3 major takeaways from New York Rangers' 4-1 win over Detroit Red Wings

The New York Rangers beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 at Madison Square Garden on Monday. The Rangers bounced back after losing to the Utah Hockey Club last Saturday.

New York got goals from Alex Lafreniere, Chris Kreider, Reilly Smith and Mika Zibanejad. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin responded in a losing cause.

Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from New York's 4-1 win over Detroit.

3 major takeaways from New York Rangers' 4-1 win over Detroit Red Wings

#3. Igor Shesterkin bounced back

Igor Shesterkin made 31 saves on the night to stifle the Red Wings offense. The performance was especially welcome after giving six goals in his last outing against the Utah Hockey Club.

For Detroit, it was a tough night as Shesterkin was on his game. The Red Wings outshot the Rangers 32-28, but could not generate many high-danger chances. Still, the few chances that the Red Wings did get were robbed.

Shesterkin’s best save of the night came on an acrobatic glove save on Alex DeBrincat in the second period. With a seemingly open net following a rebound, DeBrincat shot the puck but Shesterkin stuck out the glove hand to stone DeBrincat.

The game was 1-1 at that point. Had DeBrincat scored, the game’s complexion could have been radically different. But he didn’t and the New York Rangers walked away with the win.

#2. The Rangers’ special teams made the difference

The New York Rangers went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill, taking away the Red Wings best opportunities to score. Meanwhile, the power play went 1-for-5. In particular, Kreider’s second-period power-play goal gave the Rangers a lead they would not relinquish.

It’s worth pointing out how important that special teams were as with a close game tied at one, the Rangers' late second-period goal sent them to the second intermission with the lead. The Rangers then clamped down and took over the game in the third.

#3. The Rangers played a solid 60 minutes

Questions emerged after the New York Rangers’ previous loss against Utah. Specifically, the Rangers’ performance seemed nonchalant, perhaps believing the game against Utah was well in hand.

This time around, the Rangers played a solid 60 minutes, giving very little to the Wings. Detroit made a late push to try and get back into the game, but Zibanejad’s empty-netter iced the game for the Rangers.

Ultimately, it was a good all-around effort for New York, allowing them to get back on track. Both teams will meet once more on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.