The Rangers are getting set to head out on their longest road trip of the season, and they gave their home crowd a memorable farewell.
New York took down the Oilers 4-1 on Monday night, tying the Capitals atop the NHL for most points after claiming the team's third straight win. Now, with a 22-8-4 record, the Blueshirts are giving the MSG faithful plenty to be happy about.
"The rink is buzzing," Ryan Strome said after tallying a goal and two assists in Monday's victory. "I think they're starting to realize that our team is finding ways to win. They're appreciating a good forecheck or a good offensive shift and that's a good sign. It's not all just about the goals."
The defense was once again at the forefront, blocking 22 shots while Alexandar Georgiev put together a solid showing in his first start since Dec. 17.
"Things are going well for us defensively, guys are going a really good job helping a lot not to let them have too many secondary scoring chances and rebounds," Georgiev said. "They're doing a really good job right now."
There is a long way to go in a season that still hasn't reached the midway point, but New York made a statement in its last three games, taking down the reigning champs in two straight wins against the Lightning before Monday's win over Edmonton, proving its standing atop the NHL is for real.
"Guys are buying in," Strome said. "There just seems to be a real team-first attitude. It's all about that. Even on the bench, guys are holding each other accountable. I think guys understand what's expected of them now and what works, and we're going out and doing it…that's what it takes to win in this league."
The Rangers head west for four games before visiting the Flyers to wrap up a long road trip that starts Thursday night. It's hard to imagine them leaving home on a better note, and the response from the home crowd reflected that sentiment.
"They believe in our team and they're great for our group," head coach Gerard Gallant said. "To hear the noise and the way they're reacting to our team is a lot of fun."
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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