With five wins in a row, Rangers righting the ship despite imperfections

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Derek

They’ve now won five in a row. After a dreadful beginning that put Alain Vigneault’s job in jeopardy, the Rangers have suddenly caught fire with the current longest winning streak in the league.

It started with a superb performance in a 2-1 overtime win in Tampa. Even though they rallied to beat Vegas prior to beating the Lightning, that was the game that signaled the turnaround. They were sloppy in the home win over the Golden Knights. Facing the league’s best featuring lethal tandem Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, they were air tight while outplaying the Bolts. They got the reward in OT on J.T. Miller’s highlight reel goal.

It remains their most complete effort. They were able to make it three straight in a chaotic contest that also needed three on three before Kevin Shattenkirk won it over the Panthers 5-4. See the great patience and saucer pass from Rick Nash.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wZGSLjJ3s5o

The fourth consecutive victory came at home 5-3 over the Blue Jackets. Another quality opponent who entered with just four regulation losses. They’re one of the teams the Blueshirts will be competing against in a deeper Metro Division for the playoffs. That was decided in the third period by special teams. The Rangers scored three power play goals with Shattenkirk, Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich scoring to drive former coach John Tortorella cuckoo. Michael Grabner tallied twice including off a brilliant feed from Miller.

Last night’s 4-2 win over the Bruins on Rivalry Night wasn’t perfect. They played a very good first period scoring three times to build a 3-1 lead. Buchnevich was at it again scoring a wonderful goal off a beautiful deke from a great angle around Zdeno Chara top shelf. He then was involved in the first of two goals from Jimmy Vesey, who got both his tallies from in front within a 29-second span.

He became the first Ranger to score two in a row that quickly since this memorable third period come from behind win post-lockout by legendary number 68. A great rivalry game to be at. Hard to believe that was that long ago. Here’s Jaromir Jagr still playing and he scored his first goal and assisted on another for Vegas last night. Ageless.

The game has changed since then. It’s so much more a puck possession style emphasizing skating and playmaking. That’s why players are more selective with their shots on a sustained forecheck. It further explains the Rangers’ current style under Vigneault. They love to skate into space and use the boards to chip pucks behind the net. It forces defenses to do more work. At the start of the season, they weren’t able to cycle the puck consistently. There wasn’t enough support. During the win streak, that’s changed.

A player who exemplifies this style is Buchnevich. Only 22, the second-year Russian has improved dramatically. A back injury limited him to eight goals and 12 assists in 41 games in ‘16-17. He room part in five postseason games tallying a assist. A stronger player this year with the bad back behind him, he’s been a constant. Gaining more confidence, Buchnevich has turned it on lately. After starting on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Kreider, he spent some time on the fourth line to everyone’s protests. He did well enough during the losses for Vigneault to return him to the KZB line.

One thing overlooked by some NYR bloggers in the community is patience. In those first six games, that line only scored once at even strength. They produced mostly on the power play where Vigneault kept Buchnevich on the top unit. That part was forgotten. The Rangers want to control five on five. The KZB line wasn’t and had been victimized by the opposition. That’s why it got broken up.

With the team continuing to struggle with three wins in the first dozen games, Vigneault’s job status was uncertain. The rumors had started that he needed to win the home game against Vegas to survive. In fairness, key players such as Kreider, Miller and Nash weren’t performing. Neither was Grabner, Shattenkirk, McDonagh or Lundqvist. If your best players aren’t your best, you’re going to have a hard time winning games.

That’s changed entering today’s matinee against Edmonton. Vigneault reconstructed the lines with his best move putting KZB back intact. They’ve since taken off with Buchnevich in particular, the catalyst. A electrifying player with superb speed and plenty in his arsenal, he’s thinking shot more and getting rewarded. He’s scored some big goals including the pretty one against Boston where he emulated Alexei Kovalev by faking Chara out completely and then going high cheese on Tuukka Rask.

He’s been a consistent force. With seven goals and seven helpers for 14 points, the former 2013 third round pick taken 75th overall has made a quantum leap. Fourth in team scoring, he’s driven possession and been a x-factor on the improved power play. Half his production has come on it.

Shattenkirk has also finally adjusted settling into a nice pair with Brady Skjei. He’s been instrumental with his 16 points placing second behind team leader Zibanejad (8-10-18). Eight of Shattenkirk’s 16 have come on the power play. Incredibly, it’s even higher for Zibanejad, who has managed 10 of his 18 on the man-advantage including  club best five PPG’s. Kreider’s been hot lately scoring five times in the last seven contests. Not surprisingly, three have been on the power play with most of the work in front. When he hasn’t finished, he’s been busy screening goalies for big goals. That is one of the biggest differences along with the Shattenkirk addition. Zibanejad is shooting more and hitting the target while Buchnevich continues to excel on the first unit.

McDonagh quietly has turned it around with 11 assists. He is more assertive since being paired with Nick Holden. There are still moments where the captain gets caught napping like on two Boston goals the other night. But his play has picked up. He had a dominant shift with the team protecting a one goal lead which resulted in a Grabner empty netter. On that shift, he was out mostly with Marc Staal, who’s been more positive so far. Vigneault has managed him better using him on the third pair with Steven Kampfer while giving the vet penalty killing shifts and key ones like with McDonagh late the past two wins. The work load isn’t as challenging for the prideful alternate captain.

Speaking of Grabner, he’s up to seven goals while playing on the fourth line with Jesper Fast and rookie Boo Nieves, who returns today after missing two games due to the flu.

There are many positives for the 8-7-2 record. Fast is one of them with his extra effort resulting in big goals and crucial penalty kills. He wins those board battles that don’t go in the stat sheet or on charts. He’s so undervalued. There isn’t a defensive situation you can’t plug Jesper in. He usually comes on late with Grabner to protect leads. Another smart move by Vigneault, who didn’t look like he’d survive the start of November.

Lundqvist has also been better during the win streak making timely stops including some huge ones Wednesday when the Bruins made a strong push the final two periods. He does still allow the odd goal at times but his play is coming around. They don’t beat the Bruins without the Swedish King.

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Miller is another player who’s been impactful. His playmaking continues to improve. The best passing forward on the team leads with 12 assists including a couple of dazzling ones that set up goals. The one handed pass to Grabner from the ice remains the best so far. He’s not turning over the puck as much, playing a more complete game. Miller is 3-12-15 with most of his success at even strength. Ten of his 15 points are five on five. This while playing on the wing and sometimes at center.

They haven’t gotten enough from Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes. Zuccarello remains a fan favorite due to his penchant for mixing it up with much bigger foes. He’s also led the team in scoring the past two seasons scoring and mostly setting up big goals. He’s easy to root for. Usually, his heart and hustle is prominent. But his play has been disjointed so far with three goals and eight assists for 11 points thus far. Not what’s expected from a team leader.

It doesn’t help that the slumping Hayes is his center. With just one goal and six points, is there a more puzzling player? Praised for his strong skating and puck possession, he’s failing in the second line role. Though his defense has improved, the Rangers need more offense from the lanky pass first Hayes. That he has as many goals as helpers speaks volumes. He’s playing with Zuccarello and Nash. Two very skilled players who should make it easier for Hayes to succeed. The second line can’t be a zero.

When you have guys like Grabner and Fast doing more in reduced roles, it’s not a good sign. Even the recently demoted David Desharnais has more points (8) than Hayes. Hayes plays penalty kill and has done a solid job there. But he must pick it up along with Zuccarello. It can’t always be the KZB line or the same guys every night.

Nash has played better but remains at four goals and three assists. He gets chances every game. He has to start burying them. I still have faith in the guy with the tremendous character to score 25 goals. He can get hot.

Vesey got a big part within 29 seconds against Boston to double his total to four markers. It’s just about staying with it and keeping good work habits. Vigneault likes what he brings. But he must continue to work hard in all facets or he’ll see his ice time reduced. He’s a restricted free agent next summer. So there’s plenty of incentive.

Looking at the current roster, they still can use another center. Oscar Lindberg is missed. He’s done well so far in Vegas. Derek Stepan is also a big void as long as Hayes doesn’t perform consistently. Zibanejad has more than filled Stepan’s shoes as the top center. But it’s what’a behind him that is a concern.

Jeff Gorton is in the market for a trade. But trading in the salary cap era remains very difficult. He can also use another defenseman until Brendan Smith gets his ass in shape. It’s hard to see their play being sustainable when they’re relying on Holden for big minutes and Kampfer in a third pair role. Both have been solid but for how long?

So there are imperfections that can be fixed. It’s not all roses as the team skates for a sixth straight win against the dangerous Oilers duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with former Blueshirt Cam Talbot in net against Lundqvist. Do they watch Ryan Nugent-Hopkins closely? The Oilers aren’t scoring much after the top line. Nugent-Hopkins has been a bright spot.

At some point, the Rangers will make a move. Don’t expect it to be Filip Chytil or Neal Pionk/Ryan Graves from Hartford. They’ll remain patient and let them develop. Vinny Lettieri could be a option but it’s his first pro year. Nieves has done well so far with three helpers coming in a impressive season debut. He brings something to the table. That strong work ethic that allows Vigneault to roll four lines. He doesn’t trust Paul Carey.

We’ll see where this month goes as Thanksgiving approaches.

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Limping Devils face their first gutcheck of the season

Posted on November 8, 2017 by hasan4978

Obviously, it’s still early in the season and the Devils are for the moment cruising along fine with a 9-4-1 record after getting three of a possible six points on their Western Canada swing, although they returned home and laid a predictable dud against the Blues last night.  Amazingly enough, their 9-2 start to the season was the best opening eleven games in team history.  However, the last two home games against the Oilers and Panthers in this brief homestand are important if the Devils want to keep their cushion at least through Thanksgiving before facing another challenging road trip through Chicago, Toronto, Winnipeg and Minnesota starting this Sunday.  While I’m loathe to say these two games are must-win, at some point the Devils are going to have to establish a home-ice advantage to maintain their good standing (where they’re just 4-3, compared to 5-1-1 on the road so far), and if you’re going to have a good home-ice advantage, you need to beat bad and struggling teams in Newark.

Granted, the Devils failed miserably in Edmonton dropping a 6-3 decision last week, but despite that game the Oilers are still off to a subpar start to the season while the Panthers are a rudderless ship in general.  Yes, the Devils have had a couple of key forwards missing during this stretch but should get one of their key cogs back tomorrow night when Kyle Palmieri is set to return from his second IR stint of the year.  Palmieri’s absence was truly felt last night against the Blues where a power play that was potent early in the season was a dud without his shooting threat.  Perhaps to a degree the power play was also rusty, since they didn’t exactly get the benefit of the refs’ whistles in Western Canada (just three power play attempts to show for three games).

Also during this stretch John Hynes continues to prod his younger players, scratching Damon Severson last night (and having him skate with the fourth pairing in practice today) while Pavel Zacha may be the next underperforming younger player to see pine after being an extra forward in practice today.  I can be down on Severson at times but hardly think he’s been bad enough to warrant two straight benchings.  Especially when the alternatives are Ben Lovejoy and Mirco Mueller – although granted Lovejoy was fine in Calgary while Mueller had been improving before taking a step back last night.  Even Will Butcher hasn’t exactly been great defensively though he’s a neccesity for the power play – when we actually receive power plays.  I do think sitting a game for Zacha is warranted although the continued blind loyalty to keeping Jimmy Hayes in the lineup is questionable at best.

Our forward lines have been compromised by both Palmieri’s absence and the sidelining of Marcus Johansson due to a concussion.  Not to mention the lines also get juggled further when Hynes decides to go with the 7-11 lineup (seven d-men, eleven forwards) because we continue to insist on trying to rotate eight guys.  Yet the offense hasn’t completely shut down aside from last night, scoring nine goals in three games on the Canada swing.  It’s still been the defense and goaltending that’s been the bigger issues for the team, although Cory Schneider did play a lot better last night only allowing two goals despite facing a shooting gallery – particularly in the third when the Devils collectively hit tilt and suffered the post-trip letdown.  Still, there were times in Canada when both Cory and Keith Kinkaid struggled.  You can possibly deal with goaltending and defensive issues if the offense is going to continue to put up 3-4 goals a game but I’m not yet convinced we keep up the sizzling offense we’ve shown the first month of the season.

Haven’t felt much like writing lately so I’m not going to give much of a recap of the last four games, then again as with all the Western road trips my viewing was sporadic at best.  Wednesday I did watch the last several minutes of the 2-0 shutout in Vancouver but spent most of the night watching Game 7 of the World Series.  Friday I napped and missed the first two periods of the game in Edmonton, figuring for some reason the game started at 10 or 10:30 instead of 9, but it was just as well given the game got away from the Devils by then.  I did watch Sunday’s game in Calgary and was at last night’s game sitting in a mostly family and friends crowd, which was a bit inevitable given three November home games in five days.  I’ll miss tomorrow’s game but I will be at Saturday’s game against the Panthers.  In a best case we’ve won two in a row and gotten Palm back before the next big road trip.  Further slipping up this week could be problematic though.

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Game 16 Rangers score 3 power play goals in 5-3 comeback win over Blue Jackets

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Derek

Make it four in a row. The Rangers used a four goal third period to come from behind and defeat the Blue Jackets 5-3 last night at MSG.

They did some damage scoring three power play goals to complete a nice comeback win that got them back at .500 (7-7-2). Kevin Shattenkirk, Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich notched big goals as they made the Blue Jackets pay for some undisciplined penalties.

I didn’t see the first due to one of the silliest and craziest things I’ve ever done. I left my debit card at the store where I work. I didn’t realize it until I was at the bank getting ready to take out money. The panic set in. Then I drove back in 20 minutes flat. Luckily, they had it. I couldn’t thank them enough.

On the way back, I flipped on Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney for the start of the second just in time to hear Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson score to put Columbus up 2-0. The second sounded like one Henrik Lundqvist would’ve wanted back.

To their credit, the Rangers fought back thanks to some utter brilliance from J.T. Miller. On a rush up the left boards, he had the presence to send a one-handed backhand feed while down all the way to a wide open Michael Grabner, who beat Sergei Bobrovsky in front to get the crowd back in it. It was a huge momentum turning goal.

They spent the rest of the period pressing Columbus for the equalizer and nearly had it before time ran out. Miller fed Shattenkirk for a last second shot that deflected wide. Bobrovsky also made some tough saves.

The first of three Columbus penalties wound up in the back of the net. With Panarin off for high-sticking Ryan McDonagh, Shattenkirk took a Mats Zuccarello pass at the right point and let go of a perfect wrist shot that beat Bobrovsky through a great Kreider screen. That tied the score at two.

But with the momentum following a close call in the Columbus end, Boone Jenner outmuscled Shattenkirk to the net forcing Lundqvist into a save. The puck caromed behind the net where Brandon Dubinsky set up Oliver Bjorkstrand to put the Jackets back in front.

But a real good hit by Steven Kampfer on Zac Dalpe in terms neutral zone led to him retaliating with a elbow minor. That was the turning point. Such a bad penalty by a fourth liner had to infuriate John Tortorella.

As if to stick the knife in, the Rangers tied it again right off a good faceoff win by Mika Zibanejad. He won it back to Buchnevich for a quick shot that went off a Jacket body right to Kreider in front for a easy rebound goal. His fifth in the last six games.

With the crowd revved up, David Savard took a third straight bad penalty when he’s tripped up Grabner in the offensive zone. The look on Tortorella was priceless. His team basically imploded.

Sergei Bobrovsky, Pavel Buchnevich

Pavel Buchnevich beats Sergei Bobrovsky on the power play for the game-winner in the third period of a Rangers comeback 5-3 win over th3 Blue Jackets. AP Photo via Getty Images

It took the Rangers just 12 seconds to score the go-ahead tally. On a wonderfully constructed play, Buchnevich and Zibanejad worked a give and go with Zibanejad finding a wide open Buchnevich with a great saucer backhand feed for a one-timer into a open side for his sixth coming with 8:33 left. Buchnevich celebrated with a cool right pump of the arm. His go to.

Columbus didn’t quit. They spent some time in the Ranger zone with some sustained pressure. But Lundqvist made a couple of big stops and his teammates got out of trouble.

With Bobrovsky pulled, Alain Vigneault wisely stuck his best two defensive forwards on with Zibanejad to protect the lead. Out came Grabner and Jesper Fast. They got the job done with Fast making a defensive play and pass to the speedy Grabner, who pushed the puck ahead to himself for a empty netter with 49 seconds remaining on a delayed call. It would’ve been a goal anyway.

All in all, a rewarding victory for a suddenly rejuvenated team that’s turned the page. Next up are the hated Bruins visiting the Garden on Rivalry Night tomorrow. That should be fun. The intense disdain between Boston and New York is well documented. Although it’s not what it once was in the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s, no two cities hate each other more.

The Bruins come in playing well having beaten the Wild 5-3. They’re 6-4-3 and could be one of the teams the Rangers fight for the wildcard. They’ll be without Brad Marchand, who’s day to day. That sucks for my fantasy team. But it’s a rebuilding year. I’m kicking myself for not taking Clayton Keller. At least I have the Devil duo of Nico Hischier and Will Butcher along with Mikhail Sergachev.

It’s nice to see the Rangers respond to the poor start by stringing some good performances together. Since Vigneault was on the firing line, he’s done a much better job with the lines and even made a vet accountable with Brendan Smith sitting out a third straight due to his hideous play.

Kampfer and Nick Holden have been fine. Holden has actually worked well with McDonagh. He has points in the last two. The odd couple of Kampfer and Marc Staal are together. They were fine last night. Shattenkirk and Brady Skjei are a thing that should remain.

Onto the next one.

Play of the Game

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A Winning Streak! Shattenkirk scores twice including OT winner in Rangers’ 5-4 win over Panthers

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Derek

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“Okay. We won a game yesterday. If we win one today, it’s called two in a row. And if we win one tomorrow, it’s called a winning streak. It has happened before!”-Lou Brown in Major League 2

It has finally happened. It took 15 games. The Rangers finally have themselves a “winning streak!” This wild phenomenon recalled in the classic sequel Major League 2 by the late James Gammon who played skipper Lou Brown, occurred in the sunshine state. By defeating the Lightning on Thursday to follow a ugly win over the Golden Knights, they gave themselves a shot at winning three in a row.

It didn’t come easy with them forced to work overtime before Kevin Shattenkirk scored his second of the game to defeat the Panthers 5-4 on a wild and wacky Saturday night in Sunrise. The latest victory pulled the Rangers within one game of NHL .500 (6-7-2). They dug a hole for themselves and are trying to climb out of it. Slowly but surely, they’re playing better.

It wasn’t a Renoir or Picasso. But they got the job done. The game took a while to get going. At the outset, both Henrik Lundqvist and Roberto Luongo were sharp. It was Luongo’s first game back. He made a lot of good saves, particularly in the second period when the Rangers picked up their attack. They fired 19 shots on him. The Panthers got 15 on Lundqvist.

Following a scoreless first in which each goalie exchanged key stops, Florida struck first thanks to the play of their fourth line. They kept the Rangers’ fourth line with third pair Marc Staal and Steven Kampfer pinned in. A weak clear attempt by Michael Grabner was picked off by Panthers captain Derek MacKenzie. He got the puck down low to Michael Haley, who was able to outmaneuver Kampfer and get it over to Colton Scevior for a one-timer in front that beat Lundqvist. Staal got outmuscled on the play.

The Rangers responded thanks to some good fortune. On a pass from Jesper Fast to the point, Ryan McDonagh had a shot deflect off a Panther skate right across to a open Nick Holden for a one-timer that caught Luongo not set for his first of the season.

In a weird period, Scevior got his second of the game from MacKenzie and Haley on a Shattenkirk turnover. Still trailing by one late in the period, Shattenkirk took a great backhand feed from J.T. Miller and beat Luongo with 62 seconds left. It was a important goal that sent the team back to the locker room tied at two.

The third was just as crazy. Twice, the Rangers blew one goal leads. A questionable call on Chris Kreider for a “face off violation” put the Panthers on a power play. It looked like he did nothing wrong. As if it to prove a point, an aggressive Rangers penalty kill took care of business even getting the better chances. In particular, the hustle of Fast paid off. At the end of the kill, a strong backcheck allowed him to steal the puck and float a lob pass right to Grabner, who atoned for his mistake by beating Luongo on a backhand deke for a 3-2 lead.

Florida responded thanks to a good offensive faceoff play that resulted in Keith Yandle floating one by Lundqvist from Jamie McGinn and Aleksander Barkov. The former Ranger getting his second to knot it back up.

A Connor Brinkley trip of Kreider in the offensive zone resulted in the Rangers going back up 4-3 with 8:35 left. Rick Nash notched his third with a great deflection of a Ryan McDonagh shot set up by Miller for a power play goal. It was just a great play by Miller along the boards to come out with the puck and get it to McDonagh, who fired quickly with Nash able to redirect it past Luongo.

It looked like it would hold up. But with under two minutes to go, Vincent Trocheck skated in with Brady Skjei on him. He unleashed a good wrist shot from a sharp angle that eluded Lundqvist beating him cleanly high glove at 18:04 to force overtime. It was definitely one he would want back. Just a great play by a smart player who really is overlooked due to where he plays.

So, the game needed OT. A normality whenever these teams get together in South Beach. I figured that it would end quickly. I was proven right. Only 68 seconds into the three on three, Nash came out with the puck two on one. He patiently waited before making a perfect pass across to Shattenkirk, who made no mistake catching a Luongo off balance for his first two-goal game as a Blueshirt.

Another exciting conclusion. In Tampa, Miller made a great move to win that one at 1:19. He started the winning play by making a great lead pass to Nash for Shattenkirk’s OT winner at 1:08. That gave Miller three assists tying him with Mika Zibanejad for the team lead in scoring. When he’s on, he makes things happen. On a night the KZB line was held off the scoresheet, they needed it.

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ShattDeuces and JT! Kevin Shattenkirk is congratulated by J.T. Miller following his overtime winner that gave the Rangers their third straight win. A 5-4 victory over the Panthers in overtime. AP Photo courtesy Getty Images via The Washington Post

Next up is Columbus at home on Monday. That will present another challenge. They’re a good team who fell just short in a shootout loss at Tampa 5-4. A game they rallied in following a clean but vicious hit by Dan Girardi on Matt Calvert. Hopefully, he’s okay. Knowing him, he’ll score a goal. He usually does well against us.

If they’re gonna get back to the .500 mark, the Blueshirts will earn it against a tough club who’s 9-4-1 record is now good for first place in the improved Metro Division. One point ahead of idle New Jersey. The Blue Jackets have 19 points while the Devils and Penguins have 18 followed by the Flyers with 16. Then the Islanders and Capitals with 15. So the Rangers still rank seventh out of eight with 14. Only Carolina has fewer with 11. That’s why they must keep winning.

Rangers 3 Stars ✨

3rd Star ⭐️ Rick Nash goal-3, assist, 5 shots in 6 attempts, +1 in 27 shifts-16:52

2nd Star ⭐️ Kevin Shattenkirk 2 goals-3, 4, 4 shots in 7 attempts, Even in 32 shifts-23:06

1st Star ⭐️ J.T. Miller 3 assists, 6-and-3 on draws, +1 in 25 shifts-16:22

Notes: Paul Carey played 8:35 in 13 shifts going minus-1 in place of flu-ridden Boo Nieves. Fast recorded two assists. NYR outshot FLA 44-34. Shot attempts were 64-59 Rangers. Face offs were 35-29 Panthers paced by Trocheck (10-and-5). Kevin Hayes went 10-and-9 for the Blueshirts with Miller 6-for-9.

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A big Hockey Saturday: Rangers aim for winning streak, 12 games on tap, Hockey Fights Cancer

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Derek

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Saturday is hockey day every week. While I’ll be locked in on the Hurricanes against Virginia Tech tonight, I’ll be channel flipping with the Rangers at Panthers along with other fun match-ups on Hockey Night In Canada and Center Ice.

There’s something for everyone. Even if your team is idle like the Islanders and the Devils, who were victimized by Connor McDavid (3 assists) last night in a 6-3 loss to the Oilers. On Daylight Savings time with us getting ab extra hour back when the clock strikes 2 AM on the even of the New York City Marathon, there’ll be plenty of action. Good luck to my buddy Patrick tomorrow as he starts in Fort Wadsworth out in Staten Island crossing the Verrazano Bridge and runs his first NYC Marathon. Ironically, it was my father who ran it in 1980 when I was little.

One game has already been played with the Vegas Golden Knights snapping a three-game losing streak by going into Ottawa and defeating the Senators 5-4. Jonathan Marchessault and Erik Haula each recorded three points and Alex Tuch scored in support of Maxime Lagace, who won his first game with 24 saves. Derick Brassard had two assists in the third period but Ottawa’s rally fell short.

Good by Sportsnet having Nicholle Anderson on between the second and third period to talk about her winning battle with cancer. It was interesting hearing the wife of Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson talk about how she revealed to her husband that she was cancer free in the playoffs. She now is the 2017 NHL Ambassador for #HockeyFightsCancer initiative. She joined 10-year old Ryan at center ice for an emotional ceremonial puck drop with the Knights’ David Perron and Ottawa captain Erik Karlsson. First class.

On Friday night, it was Brian Boyle joining Connor McDavid. Boyle has just returned from his battle with leukemia. He played his second game after debuting for the Devils at Vancouver.

In related news, former referee Kerry Fraser revealed that he is battling incurable leukemia. What a sad thing for the likable 65-Year old. Fraser is a class guy who is extremely popular in the hockey community. The man with the cool hair and similar look to actor William H. Macy has always been nice. I can recall him saying hello to me when I was a production assistant for the Devils in ‘00-01. I was just a kid out of college. That’s the kind of great person he is. I am deeply saddened by this news. That’s why we must do whatever we can to fight this awful disease.

The Rangers aim for a “winning streak” at Florida. It has happened before. By winning two in a row, they can make it three straight. Cue my favorite part of Major League 2:

We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge. They just came off the best win of the season. A well earned 2-1 overtime victory over Tampa with J.T. Miller scoring the exciting OT winner on a brilliant rush.

The Panthers aren’t the Lightning with just four wins so far. They’re not good defensively and have suspect goaltending without Roberto Luongo. James Reimer is finding life harder as the starter with Luongo out. He was chased the other night by Columbus in a 7-3 loss which followed a 8-5 defeat to the Bolts. That’s a whopping 15 goals allowed in two straight. If I were the Blueshirts, I would be on high alert.

UPDATE: Luongo is back and starting. So it could be a boost for Florida.  My mistake.

Florida can score. Aleksander Barkov is their best player. He has all the tools to be a superstar combining superb skating with good playmaking and finishing ability. He’s got 14 points (6-8-14) which ties him with Jonathan Huberdeau, Evgenii Dadonov and always dangerous two-way threat Vincent Trocheck. Radim Vrbata remains a streaky finisher getting all three in one game. He is a good right shot on the power play. Nick Bjugstad isn’t scoring and the Cats’ depth isn’t great.

The Rangers must account for offensive D Aaron Ekblad (3-4-7) and Keith Yandle (1-5-6). They are like extra forwards on the attack who can hurt you if they’re not covered. It would be wise to avoid penalties.

There’s one lineup change due to rookie Boo Nieves having the flu. Paul Carey is in on the fourth line with Michael Grabner and Jesper Fast while the benched David Desharnais centers Miller and Jimmy Vesey. Brendan Smith sits out a second straight (4th healthy scratch) in favor of Steven Kampfer with Nick Holden staying in with Ryan McDonagh. Smith better get his act together or that four-year contract will be one of the worst signings by Jeff Gorton.

Last thing. Don’t get into a run and gun with the fast skating Panthers. It tends to favor them. The Rangers should remain smart in decision making and take advantage of Panther mistakes. Establish the forecheck and score early. Henrik Lundqvist gets his third straight start.

A couple of other early games feature Columbus and Tampa while the struggling Leafs visit the West’s best in St. Louis. Montreal is at surprising Winnipeg. The Sabres go for two straight at Dallas. We’ll see if Evander Kane and Jack Eichel can stay hot. In late action, the Sharks and Ducks hook up in one of the best Western rivalries. Expect fireworks.

Enjoy the puck.

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Game 14: Rangers 2 Bolts 1 OT, AV’s lineup works, Miller scores great winner

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Derek
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It’s Miller Time: J.T. Miller is mobbed by teammates following his exciting overtime winner that gave the Rangers the best win of the season. 2-1 over the Lightning on Thursday night. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy USA Today

Sometimes, it all clicks in a game for a struggling team. If the Rangers were incomplete in the first 13, they sure weren’t during last night’s big 2-1 win over the first place Lightning in overtime.

The stars shined throughout with key performances from Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchnevich, Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Shattenkirk and Marc Staal.

There was a lot to like. For the first time this season, the Blueshirts gave a full effort for over 60 minutes until Miller’s highlight reel goal at 1:19 of a eye popping three on three that saw the guys in white get the better of a legit contender.

In many ways, it was a statement by the 18 skaters and goalie that if they play the right way with focus, structure and intensity, they’re fully capable of beating anyone. They haven’t quit on coach Alain Vigneault, who gets all the criticism when they lose but no credit when they win. He did a great job with the lines adjusting when he saw fit while benching Brendan Smith for a third time in favor of Nick Holden. Steven Kampfer stayed in and was much better too.

Somehow, it all worked out. A lineup that featured McDonagh mostly paired up with Nick Holden along with the scary tandem of Staal and Kampfer were fine. Skjei and Shattenkirk teamed up well again when reunited with the second-year defenseman dominating throughout.

In a game they deserved to win, this was easily the best performance. Finally as MSG’s Sam Rosen emphatically stated, they’ve won two in a row. At 5-7-2, there’s still work to be done. By digging a early hole for themselves, they must continue to play intelligent and emotional hockey. That needs to be carried through to the next stop in Sunrise tomorrow night when they visit the Panthers. A team who can also score goals and use their skating like the Lightning. But also a opponent who can be exploited at times. It’ll be another good test.

To come out with two points Thursday, they knew they had to play a more controlled style against a dangerous opponent who features the scary scoring tandem of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov along with a host of other skilled players like Brayden Point, Ondrej Palat and Victor Hedman, who can make life difficult.

It was their first game against old familiar number 5, Dan Girardi. It was a bit strange seeing the former Rangers’ warrior in Bolts navy blue colors. One of the most respected players in franchise history, he played mostly with awful partner Braydon Coburn. Girardi was solid in his first game against former teammates. Kreider said it was part of it during a first intermission interview with John Giannone. He was also referring to Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan. Unfortunately in the salary cap era, that’s what happens to good teams like the 2014 Stanley Cup roster.

From the very start at puck drop, they were ready for battle. They didn’t shy away from physical play getting involved in several scrums that produced a fight between Kampfer and Callahan along with some frustration from Tampa with Alex Killorn goaded into a penalty by Kevin Hayes. You had Zuccarello going after the much bigger Hedman with them nearly coming to blows. It was beautiful.

The impressive thing was how they didn’t allow Kucherov and Stamkos to get started. It was a more calculated attack by the Rangers who tested Lightning starter Andrei Vasilevskiy early and often in a excellent first period. He was superb making several good saves en route to a game high 35 on the night. That included stopping 13 of 14 in a busy first.

It was strong defensive play by the Blueshirts in their end and the neutral zone that fueled the attack. They forced the Lightning into a few mistakes on errant passes. Almost a role reversal given how both teams had started the year. The KZB Line of Kreider, Zibanejad and Buchnevich went head to head with Vladislav Namestnikov, Stamkos and Kucherov. They generated sustained forecheck and quality chances on Vasilevskiy. It was the play of Skjei and Shattenkirk that did a outstanding job taking turns with McDonagh-Holden. In particular, Skjei and McDonagh, who both were outstanding. Skjei has been playing well while this was McDonagh’s best game so far.

The fourth line featuring Michael Grabner, Boo Nieves and Jesper Fast were effective throughout. Especially Grabner, who was dangerous in getting four shots including a point blank chance that Vasilevskiy denied. Grabner’s game is coming around finally. Maybe he’ll get hot. Full credit to Nieves, who has come up from Hartford and provided a spark as a solid two-way presence with Vigneault finally able to roll four lines. He liked the work of Nieves so much that David Desharnais hardly saw the ice in the third.

An aggressive penalty kill took care of a Shattenkirk holding minor. There was some good communication with Staal and Zuccarello making smart reads to limit Kucherov and Stamkos, leading to easy clears. In fact, they were able to Spring Shattenkirk from the penalty box for a breakaway. But Vasilevskiy stayed right with him to deny a tough shot point blank keeping the game scoreless.

They had played so well that it was hard to believe there was no score. That changed thanks to a terrific odd man rush that led to Kreider’s fourth goal in five games with 1:26 remaining. Skjei started it with a defensive play to catch the Bolts. He started the rush passing to Zibanejad who was in but wisely centered for a cutting Kreider for a tap in after he beat Coburn.

After outshooting the Bolts 14-8, the Rangers had to expect a pushback from the Lightning. It would’ve been hard not to considering how lethal they are. So, it was only natural that they would turn up the heat in a 17 shot second in which they forced Lundqvist into some difficult saves. He was prepared with a terrific stop on Stamkos backdoor and a flat out denial on the always dangerous Kucherov.

Following a first in which Zuccarello took Hedman off the ice with him in the latest series of David versus Goliath, the game continued to intensify. The scrums were a big part of the story. In a period where they combined for 29 shots with Tampa holding a 17-12 edge, you certainly had your entertaining rough stuff.

It was during a shift midway through that a physical battle ensued along the boards with a feisty Callahan getting away with an elbow on Kampfer, who didn’t put up with it. He challenged Callahan and the two fought. For as bad as he was against Las Vegas, Kampfer was more effective playing a spunky game in 21 shifts (14:28) which included a second scrap later and a near miss with Vasilevskiy robbing him with a glove save that left him frustrated.

With Callahan and Kampfer off, Zibanejad drew a cross check on Namestnikov. However, the power play was brutal. They allowed a shorthanded goal to Yanni Gourde. Zibanejad tried to keep a puck in at the point but it resulted in a predictable turnover that fueled the Tampa transition. Once Buchnevich fell in the neutral zone, it was a matter of time before Brayden Point fed Hedman, who then found a wide open Gourde for a wrist shot that beat Lundqvist to tie the game at the 11-minute mark of the second.

They hadn’t played badly up till that point. For the most part, the defense didn’t give up the blueline and turn pucks over. However, there were a few scary moments following Gourde’s marker. The Lightning began to dictate play with their speed and puck possession. The Rangers were guilty of some mistakes that we’ve seen before. But Lundqvist was up to the challenge bailing them out. He saw a lot of rubber but never relented to keep the game tied after two. It was his best game finishing with 27  saves including 16 in the middle stanza.

The third was superb by the guys in Rangers white with red. They responded with a heck of a effort totally eliminating the Bolts attack. In fact, they held them to only four shots. They outshot the Bolts 9-4 with Vasilevskiy continuing to stymie them.

There was more animosity with Kampfer and J.T. Brown going at it early. It was that type of passionate game with no vanilla mixed in. The throwback where two teams disliked each other battling all over the ice. If they can play like this more consistently, the Rangers are fully capable of turning it around. When they’re able to ratchet it up and play responsibly, they’re a good team. Especially when Vigneault is confident enough to roll four lines and three pairs. Desharnais was the only skater who had his ice-time cut with Vigneault opting to double shift Zibanejad while also using Miller at center for a few shifts.

On a night where he didn’t play too much, it was Miller Time in overtime. Make no mistake about it. The Rangers are a better team when Miller performs. Even though he came into play second in team scoring, he hadn’t been consistent. There had been too many lazy giveaways and not enough shots. Miller is a splendid passer who can be too unselfish. He has a good shot and can excel in transition.

After the three man unit of Zibanejad, Buchnevich and Skjei fought the scary trio of Stamkos, Kucherov and Hedman to a draw, on came Miller with Zuccarello and Shattenkirk. It was a hustling Miller who was beaten by Stamkos that recovered to break up a centering pass for the Tampa captain in front. With both teams completing changes, he waited before giving the puck to Shattenkirk.

Miller circled back to take a Shattenkirk pass in the Ranger zone and then gained a full head of steam carrying the puck into the Tampa zone with forwards Gourde and Point back. Rather than pull up or shoot from the outside, he moved around Gourde and inside Point to get in on Vasilevskiy. With Anton Stralman a spectator, Miller made a great deke before faking and then pumping home a wrist shot top shelf past Vasilevskiy for a brilliant game-winner that sent excited teammates pouring off the bench. Splendid stuff from a talented player who should be here for a while.

Lundqvist actually got the play started to pick up his second career assist in overtime. Credit goes out to MSG’s Kenny Albert for that stat. Something Steve Valiquette referenced in a happy postgame with Ron Duguay and host Bill Pidto.

Afterwards, Miller discussed the big victory along with his great goal with MSG’s John Giannone in the locker room while donning the Broadway Hat.

The Lightning had a goal wiped out due to interference. Killorn thought he scored off a face-off win following a icing. But Gabriel Dumont’s right skate made contact with Lundqvist to impede him for incidental contact. It wasn’t intentional but enough to negate the goal which they got correct on the ice and in Toronto following a video review. Lightning fans didn’t agree but as Vigneault stated, it was the right call.

NYR 3 Stars:

3rd Star ⭐️ Brady Skjei assist, 4 blocks, +1 in 27 shifts-21:13

2nd Star ⭐️ J.T. Miller terrific OT winner for 3rd goal, 4 shots in 7 attempts, +1 in 21 shifts-12:06

1st Star ⭐️ Henrik Lundqvist 27 saves on 28 shots including 16 of 17 in 2nd, assisted on Miller winner, career win 409

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Game 13: KZB Line sparks third period comeback in 6-4 win over Golden Knights on emotional night for city

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Derek

It was a Happy Halloween 🎃 for the Rangers thanks to a stirring third period comeback in a much needed 6-4 win over the Golden Knights at a spooky Garden.

The victory likely saved Alain Vigneault’s job for now. He owes the reformed KZB line a steak dinner and a brewski for their performance in the third period. The cohesive trio combined for three goals including Pavel Buchnevich’s game-tying goal and Mika Zibanejad’s game-winning power play goal with 5:49 left in regulation. Chris Kreider started the rally with a beautiful goal when he batted a elevated Zibanejad pass out of midair to get the crowd back in it.

If I were a betting man, Vigneault won’t touch that line again. At least for a while. There’s no assurance that he’ll survive despite a ugly and chaotic two-goal win last night.

On a emotional day for New York City due to a a despicable terrorist attack in midtown that left eight dead and at least 11 injured, the Rangers played the game with heavy hearts.  It’s getting harder to understand why these tragedies keep happening. It’s unacceptable.

For once, the Rangers showed emotion. As disjointed as they were at times against a good Vegas team who peppered Henrik Lundqvist during a number of sequences, they were resilient. In most of the first 13 games, they haven’t quit. They didn’t against Montreal in a tough one-goal loss where they rallied from 3-0 and 4-2 deficits. They sure didn’t on Tuesday giving the kind of committed effort they’ll need to turn it around.

Before the game, MSG held a moment of silence for the victims. It was emotional even for me watching at home. An attack on our city is an attack on all New Yorkers. We stick together during tough times. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the victims.

For starters, the Rangers didn’t give up the first goal. They actually scored first thanks to a nice centering feed by David Desharnais from behind the net for Jimmy Vesey, who finished his second at 2:45. Ryan McDonagh chipped the puck down to Desharnais who made a perfect pass for the Vesey finish.

But before anyone could get too comfortable, the Golden Knights swarmed Lundqvist with shot after shot on quality chances- forcing him to come up with his best saves of the season. Ask Reilly Smith.

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Dave would be correct. Without some brilliant goaltending from Lundqvist, this could’ve gotten out of hand. Several players were guilty of poor defense and no backchecking or boxout. Ryan McDonagh had another rough night along with Brendan Smith, who was so bad that he was glued to the bench by the third. Steven Kampfer was no better getting turned around on by Alex Tuch on a easy blow by to the net that forced Lundqvist into a sprawling save. Marc Staal went to help instead of staying with ex-teammate Oscar Lindberg, who got his fifth to tie it.

Despite good offensive pressure, the Blueshirts spent a lot of time defending a relentless Vegas attack that forced Lundqvist into difficult saves. He did well stopping 14 of 16 against a team that was playing a back to back with fourth string goalie Maxime Lagace. Rather than pepper the inexperienced starter, the Rangers were too cute passing way too much when more shots were required. J.T. Miller especially needs to shoot the puck instead of always thinking pass. He has a good shot and it would cut down on his turnovers (3 giveaways).

The lack of communication between McDonagh and Smith was inexcusable on Smith’s go ahead tally that made it 2-1 in the final minute. They ran around like chickens until Smith put home a rebound from Jonathan Marchessault and Colin Miller. Predictably, they were booed at the end of the period.

Mats Zuccarello started the second in much better fashion by converting off a lucky bounce off Rick Nash’s skate to easily beat Lagace upstairs to even the score at 1:29. Kevin Hayes started it on a good cycle passing the puck off Nash right to Zuccarello, who buried his third.

But the Golden Knights responded once again thanks to Smith obliterating the disastrous top pair of McDonagh and Smith. In particular, Smith who was beaten so much that it was an eye sore. He’s signed for four years and has already been a healthy scratch twice. He needs to get it together soon.

Shots weren’t a problem for the Rangers in the second with them registering 19 in a wild stanza that saw the home team allow 17 for a combined 36. But Lagace was as he got more comfortable making some key stops to keep the Knights up one. In what could’ve been the end for Vigneault, they allowed a clean breakaway to David Perron. Lundqvist twice robbed him with Hasek like saves with him on his back. A penalty shot was awarded. Perron made a great move faking before going five-hole on a visibly frustrated Lundqvist to make it 4-2 with 61 seconds left. He had every right to be with Smith and Kampfer letting the Knights do whatever they wanted. It was embarrassing. Why were they out together?

It would’ve been easy for the Rangers to give up. But they normally don’t despite the defensive deficiencies. They came out and played a heck of a third outscoring a tired Knights 4-0 while outshooting them 15-5.

It took a foolish double minor on Perron for two trips to help them get back in it. They took advantage with Zibanejad leading a great rush that led to Kreider batting his elevated pass in at 5:31 to pull within one. It really was a great play started by Zuccarello with Zibanejad using his splendid skating and vision to find a driving Kreider, who was pumped up. If there is a goal that illustrates what Zibanejad and Kreider are capable of, this was it. It should go on their highlight reel as a friendly reminder.

A few minutes later, Buchnevich took a good Zibanejad feed in front for a tap in that tied the score. Another terrific play started by Zibanejad with Buchnevich in the right spot for his third goal in three games. He’s really blossoming. The second-year Russian has been the most consistent forward. No matter what line he’s on, there’s no denying his impact. It’s why he was miscast on the fourth line. He’s too talented a player for that. Now reunited with Zibanejad and Kreider, Buchnevich has the opportunity to break out. He has always been used in the top power play unit. Rather than 14 and a half minutes, he received 16:57 going 1-1-2 and plus-one.

In some games, the Blueshirts dug themselves an early hole but rallied to tie only to lose in frustrating fashion. This wasn’t one of those nights. A Colin Miller slashing minor gave them a chance to complete the comeback. Zibanejad obliged by taking a Kevin Shattenkirk pass at the left point and firing a laser through a screen for the game-winner with 5:49 remaining. It was another big celebration on a emotional night.

They wouldn’t have stood a chance without 27 big saves from Lundqvist, who moved into sole possession of ninth all-time with his 408th win.

Michael Grabner score into a empty net to seal a well earned victory. Now, they must build on it. They’ll have to back it up when they visit the hottest team in the league in Tampa Bay. They’re currently tied with St. Louis for the league’s best record at 10-2-1. It won’t be easy against a lethal offense led by top two scorers Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. They just put up eight on the Panthers in a wild 8-5 win.

The Rangers have yet to win two in a row. The Lightning present a huge challenge. They’re going to have be a lot better overall to have a shot. That means no defensive lapses or lazy shifts. It should be interesting.

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New Rangers lines versus Golden Knights on Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Derek

With the Golden Knights visiting The Garden for tonight’s match, the Rangers will have different lines on Halloween 🎃. Whether it’s enough to save Alain Vigneault remains to be seen.

They have two advantages. Vegas played the night before losing 6-3 to the Islanders in Brooklyn. They are down to their fourth string goalie due to Oscar Dansk going down yesterday. Maxime Lagace made his first appearance allowing four goals on 11 shots. He has mostly spent time in the ECHL and AHL. This is his first career start.

The Golden Knights are on a five-game road trip. They are 8-2-0 so far. Having gotten contributions throughout a balanced attack featuring James Neal, Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith, David Perron and Nate Schmidt, they do it by committee with a exciting style under coach Gerard Gallant. Everyone contributes.

There are a couple of things to look for. The Rangers’ start and how Lagace performs. Vegas can capitalize on turnovers. The home team must manage the puck better.

With it being a potential do or die game, Vigneault went back to familiar combos that started the season. That feels like a century ago. Here they are:

So Pavel Buchnevich is reunited with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider on the first line. Kevin Hayes anchors Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello. David Desharnais centers Jimmy Vesey and J.T. Miller. Boo Nieves will be between Michael Grabner and Jesper Fast.

Ryan McDonagh stays with Brendan Smith. Brady Skjei works with Kevin Shattenkirk and Marc Staal plays with Steven Kampfer. On paper, it could work. Nick Holden takes a seat. With Henrik Lundqvist starting, everything seems to point to the Rangers.

But we know better. If they don’t win, something will happen. Either Vigneault losing his job or a trade.

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Rangers facing the gauntlet against Golden Knights

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Derek

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When the puck drops tomorrow night at MSG, the Rangers are facing the gauntlet when they host the Golden Knights. Vegas had a seven game win streak snapped in a tough 6-3 loss at the Islanders. A game that saw them lose a third goalie with Oscar Dansk exiting with a leg injury. Replacement Maxime Lagace struggled allowing four goals on 11 shots.

While the Golden Knights deal with that, the Rangers are in search of wins. It starts with consistency. Better starts would certainly help. Their struggles have been well documented. It was a ghostly theme in Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Canadiens. They were down three goals before you looked up, outshot 22-2 in the worst period of the season. There have been way too many with the team having won only three of its first 12 (3-7-2).

A loss on Tuesday and it could be the end for coach Alain Vigneault. Astonishing considering he signed a extension in January that would keep him here through 2020. The timing never made sense but GM Jeff Gorton didn’t want the veteran bench boss entering the final season of a five-year contract a lame duck. Understandable considering what he’d accomplished.

When it comes to coaches, their shelf lives usually run its course. Unless you’re Scotty Bowman or Mike Babcock, who both had great success in Detroit, most don’t last long. Vigneault has been the longest tenured coach in the Metropolitan Division since taking over for John Tortorella in 2013-14. He’s had a good run leading a experienced team to consecutive Conference Finals including the first two ever series comebacks from 3-1 deficits along with a Stanley Cup appearance and a President’s Trophy. They’ve never failed to qualify for the postseason and have gone over 100 points in three of his first four years.

Sometimes, the message gets stale. It seems to be happening in Year 5. Vigneault preaches strong puck possession and smart decisions. His players aren’t listening as evidenced by a league worst 199 giveaways. New acquisition Kevin Shattenkirk might be contributing offensively with nine points but he’s been shattered defensively with a league worst 27 giveaways. Ryan McDonagh hasn’t been much better with 21. Speaking volumes, five Blueshirts rank in the top 15 with forwards Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad all tied with 15. Holy moly.

When one wonders why this team has been awful, all you have to do is follow their shifts. Between the poor starts that have put them behind the eight ball, the brutal turnovers and lazy defensive habits, it’s easy to see why they’re one of the worst teams so far. It could mean Vigneault’s job if you believe New York Post columnist Larry Brooks. He’s clearly on the hot seat.

Even more daunting is that the Rangers had Glen Sather and other scouts in Ottawa to take in the Canadiens’ surprising 8-3 rout of the Senators. There’s no question they’re looking for another center that can improve a team weakness. The question is would they really trade Kreider for Alex Galchenyuk. It’s one that concerns me. Galchenyuk has come under criticism from the tough Montreal media. Of course, he scored his fourth goal in only 10:43 under Claude Julien. It would seem he needs a change of scenery.

Chris Kreider

In Happier Times: Chris Kreider jumps into the arms of Derek Stepan and teammates after scoring a clutch tying goal with 1:41 left in Game 5 of the second round in a unreal 3-1 series comeback against the Capitals. AP Photo by Julie Jacobson/Getty Images

Galchenyuk is 23. Three years younger than Kreider, who can be baffling. When he wants to, he can dominate shifts with his unique combination of size, strength and speed. He posted a career high 28 goals and 53 points last season. But he wasn’t the factor he was in past playoff runs leading to disappointment. It’s been a confusing start for the 26-year old. He has only two goals and three assists with 21 penalty minutes. Some which have been very undisciplined. Signed thru 2020 with a AAV of $4.625 million, he should be a bargain. Either the power forward stays and improves or he goes and figures it out elsewhere. Similar to number 27 Kovalev, Alexei.

Remarkably, Galchenyuk gets more on average receiving a $4.9 million AAV to hardly take regular shifts in Montreal. He has four goals and zero assists. The Habs still don’t know where to use him. At center or on the wing. This is a talented player who once scored 30 with 26 assists in ‘15-16. Injuries limited him to 61 games and 44 points (17-27-44) last season. A bad first round in which he totaled three assists in a six-game series loss to the Rangers aggravated Habs fans.

Both Kreider and Galchenyuk are signed thru 2020. Each is talented with untapped potential. If the Rangers give up on Kreider, will he come back to burn them. It depends on Miller, who can then play wing exclusively while Pavel Buchnevich moves into the top nine.

Nobody knows what to expect anymore. It’s why I’m not sure changing coaches will work. Sure. Lindy Ruff could be a temporary fix. He’ll yell at the players and make them more accountable. Vigneault is a different style coach who treats his players with respect and isn’t one to scream on the bench. Maybe this group needs that. Tough love like Tortorella gave them before they turned on him a year following a extension. Sound familiar?

Is it really all on the coach here? Absolutely not. McDonagh has been brutal. Mats Zuccarello very incomplete due to a lack of detail. He hasn’t always been engaged. Not what you expect from such a passionate player. Kreider has struggled and Miller has as well despite being tied for the team lead in scoring.

The other night was a huge step back for Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Jesper Fast. Vesey didn’t even get eight minutes. Maybe Vigneault moves Buchnevich up and Vesey down or Fast. But it isn’t conducive to have Vesey or Buchnevich on the fourth line. Buchnevich is too skilled and has performed well with four goals and four helpers while holding down a key role on the top power play unit. Vesey would be wasted on the fourth line. Chalk up Saturday to a off night. He usually battles hard and goes to the dirty areas. Eventually, they’ll start going in. Rick Nash finally got rewarded.

Even worse is the defense. McDonagh has gone through five partners with Brendan Smith the latest. Shattenkirk didn’t work because he was a turnover machine. McDonagh similar. At some point, they might reexplore it with an emphasis on offensive zone starts. Brady Skjei has played better the last two but still needs to tighten up. He got to work with Shattenkirk on Saturday. Marc Staal had been the most consistent but struggled mightily after being reunited with Nick Holden. They cannot play together under any circumstance. It defeats the purpose.

After sitting out two straight games, Henrik Lundqvist will return to the net. It’s imperative for him to make the early saves and give his team momentum. That would also help what’s been a hostile environment at a strange Garden.

To turn it around, it’ll take a much better effort from everyone. If it doesn’t happen later, it could be bye bye Vigneault. What will be the excuse then? It’s up to the 18 skaters and goalie.

 

 

 

 

 

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Game 12: Awful first period haunts Rangers in ugly 5-4 loss to Canadiens

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Derek

I’ve been following this team a long time. I’ve witnessed some really bad teams and piss poor efforts. Never have I seen them come out so pathetic. They were comatose at the start of last night’s ugly 5-4 loss to the equally putrid Canadiens in a game that featured a comedy of errors.

These are two bad teams. It really showed. There were as many turnovers as a bakery. The Rangers and Canadiens combined for 43 giveaways. Believe it or not, Montreal was credited with more. It was 26-17.

Poor starts have haunted the Rangers in the first dozen games. This was a new low. They weren’t ready to play. From the opening face-off, they didn’t compete. They lost every battle. They threw pucks away and gave a fragile opponent reason for hope in front of a negative home crowd that was on pins and needles throughout. This wasn’t the usual Bell Centre fans. They kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. It nearly did when Brady Skjei tied it at four in the third period.

As for the first, a few words come to mind. Pathetic. Miserable. Despicable. Mind numbing. Halloween 👻 came early. The Rangers resembled a bunch of ghosts, goblins and zombies. They were the Walking Dead.

Not one of the 18 skaters competed in a listless first that saw the Habs get the game’s first three goals and outshoot the Booshirts 22-2. That’s not a misprint. Originally, it was 19-2. They must’ve added a few. Poor Ondrej Pavelec had no help. He was under siege.

On a ugly shift, Paul Byron was left all alone in front to bury a Jonathan Drouin feed past Pavelec at 7:51. The defense was so bad that I can’t remember who was out. I know Marc Staal had his worst night so far, struggling with the Habs speed. Alain Vigneault was forced to move him down to the third pair with Nick Holden. The pairing from hell which no one wants to see. They got victimized twice. The Kevin Hayes line with Jimmy Vesey and Jesper Fast were inept. Vesey got benched only seeing five shifts the rest of the game.

Slumping Alex Galchenyuk put the Habs ahead by two with a power play goal. Brendan Gallagher set it up when he crushed Brendan Smith with a clean hit leaving Smith on the ice behind the net. Holden went the wrong way which allowed Galchenyuk an easy finish at 11:09.

Phillip Danault made it 3-0 just 2:06 later. Pavelec couldn’t control a Andrew Shaw wrist shot allowing Danault to put home the rebound. This time, it was the top pair of Ryan McDonagh and Brendan Smith along with the top line of Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller and Rick Nash who got victimized. Sloppy defensive play the theme with wide open Canadiens left alone to do whatever they wanted. Shaw and Gallagher caused chaos by crashing Pavelec’s net along with Max Pacioretty.

Following the worst period of the season, the Rangers awoke in the second. They rise from their coffin for second periods. Why they never are ready at the outset is inexplicable, even leaving Vigneault at a loss for words. He’s getting tired of it. His postgame interviews are becoming interesting. You can see the frustration. The thing that stands out is he noted how ‘they didn’t have one D pair that could complete a pass.’ Wow.

Montreal is a very fragile team. It doesn’t take much for them to implode. A Artturi Lehkonen interference minor led directly to Pavel Buchnevich staying hot by scoring his third goal in two games. Off a face-off win from Miller, he worked the puck to Kevin Shattenkirk at the left point. He quickly dished across for a Buchnevich one-timer that beat Carey Price through a Nash screen to cut the deficit to 3-1 at 2:21.

Suddenly more alert, the Rangers dictated play with harder skating and forechecking. They put the Habs on the defensive forcing Price to make some saves. They got 16 shots through following the first period no show. Where was this urgency before?

To his credit, Nash continues to work hard nightly. Despite entering play with only one point (goal), his hard work finally got rewarded. On a Miller breakaway in which he was denied by Price, he stuck with it getting the puck to Nash behind the net. His quick stuff in around the net beat a slow recovering Price at 12:f20 to suddenly cut it to one.

Even with momentum with a antsy Bell Centre ready to turn on their team, the Rangers managed to screw it up. On a hellacious shift in which he thought he had an icing, McDonagh lost a battle behind the net to the smaller Shaw. It resulted in sustained pressure from the Habs. As McDonagh, Brady Skjei watched along with a scrambling Hayes line, Pacioretty steered in a rebound of a Shea Weber low shot past a helpless Pavelec, who must’ve felt like Henrik Lundqvist. He made 38 saves including some key ones to give his team a chance but ultimately couldn’t bail them out. Anyone who blames the goalie is clueless.

The Rangers found themselves down 4-2 after two. They weren’t just lackadaisical. Undisciplined as well with Chris Kreider taking his usual allotment of bad penalties. He’s been so exasperating that management might have had enough. According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, Kreider is being shopped with Edmonton a potential partner. I don’t want any part of that if it means Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or underwhelming Ryan Strome.

Of course, the Rangers rallied to tie it in the third. Why wouldn’t they? Nash set up Mika Zibanejad for a goal with McDonagh to make it 4-3 at 2:25.

Skjei then had the good fortune of having his point shot go off the back of Tomas Plekanec past a infuriated Price to tie the score with 13:00 remaining. Shattenkirk and David Desharnais drew the assists on a nicely constructed play with Kreider distracting Plekanec in front.

With the Habs hearing boos, they responded with the next goal. Predictably, the Rangers were awful on Danault’s winner coming with 10:23 left. He was able to get to a Pavelec juicy rebound and get his second of the game and fourth point. He also assisted on two others. He was shutdown by McDonagh and Dan Girardi in the first round. Think the captain doesn’t miss Girardi?

They had some chances but couldn’t find the equalizer on Price, who did enough to earn the win. It was ugly but I’m sure a desperate Montreal didn’t mind. They improved to 3-7-1. Unless you’re a concerned Habs fan who didn’t enjoy the gong show.

https://twitter.com/paulbyronn41/status/924454245264322560

How am I dealing with the Ranger ineptitude? By laughing when it gets bad. Sure. It hurts to watch. But it’s like a bad comedy. Or similar to one of my favorite movies.

It’s officially Groundhog Day and October isn’t over. The Rangers have a Halloween game against the 8-1-0 Golden Knights. Come out the same way and they’ll get blown out of the building. Will they remove their Scarecrow masks and reveal themselves? Or will Vigneault lose his job before Election Day?

Tune into the next riveting episode at the same bat time and same bat channel on Tuesday.

 

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