Pluses:The young kids are getting a chance to showcase their talents. Forwards Filip Chytil, 18, and Lias Andersson, 19, each earned their first NHL point in a 4-2 loss to the Capitals on Monday. Chytil had an assist and Andersson scored a goal. Rookie defenseman Neal Pionk has 14 points (goal, 13 assists) in 22 games and had his seven-game point streak end Monday. Goalie Alexander Georgiev, who allowed three goals on six shots and was pulled after 8:54 on Monday, was sent to Hartford of the American Hockey League, but the 22-year-old looks like he has a bright future. Georgiev is 4-4-1 with a 3.15 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in 10 games (nine starts).
Ryan Spooner, who was acquired from the Boston Bruins in the Rick Nash trade on Feb. 25, has 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 14 games with New York. He's been able to play in a variety of roles, and can play each forward position and up and down the lineup. That flexibility will be beneficial next season if the Rangers are able to come to terms with the pending restricted free agent.
Mats Zuccarello, Mika Zibanejad and Jimmy Vesey have all stepped up this season for the Rangers. Zuccarello, Mika Zibanejad are signed beyond this season. Vesey could become a restricted free agent July 1.