Flashing a new over-the-head delivery, Gerrit Cole averaged 97.1 mph on his fastball. He was all over the strike zone, fitting in a slider and his signature knuckle curve.

Artemi Panarin’s return to Broadway was emotional from the start. Widely considered the best free-agent signing in franchise history, Panarin will always cherish his time with the Rangers.

For years, I have written about how the Rangers need to adopt a more physical style of play. Finally, thanks to Mike Sullivan (with a little help from Chris Drury), the Rangers are establishing a foundation of goal-scoring that will benefit them for years to come.

If what we are witnessing is a glimpse of the future, then there is plenty to be excited about on Broadway. For the first time since November, the Rangers won their third straight game, and it was the kids who shone the brightest as the Rangers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-3.

Last night’s game was awful, but at least the Knicks won. You could say they triumphantly overcame an 18-point deficit to beat Utah 134-117, but the truth is, their poor defense allowed a young Jazz team to shoot 14-of-21 from downtown in the first half.

In four games since March 3, when JT Miller was placed on LTIR, Alexis Lafrenière has registered eight points. Last night, he netted his second career hat trick as the Rangers shut out the Calgary Flames 4-0 on Garden ice.

Just like they did in the NBA Cup championship game, the Knicks imposed their will defensively over San Antonio. This time around, just like on Christmas Day in 2024, they were powered by Mikal Bridges, who posted a team-high 25 points and five treys.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, and perhaps for Trocheck, too, their second-line center is on the trade block. A move is likely to be finalized before Friday’s deadline. Today in practice, Trocheck acknowledged this reality. He stated he has written several West Coast teams into his 12-team no-trade list and has expressed his desire to be moved to a Cup-contending team.

A major factor in Team USA’s Olympic success – Sullivan was the team’s head coach – was their penalty killing. They killed off every single power play they faced, and no player spent more time killing penalties than JT Miller. The Rangers needed more from him yesterday, and they will continue to need his best efforts down the stretch.

As soon as it felt like Karl-Anthony Towns was adjusting to Mike Brown’s system – and yes, it looked that way against Houston and Chicago – he and his teammates laid a massive egg in Cleveland. Before tip-off, the Cavaliers sat one game behind the Knicks in the standings.

Aaron Boone must treat the ABS system carefully. It will be an important test for the Yankees when they find themselves in high-pressure situations in a few months. Players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., who tends to express all his emotions, must be especially selective with their challenges.

For the second time in as many nights, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks in scoring. His 28-point effort in Chicago helped his team secure a 105-99 win over the Bulls. He shone especially brightly in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, scoring six of the Knicks’ final 11 points as they escaped a Chicago comeback.

Karl-Anthony Towns can only thank Alvarado for his emergence in the final frame. He scored seven points, including a key triple, as part of a team-leading 25-point night. For three quarters, especially coming off Thursday’s disappointing performance, it didn’t look like Towns had it in him to lead the Knicks in scoring.

While the Pistons thrive in the face of adversity, the Knicks seem to struggle. Because of their success against Detroit last year and their consistent playoff success throughout the last few seasons, they seem to feel a sense of entitlement whenever they play Detroit.

Tenacity and grit. These two words will define the rest of the Knicks’ season. They will not be able to reach the promised land without those traits. Currently, nobody on the team is embodying that mindset better than the newest Knick, Jose Alvarado.

Last night at the Garden, fans watched a masquerade ball unfold as the Pacers of Old returned to the Mecca, beating the Knickerbockers in overtime, 137-134. Jalen and the KAT were no match for Pesky Pascal and Numbing Nembhard, who combined for 54 points as Indiana torched the Knicks from downtown, draining 18 three-pointers.

Jose Alvarado is going to be an amazing Knick. Yesterday in Boston, Grand Theft Alvarado excelled in his orange-and-blue debut as the Knicks blew out the Celtics, 111-89. After a rough loss to Detroit on Friday, yesterday’s game was as much of a must-win contest as the Knicks have played all season.

The 40-year-old Jonathan Quick was marvelous yesterday, but unfortunately, he can’t score goals. Apparently, neither can his teammates. Carolina outshot the Rangers 43-16, whose abysmal performance throughout the game fueled a loud chorus of “Fire Drury” chants from the Garden Faithful.

The Knicks were simply sensational last night. They put on a show at the World’s Most Famous Arena, earning a double-overtime victory over Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the Denver Nuggets. The win marked the Knicks’ eighth in a row, and they survived two overtime frames without Josh Hart or Miles McBride.

The Rangers’ star forward, one of the best players in the NHL, was traded to Los Angeles for what feels like pennies. In return for Panarin, the Rangers acquired a conditional third-round draft pick and the Kings’ top prospect, Liam Greentree. This return is far from worthy of a top-five NHL forward.