Blueshirts & Knights keep it tight in Vegas

The Rangers have been playing synchronized, responsible hockey again and it’s resulted in ceasing a slump with back-to-back victories.

Igor Shesterkin’s redemption has been New York’s most encouraging improvement. He claimed both wins, stopping 94.6 percent of shots against. The former Vezina Trophy winner was in dire need of a response after allowing nine goals in two starts amidst the team’s skid.

The Rangers’ return to stiff play has helped them retain a loose grip on first place in the Metropolitan Division prior to puck drop in Vegas on Thursday.

The Golden Knights are still persevering through a locker-room injury epidemic, which now includes its leading goal scorer in Jack Eichel after he underwent lower-body surgery. They haven’t been able to spark anything consistent since the New Year began ergo the Canucks having taken a commanding lead in the Pacific Division.

Even so, Vegas still brings strong numbers to the ice as a well-equipped team, leaving oddsmakers to peg their matchup against the Rangers nearly a pick ’em.

Logan Thompson is also emerging from some shady play with three wins in his last four starts. The Knights came away with a 4-1 win over the Predators on Monday despite being outshot 35-29 and getting bullied all over the ice.

Vegas’ shot attempt differential has taken a hit through this adversity. However, it is still a dominant contender when playing at home, sporting a 16-5-2 record in which 15 of those games have cashed on the Under.

The Rangers have a strong edge in special teams here (28.6 percent on the power play), but they must prove they can get back to winning on the road, posting a 1-3-1 record in their last five games away from MSG.

The scoring has been too untrustworthy at five-on-five play for the Rangers and Knights, so I’m looking for goaltending and some defensive pinball to define this one.

THE PLAY: Rangers-Golden Knights

Under 6.

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NHL for Action Network.