Madison Square Garden might as well be operating as a time machine these days. The New York Knicks are squeaking out victories over the Indiana Pacers, and the New York Rangers are looking like the team to beat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This city has been transported back to spring of 1994, also known as one of the most frenzied periods of time the Big Apple has experienced in sports history.
Tuesday was the Blueshirts’ night to exhilarate a raucous MSG crowd, and they did not disappoint. The grit and composure that has defined both of these aforementioned New York franchises was on full display in Game 2 of the Rangers’ second-round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes.
They leaned on 2022 Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin in net, survived an intense flurry of offense from their opponents and hung around long enough to send the city into delirium. Vincent Trocheck perfectly played the part of hero, scoring in double overtime off a deflected shot to lift the Rangers to a 4-3 win and 2-0 series lead, per Barstool Sports.
A thrilling contest marked by spectacular goaltending, clutch play and resilience could prove to be the first of several signature moments in a potential Stanley Cup run. The fans are not waiting to celebrate this triumph, though.
Rangers fans react to heart-stopping Game 2 win vs. Hurricanes
Trocheck is willing himself into Rangers’ postseason lore, scoring in all six of the team’s playoff games while also tallying 10 total points. He is not just excelling in the skills’ aspect of the action, however. The 30-year-old forward led the way with almost 35 and a half minutes of ice time in New York’s win.
Perhaps playing against his former team provided the extra bit of determination this iron man needed. Fans sunk their teeth into that narrative following the victory-clinching goal.
“Vincent Trocheck screwing his old team over is poetic,” JC posted on X. The Hurricanes’ front office might be kicking itself for letting the two-time NHL All-Star hit free agency a couple years ago. Conversely, Blueshirts fans are celebrating management for scooping up this difference-maker.
“I absolutely loved the Trocheck signing,” DieselCane said. “He was exactly what we’ve needed and he’s delivered in SPADES.” In many title runs, there is usually at least one underrated addition who becomes instrumental to the squad getting over the top. Trocheck is shaping up to be just that for New York, especially in these Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Vincent Trocheck is on a special run
Former left wing Paul Bissonnette nicely sums up the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native’s value. “Trocheck having himself a playoffs,” the colorful TNT analyst posted. “Best Ranger since the start.”
If that statement remains true going forward, Carolina and the rest of the field could be in for a world of trouble. Peter Laviolette’s guys are skating extremely well together and are capitalizing on their opportunities late in games. The best teams capture wins even when they are being outplayed.
It is obviously too soon to crown the Rangers, but they are certainly reigning supreme in New York. They hope to keep the 1994 vibes going in Thursday’s Game 3 at the PNC Arena.
