In Chicago, another wake up call was sounded for the New York Rangers front office to listen to. The question is whether or not anyone will hear it.
On Friday night, the Rangers took a 3-1 lead into the third period against the Blackhawks.
Chicago outshot the Rangers, 12-3, in the third and Igor Shesterkin reverted to form in yielding two goals, leading to an extra session.
The Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad bailed everyone out when he scored midway through extra time for a 4-3 win.
The victory was the Rangers fourth straight.
Shesterkin made 28 saves in the win. Keep in mind this was Chicago, not a playoff. contender
The Rangers need to ride Jonathan Quick down the stretch.
Shesterkin gave up another early, soft goal when Alex Vlasic scored at 2:39 of the opening stanza for a 1-0 lead to Chicago.
Alexis Lafreniere knotted the game, 1-1, when he sniped home a shot from the right circle at 4:49 of the first.
Chris Kreider tipped in a pass from Adam Fox at 6:16 for a 2-1 lead going into the middle frame. The Rangers dominated play and toyed with Chicago, especially on the Kreider goal.
Chicago dropped to 14-35-3 off their sixth straight loss.
Midway through the second period, Jonny Brodzinski potted a rebound of a shot from the left side by Kaapo Kakko for a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.
In the third, the Rangers sat back to protect the lead and gave up too much ice with a soft goaltender.
Nick Foligno trimmed the Chicago deficit to 3-2 at 13:37.
Jason Dickinson forced the extra session when he tipped in a shot by Seth Jones with 62 seconds left on the regulation clock. Petr Mrazek made 32 saves in the loss.