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Rangers Notebook: Forecheck fueling fast start; Sullivan on Ovechkin

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan says his team’s energetic forecheck is a big reason for the 4-1-0 record entering Friday’s game against Washington

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 7:58 PM
Rangers Notebook: Forecheck fueling fast start; Sullivan on Ovechkin
Key Things to Know
  • Head coach Mike Sullivan credited an aggressive forecheck for powering the New York Rangers to four wins in five games.
  • Sullivan praised Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin as an exceptional ambassador for the sport ahead of Friday's matchup.
  • The Rangers' power play sits at 21.4 percent through five games and remains an early-season work in progress.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The New York Rangers have won four of their first five games, powered by an aggressive, five-man forecheck praised by head coach Mike Sullivan. Following a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders, Sullivan emphasized that defending deep in the offensive zone has allowed the team to control momentum and maintain leads effectively ahead of their Friday matchup against the Washington Capitals.

Sullivan also praised Capitals star Alex Ovechkin ahead of their meeting, reflecting on the veteran forward's remarkable 20-year career. Meanwhile, the Rangers' power play remains a work in progress with a 21.4 percent success rate, and Elliotte Friedman reported the club showed interest in Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary but faced salary cap constraints.

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