Rangers’ Chytil, Kakko Catch Fire in 7-2 Rout of Canadiens – Hockey Writers – NHL News

The New York Rangers (5-0-1) remain undefeated in regulation as they chase the Montreal Canadiens (2-4-1) out of their building. At 7-2, New York became the fourth team since 1990-91 to score at least four goals in each of their first six contests—cruising.

Rangers started to hit the charts with Mika Zibanejad’s tally within a minute of the game starting. Both Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin notched their seventh assists of the season.

Soon after, Jonny Brodzinski scored his first goal of the season. With the help of Adam Edstrom and Braden Schneider, the Rangers getting on the board is a good sign for them. Their stars have led them the most in 2024-25, as Panarin were leading the league in points ahead of this tournament.

New York added to its first period lead with a goal by Reilly Smith. The sophomore as a member of the Rangers, he’s really enjoying his new home—he was part of a trade in the 2024 offseason.

What made it so early was Filip Chytil, whose power play marks made it 4-0 to the Rangers just 11:05 into the game. Smith and Kaapo Kakko had assists.

Keep working. pic.twitter.com/78mcBhokkw

– New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 22, 2024

Montreal’s Nick Suzuki answered the call to make it 4-1 in his first freshman campaign. Assistants Josh Anderson and David Savard helped Suzuki get the monkey off his back.

In the second half, Suzuki scored consecutively, this one on the power play. Mike Matheson had his fifth assist of the season and Kirby Dach had his second.

From there, the Canadiens were held scoreless. Schneider came on board with assistants from Chytil and Kakko; their second score of the night.

Chytil stayed hot with a power-play marker with less than five minutes left in the game. Did Cuyle and Sam Carrick add assists.

For the first time this season, Kakko scored a goal that made it 7-2. It was a three-point night for both Chytil, but the former answered the call especially—he’s on a one-year “confirmation” contract. Assists came from Cuylle and Victor Mancini.

Related: New York Rangers Re-Sign Kaapo Kakko to 1-Year Contract

Between the pipes, Igor Shesterkin had a solid outing with 21 saves on 23 shots. On the other hand, it was a battle for Samuel Montembeault who was able to turn away six of the 10 shots he faced. In relief, Cayden Primeau had 31 saves on 34 shots. The two goals they gave up in the last five minutes didn’t help them at all, but they were good overall.

Next, the Rangers return to home ice against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 24. The Eastern Conference Finals rematch, which New York will be looking to get two points from. As for the Canadiens, they won’t be back until Oct. 26 against St. Louis Blues at the Bell Center. Unbeaten in their last four games now, Montreal will want to stop the bleeding as soon as possible.