The Rangers are far from being as complete as they want to be, but they've turned it around by scoring, winning five straight games after starting the season 3-7-2. They have 22 goals in the five games, an average of 4.40 goals per game; they had 34 goals in their first 12 games (2.83 goals per game).
Their speed game is back, led by forward Michael Grabner. They've had more breakaways and offensive chances because of their speed, which has led to more goals and more wins as a result.
A lot of players have been better during this stretch. Shattenkirk gives them the natural offensive-minded defenseman that they haven't had in a long time. He can block shots, deliver hits and play physical, but his value isn't being a shutdown guy. It's to bring offense, which he has done with 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 17 games.
Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich and Chris Kreider are three forwards who have stepped up offensively this season. Forward Jimmy Vesey, who had two goals in his first 16 games, scored twice in 29 seconds in a 4-2 win against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday. The Rangers' offense has looked like we are accustomed to it looking, and it's why they've been hot lately.