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Rangers handle Predators, win in Yandle’s debut

Nashville Predators v New York Rangers

Nashville Predators v New York Rangers

Getty Images

If the New York Rangers are “mortgaging their future,” at least their home looked like a mansion on the night of the trade deadline.

The Rangers defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Monday, and while Rick Nash’s empty-netter inflated the score, New York looked more than comfortable against the NHL’s current standings leader.

Speaking of standings, the Rangers stepped into first place in the Metropolitan Division with this win.

They’re tied with the New York Islanders at 84 points, yet they have two games in hand and two more regulation/overtime wins. They’re not that far from the top spot in the East, either.

Really, all the numbers look pretty splendid for a team pushing the envelop. Their +43 goal differential is the best difference in the entire league right now. They’re now 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

Even this win was more than just its 4-1 score, as the possession was clearly in the Rangers’ favor:

rangersdominant

James OBrien

(via Natural Stat Trick)

Keith Yandle didn’t really make much of an impact in his debut (-1 rating, three shots on goal in 19:41 time on ice), but clearly didn’t have to.

The other lingering question is about the Predators. Nashville has now lost three games in a row and five of its last seven, with just one regulation win in that span.

Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli could be labeled as the Preds’ trade deadline gains, but some might be a little more worried about GM David Poile staying put after a loss like this.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins