Shesterkin’s 17th career shutout, PP scores twice, and more: 3 reasons why New York Rangers shut out Ottawa Senators 5-0

The New York Rangers got a big win on Tuesday night, shutting out the Ottawa Senators 5-0 at Madison Square Garden. Despite a penalty-filled third period, the Rangers held on to preserve a clean sheet for their 23rd win of the season.

Alexis Lafreniere, Arthur Kaliyev, Matt Rempe, Artemi Panarin (PPG) and Will Cuylle (PPG) scored for the New York Rangers, while Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves to get the win and a shutout.

So, let’s take a look at the three main reasons why the New York Rangers shut out the Ottawa Senators:

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Three reasons why New York Rangers shutout Ottawa Senators

#3 The Rangers won a tough, physical game

The New York Rangers won a highly physical contest. Despite the hits being 23-19 in favor of the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers showed their tough side, particularly in the third period.

At 7:09 in the third, tempers flared as Sens’ captain Brady Tkachuk crashed the net, colliding with Igor Shesterkin. who was visibly shaken up in the play as the rest of the Rangers players on the ice retaliated.

After Shesterkin shook off the hit, he went after Tkachuk, further escalating the altercation. In total, seven penalties were issued in the melee. Here’s a look at the altercation:

However, the situation didn’t faze the Rangers, as they locked the game down the rest of the way.

#2 The power play scores twice

The New York Rangers power play got two crucial goals down the stretch. With the game 3-0 after Matt Rempe had scored his first of the season, Artemi Panarin made it 4-0 with his 20th of the campaign.

The Rangers then scored with the man advantage again after getting another power play following an interference call on Michael Amadio on Shesterkin. Cuylle promptly put the game out of reach with his 13th of the season.

Overall, the Rangers’ power play was crucial in dashing any hopes the Senators may have had of getting back into the game.

#1 Shesterkin’s 20 saves in 17th career shutout

Igor Shesterkin wasn’t overly tested on Tuesday night, as he only faced 20 shots in his 17th career shutout. The Senators failed to push back after the game was 5-0, making Shesterkin’s night a bit easier.

It’s worth pointing out that the Blue Shirts did a very good job of keeping the Senators in check all night. The Rangers outshot the Sens 29-20, winning nearly 55% of the draws.

The Blue Shirts will be back in action on Thursday night when they host the Philadelphia Flyers in a Metro Division showdown.