture
Look, one win in January doesn’t change the trajectory of a franchise. The Rangers are still in the early stages of reshaping their roster, and outside of the minor Soucy trade, the real impact of GM Chris Drury’s recent letter to fans has yet to be felt.
But what Monday night did show is that the foundation is being laid. The young core isn’t just surviving-they’re making plays, creating offense, and winning games. That’s the kind of progress that matters in a season like this.
So no, this win won’t be circled on the calendar come April. But for a team looking to the future, it was a night worth remembering.