It is hard to believe the New York Rangers’ best player over the last few games has been goaltender Antti Raanta. After the team lost to the New York Islanders on Tuesday, head coach Alain Vigneault decided it was time to put in his backup and trust those instincts. Well, all paid off and Antti Raanta is clearly showing his worth.
Raanta is coming off back-to-back wins against the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks, including a 26-save shutout at United Center on Friday. The New York Rangers are now back home at Madison Square Garden for a matchup against their Hudson River rivals, the New Jersey Devils, and coach AV decided to start Raanta once again!
Henrik Lundqvist has never been benched three straight games in his 12-year career, and while it is frustrating, he understand that his coach is doing what is best for the team because winning is more crucial than ever. The team is tied for the Metropolitan Division lead with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and a surprising Columbus Blue Jackets club is right behind them, just one point off.
“It’s about what’s best for the team right now, it’s not about me,” Lundqvist told reporters after Sunday morning’s skate at MSG. Head coach AV also chimed in, saying, “Antti is definitely playing well and deserves to play tonight, and that’s what we’re doing.” The team is going for a third straight win tonight, and with a strong Raanta between the pipes, the cards seem to be in the Rangers favor.
