Red-hot Rangers pass first big test against top-tier foe with flying colors

TORONTO — The Rangers did not flinch at their first top-tier opponent on the schedule.The jump in competition may have been apparent, but it hardly mattered for a Blueshirts team that has resembled a speeding locomotive to start the season.To remain undefeated in regulation through the first five games, the Rangers took a 4-1 win over the Maple Leafs on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena.Not to diminish the Rangers’ convincing 4-0-1 start to the season, but averaging five goals a game through their first four contests may have been more indicative of the players and goalies on the other side of the ice.When it came down to needing a more complete game against a more complete opponent, however, the Rangers delivered behind two goals from the top six and a 34-save performance from goalie Igor Shesterkin.The Maple Leafs, riding a three-game win streak entering the game, counted as the first playoff team from last season the Rangers have faced thus far.And yet, head coach Peter Laviolette opted to make two personnel changes despite two dominant wins over the Red Wings earlier in the week.Putting Matt Rempe back in on the fourth line in place of Jonny Brodzinski and sending Chad Ruhwedel out to make his season debut instead of Zac Jones, Laviolette got a good look at his D-pair options with Ryan Lindgren expected to return from injured reserve in the near future.Laviolette is toying with his lineup and the Rangers are still winning.That’s a luxury for any team, but especially the Rangers, who are clearly playing the long game.With Ruhwedel in, the Rangers deployed five right-hand shot defensemen for the first time since a 4-3 loss to the Jets on Feb.

26, 2013.The circumstances were a little different, considering Ryan McDonagh and Michael Del Zotto were both hurt.Saturday night was a coaching decision from Laviolette, who will have an important decision to make regarding his defense corps when Lindgren is healthy.

To keep Victor Mancini, a righty rookie, or not a...