Just two games into that cup of coffee, the youngster has more than answered the call. Berard slotted right into the Rangers’ lineup for Monday’s game against the Blues, and while they saw their losing streak extended, he provided an immediate spark with two shots on goal and his first career assist.

As much as a win over the Hurricanes would’ve been medicine for the Rangers’ soul, a loss was like further inflammation. The Blueshirts losing streak reached four games Wednesday night, after the visitors blew a third-period lead in a 4-3 loss to Carolina in front of a split-and-invested crowd at Lenovo Center.