Ryan Strome started the new season far below his usual standard. The 27-year-old center began the new campaign with one point in six games and shooting just 5.9 percent.
It was a worrying start for a top-six veteran who had tallied 59 points in 70 games last season, while shooting at 11.7 percent. Strome had earned a two-year, $9 million contract – he just wasn’t playing anything close to a $4.5 million salaried center.
Recently, Strome’s game has rounded into form. The former fifth overall draft pick has registered five points (three goals, two assists) in the last four contests, shooting at a pinpoint 50 percent.
Strome starred in the Rangers’ 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday, scoring the game’s opening goal and the game-winning goal. At just one minute and 41 seconds into the first period, Strome netted a tipped-in effort from an Adam Fox point shot to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead.
The Caps entered the contest with a 6-1-3 record – but the hosting Blueshirts generated higher-quality chances and won a greater share of offensive zone time. Goals by former Ranger Carl Hagelin and superstar wing Alex Ovechkin tested the Rangers’ resolve, but the Blueshirts played a defensively-sound game with Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren leading the way.
Though Anthony Bitetto broke a near three-year goal drought with a jaw-dropping individual effort and Pavel Buchnevich chipped in a late empty-netter, Strome made the greatest impact against a powerhouse divisional foe. Strome finished off a high-octane rush at 7:55 of the third period, combining on a give-and-go with Artemi Panarin, which proved to be the deciding goal.
Things are looking up for both player and club. Strome extended his point streak to four games and the Rangers have earned wins in consecutive games for the first time this season. The Blueshirts extended their point streak to four games, posting a 3-0-1 record.
With Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils postponed, the Rangers will have an extended break from competitive action until Monday’s meeting with the Islanders. If core players like Strome can keep up high-performing ways, the blue liners continue good defensive habits, and the strong netminding keeps up, the 4-4-2 Rangers could be poised to climb the Eastern Division standings.
Follow Sean Hartnett on Twitter: @HartnettHockey
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