Rangers ground Jets, 4-1

In Winnipeg, Chris Kreider scored twice, including a nifty effort off a pass off the left boards in a 4-1 win for the New York Rangers over the Jets.

“I am playing with some unbelievable linemates (Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere) and unbelievable defensemen every time I’m on the ice,” Kreider said. “The team is playing well. Our play has been clicking.”

Igor Shesterkin made 45 saves in the Rangers win.

“The way [Shesterkin] is playing right now, I mean, we are truly spoiled,” Kreider said. “The guy is unbelievable. He’s been our best player all year. At this point, nothing really surprises me. He’s just otherworldly. I don’t think there are any superlatives left for him, he’s that good. It really is incredible.”

New York improved to 36-15-5.

“Their goalie was good,” Winnipeg coach Dave Lowry said. “If you look at where the shots were, they weren’t outside shots. We had lots of shots inside, a lot of quality looks, and their goalie made a lot of saves.”

Nikolaj Ehlers scored the Jets lone goal in the loss.

“We know where we’re at, we’re not in a playoff spot,” Ehlers said. “That’s what you work hard for during the summer, and that’s what you battle for in the regular season. … There’s no excuses. We’ve just got to win some games.”

Jacob Trouba had a goal for the Rangers.

“I had lots of work today, but we did a great job,” Shesterkin said. “Blocked shots lots. PK [did a] great job (5-for-6) and solid play.”

Winnipeg dropped to 24-22-10.

Barclay Goodrow opened the scoring to give the angers a 1-0 lead early in the first period.

“We got the early lead (but) it wasn’t a great game,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said. “I mean, the shots didn’t indicate the game for me. … They shot a lot of pucks. Six power plays didn’t help.”

Connor Hellebuyck made 18 saves in the Jets loss.

“It’s not going the way we hoped,” Hellebuyck said. “You can only imagine how frustrating it is in the room. I don’t think it’s from lack of effort. I know that everyone cares and everyone wants it, but it’s just not going our way.”