Rangers vs. Canadiens: That's More Like It
Down 2–0 early in Montreal, the Rangers showed the kind of resolve that defines good teams—and the kind of response last year’s group couldn’t find.
- Mike Sullivan gushed after the game about this group's resolve and mental toughness. And, to be fair, he's spot on. That was absolutely a game where the wheels could have come off early, and all of a sudden this little slump that the Rangers were in to start the year turns into something much bigger. The Rangers fell behind 2-0 just 3:42 into the game, on the road, in a hostile environment. Last year's team might not have come back out at all after intermission.
Wait Sullivan goes in the locker room after games??????
— Joe Fortunato (@JoeFortunatoBSB) October 19, 2025
Do all coaches do this????? https://t.co/j9r3vy863U
- And, ironically enough, it was a player from last year who got things started. Mike Zibanejad scored a vintage Mika goal on the power play from his office, absolutely sniping a shot over Sam Montembeault's shoulder like it was 2019. Not only was that a goal Mika needed, but it was the type of goal he needed. We've talked a lot about how much better Mika has been this year in terms of compete level—going back a few years there, as well—and Sullivan was gushing about his postgame. All deserved.
- Another thing that happened that was sorely needed? Artemi Panarin having one of those games. Panain had a goal—which he said felt like the first of his career with how hard it's been for the puck to go into the back of the net—and three assists. Eric and I spoke on last week's podcast about how Panarin had quietly still been amassing points despite not playing well, but there was no quiet about his night in Montreal. Panarin was also the Panarin of old, and he was a monster in this one.
