Jonathan Quick’s milestone 800th career start took a disappointing turn for the New York Rangers as they faced an 8-4 defeat against the Ottawa Senators. The backup goaltender, filling in for the injured Igor Shesterkin, struggled significantly, allowing six goals before being pulled with 7:37 left in the second period. Quick recorded only 11 saves, which resulted in a save percentage of .647, leaving his record at 0-4-0 since stepping into the starting role.
Fans at Madison Square Garden sighed with relief when Spencer Martin took over for Quick, receiving applause as he managed to regain control of the game. However, the Rangers’ defense did not provide much support, with one of the goals deflecting off a teammate, Braden Schneider, leading to further frustration.
Quick’s recent performances have been concerning; entering the game against Ottawa, he had an .814 save percentage and had conceded 16 goals over his most recent matches. His previous outing had seen him being pulled during a staggering 10-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.
Head coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the difficulties of evaluating Quick’s performance under current circumstances, emphasizing his respect for the veteran goaltender. “He’s a fierce competitor,” Sullivan noted, commending Quick’s relentless effort.
With Shesterkin on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained on January 5, Quick will be tasked with continuing as the Rangers’ starter for the foreseeable future. Despite the struggles, the team has shown belief in Quick, the winningest American-born goalie in NHL history.
On a more positive note, rookie Gabe Perreault showcased his potential, scoring two goals for the first time in his career, including a notable play where he connected with Mika Zibanejad. “It’s nice to get one, but at the end of the day, we lost, so it doesn’t really matter,” Perreault expressed post-game.
In coaching maneuvers, Alexis Lafrenière’s fluctuating status saw him briefly elevated to the top line, only to be mixed back into different pairings as the game progressed. This ongoing adjustment reflects the ups and downs of his season, highlighting the Rangers’ attempts to find the right combinations to spark their performance amid challenges.
The Rangers, while navigating a tough stretch, continue to search for solutions that can lead to a turnaround, fostering hope among fans for a better outcome in the coming games.