Carl Hagelin can’t look as the Kings celebrate a goal.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Dating back to last year’s Stanley Cup Final, the Rangers haven’t exactly been lights out in third periods. Presenting, further breakdown of their struggle to close out games.

STANLEY CUP BREAKDOWN (Unlucky 3rd) NYR vs LAK

GF  GA    Shots     SA     Shot Differential

Game 1    0     0            3        20            -17

Game 2    0     2            7        12             -5

Game 3    0     0           11         2             +9

Game 4    0     0            1         15             -14

Game 5    0      1            3         12             -9

Totals       0      3           25       61              -36

As I’ve illustrated, the Rangers inability to put away the Kings did them in. While it’s true they had a couple of crucial calls go against them, had they been a bit more aggressive in third periods, it might have been a different series.

Out of curiosity, I looked at their success in the previous two rounds against the Canadiens and Penguins. Most of it came during the first two periods. The Rangers scored more than once in a third just one time doing so in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final- outscoring the Habs 3-1 en route to a 7-2 win. In fact, Chris Kreider scored their last goal in Game 3 with 29 seconds left in regulation forcing overtime. A game they lost 3-2. Ironically, P.K. Subban scored the lone goal in Game 4 forcing extras but Martin St. Louis played the overtime hero.

Including Games 5 and 6, the Rangers didn’t score a goal in the third period the final eight games of the postseason. However, it doesn’t mean they didn’t play well. When they needed a big third in the Game 6 clincher at MSG preserving a Henrik Lundqvist 18-save shutout, they dominated the Habs outshooting them 13-5. Only unknown quantity Dustin Tokarski gave them a chance.

In their stunning turnaround against the Pens, the Rangers scored only one third period goal during Games 5 through 7. A Kevin Klein empty netter sealing a 5-1 Game 5 win at Consol Energy Center to stave off elimination. They used quick starts in all three games scoring first in each. In fact, they outscored the Pens 9-3 in periods 1 and 2. Not coincidentally, they never trailed. The comeback from 3-1 down was eerily reminiscent of the one the 2000 Devils had against the Flyers in the Conference Final. They too never trailed.

So much of the way they play under Alain Vigneault is dependent on playing very aggressively from the start. It’s no coincidence that they’ve owned the first two periods. This season, they’ve outscored opponents 57-35 and outshot them 593-546 in the first period. In the second period, they outscore foes 58-54 but outshoot them 660-579. In the third, they’re plus-13 (63-50) but are outshot 550-522. Part of it could be going into protective mode. They’re 26-0-1 when leading after two.

However, it doesn’t fully explain why they go into a shell. Vigneault’s system emphasizes continuing to attack. It seems that whoever coaches them post-lockout, the Rangers are most comfortable sitting back. They played a more defensive minded style under former coaches Tom Renney and John Tortorella. It just seems odd that despite oodles of talent, they continue to struggle at times just getting shots in the third period.

As the season continues, we’ll have more to look at. It could just be that Lundqvist covered up a lot of mistakes. The Rangers aren’t as tight defensively. The loss of key personnel (A. Stralman, B. Boyle, Richards, Pouliot, Dorsett, Carcillo) has contributed. The top pair of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi have been inconsistent. Second pair Marc Staal and Kevin Klein have been their most dependable while the third pair of Dan Boyle and either John Moore or Matt Hunwick remains problematic.

At some point, Glen Sather must address sixth defenseman. Vigneault still doesn’t trust Moore enough to play him regularly which is a failure on his part. No way should he be rotating with Hunwick. It’s bad for his development. That’s where they’ll have to see if they can pry a veteran D. Potential target Andrej Sekera from Carolina is a perfect candidate who turns unrestricted this summer. However, the cost could be high with a prospect and first round pick likely.

Due to the St. Louis trade, the Rangers lack a first round pick and don’t possess many prospects. Unless they want to part with J.T. Miller, who seems to finally be getting it, it’s a steep price to pay.

Depending on when Lundqvist returns, that will immediately upgrade them in net. Cam Talbot has won but continues to allow questionable goals and has posted a sub-3.00 GAA and is below .900 save percentage since taking over. Twenty-year old rookie MacKenzie Skapski won his NHL debut making 24 saves against the lowly Sabres. Not enough of a measuring stick for a kid in his first pro year.

The Rangers have the goalie to go far this Spring. It’s just a question of when is Lundqvist ready and how long will it take for him to get back in game shape. Hopefully, they’ll tighten up in front of Talbot and improve their third periods.