The New York Rangers could rebrand to the New York Roughhousers after Thursday night.

Nearly 24 hours later, the anguish in Chris Kreiders voice was palpable.

It was Igor Shesterkins net once again. The Russian goaltender made his first start since Jan. 26 and first since the All-Star break on Friday night against the Blackhawks at United Center, where the Rangers didnt do him any favors aside from pulling out a 4-3 overtime win after the team blew a two-goal lead in the third period.

Chris Krieder scored a hat trick and Jonathan Quick made 31 saves to lead the Rangers to a 7-4 win over the Canadiens on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

He is the Peoples Choice to fill the right wing slot alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad the way he did so successfully for 10 weeks following the 2022 trade deadline.

It was supposed to be Jonathan Quicks night. The future Hall-of-Famer was one of the only Rangers to show up in the teams 2-1 loss to the Kings.

All of this is reflected by the five-on-five totals that portray the Rangers as a middle-of-the-road team, not a contender. Beginning with Tuesday, the club had 40 games in which to reassert itself.

Sundays 5-2 win over the Ducks proved the Rangers still have resilience in their DNA and still can play with heart.

Chris Kreider, Jonathan Quick and the New York Rangers visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.