All things considered, the Rangers left Boston on Saturday night feeling pretty satisfied with the way they are playing. Mika Zibanejad's two goals, and a 5-for-5 performance by their penalty-killing unit led to a 3-2 win over the Bruins.
The Rangers (21-20-7) have won three straight and four of five entering their All-Star break. And, beginning with a 2-1 loss to the Islanders Jan. 10, they played five solid games in their last six. They are still nine points out of a playoff spot, but they have turned it around since starting the new year with five straight losses.
"I'm just really proud of the way we played the last week, understanding that you see a nine-day break and you could get distracted," Quinn said after getting the win in his first return to Boston since leaving Boston University last May to take the job as Rangers coach. "Your mind could be in different places. But we did a heckuva job over the last three games, these last six games, of being dialed in and wanting to finish on a high note. We did it."
Henrik Lundqvist, who was in goal for each of the last three wins and made 27 saves to backstop the victory over Boston and move into sole possession of sixth place on the all-time list with 446 goaltending wins, said he was happy "for many reasons" Saturday night. He was happy to win for Quinn and defenseman Adam McQuaid, the former Bruin who made his first return to Boston since being traded to the Rangers in September, but also because of how well the Rangers played entering the break.
"I think it's good to get a break and also reflect on why did we have a good week here," said Lundqvist, who will represent the Rangers at the All-Star game in San Jose, Calif. on Saturday. "(We) really, paid attention to all the details in our game this week. And that's why we've been winning. Special teams have been really good. But just that focus on the details, that's what wins you games in this league, and it's very important that we understand that.
"Maybe we can do that on the beach somewhere and come back recharged."
When the Rangers return from the break, they'll start with games at home against the Flyers Jan. 29 and in Newark against the Devils Jan. 31. Both the Flyers and Devils are behind them in the standings, and they'll get the Flyers on the second night of a back-to-back. So there is opportunity to keep their winning streak going.
But Lundqvist said the Rangers can't afford to look too far ahead when they return.
"We can't look at the big picture _ can we get in (to the playoffs)? Are we still in the race?" he said. "We've just got to take it week by week here and continue to improve as a group."
