One big week changes everything for Rangers

GIVEN where they were entering last Tuesday’s game against Vegas, with just three wins in 12 games, it’s no surprise the Rangers’ confidence is soaring as they ride the jubilance of a four-game win streak into tonight’s match against the Bruins.

“It’s high. It should be,” Mika Zibanejad said after Monday’s comeback victory over the Blue Jackets. “I think we talked about that early on and especially after the second period, that if we want to be a good team we have to find ways to win the game even though we are down. We did that and I think obviously the past three games helps that confidence and helps that feeling in the locker room of even if we are down coming into the third to be able to come back. It was important.”

For the second time in four games, including the first game of the streak against Vegas, the Rangers (7-7-2) won when trailing after two periods. Each of their last two victories have come after the opponent scored the game’s first goal.

They’ve had a lot of practice at playing from behind amid all the rough starts that plagued their first 12 games. Being resilient early on only meant they weren’t being blown out. Surely they’d like to protect leads heading into the third more often, but now at least their resiliency is reflected in their record.

“Our guys continue to do what they’ve been doing since day one,” Alain Vigneault said. “They keep playing.” Several Rangers mentioned Michael Grabner’s goal at 12:41 of the second as a turning point Monday since it put the Blueshirts on the board after two quick Columbus goals early in the second.

“You don’t change your game, but the feeling is way different just knowing that it’s one play. One play away from tying the game and I think it’s easier to go out there and not try to do too much, not to force anything,” Henrik Lundqvist said. “You know you are going to have enough time to tie this game up. It was definitely a big goal to get closer and feel like we are one play away.”

The Rangers have won three straight at home and four of their last five at the Garden, where they’ve played 11 of their first 16 games and where they’ll play their next two before heading back out on the road. They won just one of their first six home games this season.