New York Rangers: 3 most impressive NY Rangers players from 3-2 win over Buffalo Sabres feat. Igor Shesterkin

The New York Rangers got back on the winning track on Wednesday, capturing a 3-2 win to take down their in-state rival Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Centre in cold and snowy downtown Buffalo.

Not only did the Rangers bounce back after an embarrassing 2-1 loss to the 32nd-ranked Chicago Blackhawks, but they also extended Buffalo's misery, which has now gone winless in its last eight games.

Only one goal was scored in the first period, and it was the 300th career goal for Mika Zibanejad. Neither team found the back of the net in the second period, but they exchanged multiple goals in the third.

Reilly Smith extended New York's lead to 2-0, but Owen Power cut the lead in half just under two minutes later. Less than three minutes after that, Adam Fox restored the Rangers' two-goal advantage with his first goal of the season.

Buffalo threw everything it could at New York and pulled within one goal thanks to Tage Thompson with 38 seconds left. However, the Sabres could not find the equalizer.

Igor Shesterkin made 29 saves in the win, while Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 25 shots in a losing effort.

3 most impressive NY Rangers players from 3-2 win over Buffalo Sabres

#1. Igor Shesterkin

Shesterkin returned to form Wednesday night, making 29 saves, with many coming on high-danger chances by the Sabres.

#2. Adam Fox

New York's top defenseman finally got the monkey off his back, scoring his first goal of the season. Though it was an empty-net tally, it will boost his confidence moving forward.

Additionally, Fox assisted on the Rangers' first two goals and led all defensemen with 24:14 of ice time.

#3. Mika Zibanejad

The Swedish Rangers forward faced heavy criticism for his inconsistent performances this season, but Wednesday night against the Sabres was one of his better games.

He also scored his 300th career goal, a milestone in a career that began with the Ottawa Senators before Zibanejad was acquired by New York in 2016.

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The Rangers will attempt to make it two straight victories when they return home to face the LA Kings at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

About the author

Michael Whitaker is a sports journalist based in metro Detroit with nearly a full decade of experience with publications like Detroit Sports Nation, Hockey Feed, Clutch Points and Bally Sports Detroit. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University.

Michael grew up playing ice hockey and now plays casually, and he supports his childhood team, the Detroit Red Wings. His favorite sporting moment was the Red Wings giving an injured Vladimir Konstantinov the Stanley Cup in his wheelchair following the 1998 win, on his birthday of June 16.

Michael has conducted exclusive interviews with former Detroit Red Wings trainer John Wharton, as well as four-time Stanley Cup champion Kirk Maltby.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys concerts, sporting events, visiting the gym, and playing with his 8-year-old labradoodle Gordie.

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Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro