Battle Of Hudson covers the Rangers and Devils, who's intense rivalry heated up in the 90's. With fresh faces added, they battle for supremacy in NYC and NJ..
Tonight, the Rangers look to make it two wins in a row. After stymieing the Predators 4-2 despite less than 20 shots on Saturday, they host the Sharks at MSG. It’s the fifth straight home game of a season long six-game homestand. Win tonight and they can set themselves up for three in a row with the winless Coyotes coming in Thursday.
With coach Alain Vigneault having settled on a three line rotation for now, he’ll stick with the odd 11 forward, 7 defensemen alignment. That means he has no confidence in extra forwards Adam Cracknell and Paul Carey. He did hint about a possible center call up later this week. But anyone getting their hopes up for Filip Chytil shouldn’t. He’s better off developing in Hartford. We know he won’t get enough time here.
More realistic options are Cristoval “Boo” Nieves and Vinny Lettieri. Many would like to see Lettieri, who was impressive in training camp. I see the organization preaching patience with the first year pro. Nieves can probably be given a chance to sink or swim as a 4C and PK option. What is the point of keeping Carey and claiming Cracknell if they’re not gonna be used?
For the time being, Pavel Buchnevich and Michael Grabner will be worked I never with one of Mika Zibanejad, David Desharnais and Kevin Hayes. J.T. Miller can also shift to center if need be.
At the moment, the cohesion between Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Jesper Fast is undeniable. They combined for three goals and two assists on Saturday. Zibanejad has cooled considerably since the hot start that saw him score five times in the first four games. He’s a minus-eight. Mats Zuccarello is a team worst minus-10. Surely, Zuccarello has to pick it up. He’s looked to as one of the veteran leaders wearing an ‘A’ on his jersey.
Chris Kreider needs to follow up his first goal with a strong game. He plays top power play and remains with Desharnais and Miller. Rick Nash remains stuck on one goal. He leads the team with 35 shots. They have to start going in eventually. He’s ran into a lot of bad luck hitting goalposts. If only there was a stat for that.
The D will include power play specialist Tony DeAngelo, who lost most of his regular shifts to Nick Holden. Vigneault likes what Tony D brings. Hopefully, he gets more than five and a half minutes of ice time. The D pairs remain the same with Ryan McDonagh working with Brendan Smith while Kevin Shattenkirk plays alongside Marc Staal. The third pair is Brady Skjei and Nick Holden.
Henrik Lundqvist gets his ninth start in the first 10 games. He’ll look to build on a good performance in Saturday’s win over the Predators.
For the Sharks, the players to watch are Brent Burns, Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and Martin Jones. Burns is without a goal so far despite firing a team best 31. He scored 29 times last season to win the Norris. Obviously, the Blueshirts want to avoid any undisciplined penalties.
Pavelski does most of his work in front. He’s a terrific center who is adept at deflecting home pucks. He must be boxed out. Couture recently had a hat trick. He leads the Sharks with six goals and eight points. A tremendously skater, he can be dangerous on the rush and is a good overall player who plays every situation.
Thornton remains one of the game’s best passers. He is great at creating space and loves to work from behind the net. So, his time and space must be limited.
Jones is the number one goalie. He got Saturday off with backup Aaron Dell losing a 5-3 decision to the Islanders. Jones’ last start was a shutout over the Devils. He can be really good but sometimes can be off. Moving him side to side is the key.
Hometown kid Kevin Labanc makes his Garden debut. The Staten Island native has three goals and two assists so far. A great story, he played for the Jersey Rockets and represented Team USA in Grand Rapids before putting up big numbers for the Barrie Colts in the OHL. He’s 3-3-6 ranking second in team scoring. Keep an eye on him.
Brendan Smith is down in front of Henrik Lundqvist during the Rangers’ 4-2 win over the Predators to snap a five game winless streak on Kids Day at MSG. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Newsday
The losing streak is officially over. After coming close the past two games in getting points, the Rangers finally earned their second win of the season by defeating the Predators 4-2. Their first victory since a 2-0 shutout of the Canadiens on Oct. 8.
They previously had dropped five in a row going 0-3-2. Many observers had Alain Vigneault on the hot seat. One win doesn’t change that but it buys him some time to get the ship righted. In defeating a quality opponent who were the Stanley Cup runner up, they should feel good about themselves.
Now, the focus is on San Jose Monday. Win that and they can set themselves up for a .500 homestand. Arizona visits Thursday. They’ve yet to win a game. It’ll mark the return of Derek Stepan and possibly Antti Raanta if he returns from injury. Win the next two and that’s a winning streak. Cue my favorite reference from Major League 2.
I’ll never get tired of that. Hopefully, our Blueshirts don’t either. Just seeing the look of relief on Henrik Lundqvist’s face when the buzzer sounded said it all. It’s been a struggle for this team. They’re only 2-5-2 in nine games but have earned four points in the last three (1-0-2). That’s a positive.
The @juniorrangers honorary starters join the #NYR starters together at Kids Day!
If they waited too long against the Islanders, the guys in the classic blue and red jerseys were ready from the drop of the puck at 12:30 PM on Kids Day. A day that started nicely with MSG recognizing junior kids who got to be on the Garden ice for the national anthem next to some of their heroes. A moment they won’t forget. There are a lot of things I dislike about The Garden. But when it comes to their community work for kids and the Garden of Dreams, they’re second to none. Nobody does it better.
Facing a very good Nashville team that entered Saturday’s match 4-2-1, the Rangers didn’t mess around. In sharp contrast to most of the season, they were sharp from the outset. Going against a skilled opponent who features Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, Viktor Arvidsson, Roman Josi and P.K. Subban, they had to be.
Right away, a more aggressive Blueshirts got in on the Predators and forechecked. They forced Juuse Saros to come up with some early saves in a good first period. If there was one bugaboo, they took too many penalties. Of their five power plays, Nashville had three in the opening stanza. However, the NHL’s 30th ranked penalty kill was superb in killing off every single one. The difference was a more aggressive four man unit that was in sync. Able to pressure the Preds into mistakes for easy clears, they did a great job.
Of the 25 shots, Lundqvist only saw five on the five Nashville power plays. He made some crucial stops on the final one which wasn’t a penalty. More on that later. The Swedish King was stellar finishing with a more manageable 23 saves including nine in the third to pick up his 407th career win. That tied Glenn Hall for ninth all-time.
For the third time so far, Vigneault went with the odd alignment of 11 forwards and 7 defensemen. After being benched for the third period the other night, Adam Cracknell was a healthy scratch. Nick Holden dressed as the seventh defenseman. The D pairs were Ryan McDonagh-Brendan Smith, Marc Staal-Kevin Shattenkirk and Brady Skjei-Tony DeAngelo. Vigneault and defensive assistant Lindy Ruff worked in Holden for more shifts than DeAngelo, who only played 5:20 (5 shifts). How he’s been handled is perplexing. Holden took 19 shifts (16:36) while Skjei only received 13:18 in 18 shifts. I can’t understand why.
At least the lines were consistent. In particular, the cohesive trio of Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast. They were easily the best unit. Playing together again, they continued to find chemistry. The third line factored in on three of the club’s four goals. Fast got his first of the season when he put home a rebound of a strong Hayes rush at 14:58.
One of the key players who’s been missing is Chris Kreider. He finally got off the snide with a power play goal off a wonderful set up from J.T. Miller at 19:34. David Desharnais earned the secondary assist. Aside from a silly penalty in the offensive zone, he continues to fit in with Kreider and Miller. He’s a crafty center but I wonder how long he can last on the second line.
After outshooting the Preds 11-9, the remainder of the contest was far different. Nashville is a tight checking group who can stifle transition. The Rangers were bottled up in a lopsided second that saw the Predators dictate play with strong neutral zone work and diligent checking. They outshot the Rangers 9-4.
Much overlooked defenseman Mattias Ekholm got Nashville on the board when he took a Filip Forsberg feed at the point and whistled a wrist shot past Lundqvist top shelf through traffic at 1:44. Forsberg outworked Smith and Mika Zibanejad to a loose puck to set it up.
Kreider still takes some very undisciplined penalties. He got a lazy holding minor in the offensive zone which gave the Preds a chance to tie it. But the Rangers’ penalty kill got it done again. Kreider then nearly scored out of the penalty box but was slashed by Ekholm leading to a power play. But they were unable to cash in.
Lundqvist was called upon to make some timely saves. His teammates didn’t muster much except for a brilliant end to end rush by Hayes with the skilled big center scoring a highlight reel goal. Off some good defensive work, Skjei got the puck to Vesey, who passed to Hayes. He flew through the neutral zone and abused the Nashville D going around Matt Irwin before beating Saros upstairs for a 3-1 lead at 12:46.
However, Nashville struck back 2:44 later. It was a bit unlucky for the Rangers. A Josi shot caromed off Skjei and Forsberg and in past Lundqvist to make it a one goal game with 4:30 remaining in the second. Johansen picked up a helper. Originally, it was credited to Josi. But they reviewed it between periods and determined that it was Forsberg’s goal.
Considering how the Preds started the third, it was gonna be up to Lundqvist. He made a couple of big stops to deny Johansen on the Preds’ fifth power play. A hideous call on Smith for delay of game. He was checked from behind into the net forcing it off its moorings. The sad aspect is anyone could tell live it wasn’t a penalty. That’s what made the call so bad.
It was the one Nashville power play that kept the Rangers penalty kill pinned in. They attempted at least six shots with Lundqvist having to make three huge saves. He came up big stopping nine of nine in a busy third.
The Rangers didn’t do much. Aside from some splendid defensive shifts from the Hayes line with Vesey doing some splendid work late along with Fast, they only forced Saros to make three saves.
Fittingly, it was Vesey who fired down into a empty net from his own zone for a well deserved goal. His first of the year to seal a much needed win with 39 seconds left. It was nice to see a hardworking player get rewarded. There’s a reason Vigneault trusts him. Rick Carpiniello sees it.
Joe Fortunato doesn’t like Vesey for some reason. Maybe it’s due to the expectations. Vesey was signed out of college as a free agent after not signing with Nashville. He went 16-11-27 in his rookie year and had a goal with four assists in the playoffs. The 24-year old former Harvard Crimson is becoming a complete two-way player who plays 200 feet. He is used on the penalty kill and does the little things that help you win. Hence my response to Fortunato of Blueshirt Banter.
Vesey should become a 20-25 goalscorer. If he does, I doubt anyone will complain. He has gotten chances but ran into some bad luck. Similar to Rick Nash. I like what he brings and loved that Vigneault stuck Vesey with his workout buddy Hayes and Mr. Hustle, Fast. See. Not everything the coach does is wrong.
Of course, I also understand Fortunato’s frustration. Vigneault still doesn’t play the gifted Pavel Buchnevich enough. He was again on a make shift fourth line with Michael Grabner. However, the 22-year old Russian still gets key power play time on the first unit. He isn’t as polished defensively. I’ve had my own qualms with how he’s used, wondering why Buchnevich didn’t get an overtime shift versus the Islanders.
Right now, the Rangers are a work in progress. Today was a step in the right direction. Let’s enjoy what was a good win. Onto that other New York team tonight that I have a keen interest in. I’ll just come out and say it. Let’s Go Yankees!
Despite a predictable dud of a game against the Sharks last night at the Rock after a thrilling OT win in Ottawa on Thursday, things are still mostly looking up for the 6-2 Devils – though they’re currently looking up at nobody else in the Metropolitan division. Indeed, the Devils are in first place after 10% of the NHL season (already it’s that much?). Not that anyone seriously expects the Devils to hold their current place in the standings for much longer, though their Stanley Cup odds have dropped from 125-1 to 40-1, so that’s something cause bookies know everything, right?
For reasons defying explanation by anyone, the Devils have a full six days off before their next game on Friday against the Senators at home. Yes, I realize every team has a ‘bye week’ now in the NHL where you get five or so days off and don’t have to practice, but this isn’t actually the Devils’ scheduled bye week, which is in January. This is just regular time off where the team will be in the area and practice. As annoying and mystifying as this break is perhaps it’s for the greater good right now given this team could certainly use more work defensively. Not to mention the break will give some of the nicked up guys time to heal, such as goalie Cory Schneider who had to leave Thursday’s game in Ottawa with a lower-body injury. Also, defenseman Steven Santini was a surprise scratch last night ostensibly due to general wear and tear from playing big minutes early.
Too bad the Devils didn’t put up a PG-13 disclaimer for last night since having to watch a defense where John Moore and Ben Lovejoy were a pairing is not for the faint of heart, and when they weren’t the ones screwing up Mirco Mueller was all to happy to take his turn with the dunce cap on. Former Devil coach Pete DeBoer must have been smirking on the bench at his luck facing a team coming off an emotional road win the night before with a couple of key guys missing. True, even a tired Devils team could have had a hatful of goals last night, but Sharks goalie Martin Jones and his best friends post and crossbar were all at their goal-repelling best last night. Not to mention Jimmy Hayes, who essentially blocked a Taylor Hall shot from an open net attempting a deflection.
Last night was annoying for yours truly on a number of fronts last night. Usual Friday night traffic getting into Newark that made a 35-40 minute drive into an hour long. Another few minutes getting into the building when I had to reload my Devils app and re-sign in to get my electronic tickets to show (I thought technology was supposed to make things easier, not more difficult?). Then my food and beverage card wouldn’t work and after getting the runaround to guest services, then to the Membership Lounge I was told I’d in fact brought a commemorative card that didn’t have the credit on it. Yes, I did get two food and beverage cards but figured the credit would be on both and was never told one was essentially a dud. Guess changing over the sales team in the offseason didn’t help in terms of communication but I don’t get the concept of a seperate commemorative membership card anyway…as if you can’t just keep the one you have once the credit runs out?!
I just barely got to my seat for the anthem when something else unusual happened, and the young anthem singer froze up in the middle of it. I at first wondered if the mic had cut out but apparently not, and the crowd picked up the slack and finished the anthem for her in what was clearly the best moment of the night. Thankfully we didn’t have to sing the Canadian anthem too, I doubt most of us know the words to that offhand although having been at enough games I at least know a few verses if not the whole song.
As far as the actual game went, the sooner I forget about last night, the better. I’d prefer to rewatch the wild, dual 5-4 wins over Tampa on Tuesday and at Ottawa Thursday. If last night’s game showed the growing pains (particularly on D) that still remain, those games showed the excitement of what lay ahead. In a game I had to miss on Tuesday, the Devils wound up scoring three times in the first period against the Lightning, but still trailed late in the third before Drew Stafford’s tying goal at 15:54 of the third period sent the game to OT, then the shootout. I was hoping we’d see one of the kids like Nico Hischer or Jesper Bratt strut their stuff in the skills competition but coach John Hynes went with a veteran-laden lineup of Stafford, Hall and Kyle Palmieri for the shooters. Thankfully for once Schneider stood tall in the shootout going 3-3 and Palmieri’s goal was enough to get the extra point.
If Tuesday’s win was dramatic, Thursday’s game was an even more exciting finish, although the start wasn’t bad either with #1 overall Nico Hischier getting his first NHL goal early in the first period, then following up quickly with his second later in the period to help the Devils take a 2-1 lead, but Ottawa scored three times in the second and a banged-up Schneider gave way to an unsuspecting Keith Kinkaid – who in his own words was stuffing his face with granola bars when he found out.
Keith Kinkaid on finding out he was playing the 3rd: "I was actually stuffing my face with some granola & I had no idea anything was wrong"
Kinkaid gamely held the fort and the Devils stormed back with goals by Palmieri and Marcus Johansson to send the game into a second straight OT – where our 3-on-3 specialist John Moore won it at 1:20 of the extra session, with his fifth OT goal since becoming a Devil just over two seasons ago. After the game Sens coach Guy Boucher had some nice things to say about our skill level and speed, and Boucher has an interesting connection to the Devils having coached #1 overall Hischier in juniors. As he once recalled, Hischier played three straight games for him as a 16-year old against men and didn’t make one mistake. Ironic then that Hischier would get off the schneid against his former coach.
After the rousing win Saturday against the Rangers followed by the OT games Tuesday and Thursday it appeared the team was just a step slow where they had been, but they’ll get some needed time off and get another crack at it with a back-to-back at home against the same Sens on Friday, and against Arizona on Saturday. Of course if another certain local team is playing home games Friday and Saturday night, the crowds will be severely sparse and muted watching Games 3 and 4 of the World Series. Of course, the Yankees have to win their Game 7 in Houston tonight for that to become a reality. Although as a Met fan I’m ambivalent at best to the Yankee run I do appreciate how GM Brian Cashman has completely made over the organization and how they’ve been able to not only build the farm but find undervalued players from other organizations. It’s a model franchise for sure, and there’s also this:
Yes, Brian Cashman is a not-so-secret Devils fan. Interesting there’s always been a loose connection between the two franchises since former Yankee owner George Steinbrenner once held a stake in the Devils too, and I believe even got a ring for the 2003 Stanley Cup. Too bad my Mets don’t have more of a connection with the Devils haha. But having high-profile fans and getting some cross-promotion can’t hurt in any case.
The Islanders celebrate a goal as they defeated the struggling Rangers 4-3 in a shootout at MSG. AP Photo via NY Daily News courtesy Getty Images
When you struggle to win games, it really gets hard. In the first Battle of New York of the season, the Rangers lost another tough one- this time to the blood rival Islanders 4-3 in a shootout at MSG on Thursday night.
They did earn a point for a second straight game but now find themselves with only one win in their first eight games (1-5-2). Meanwhile, the much improved Devils rallied last night to defeat Ottawa 5-4 in overtime to jump out to a 6-1-0 start. They lead the division with 12 points. Eight up on the Blueshirts who are still searching for answers. The only win coming agains equally as bad Montreal, who they see again in a week. The Canadiens are a East worst 1-5-1.
There are many striking similarities between the Original Six rivals. Both have established number one goalies who aren’t getting much support. Each is struggling to score goals and putrid defensively. They haven’t started well in games. Neither have any consistency or chemistry. Both are feeling the wrath of frustrated fan bases who expect better.
Unlike the Habs, the Rangers are showing signs of getting out of it. Even though they again dug themselves a early hole, they were able to mount a rally in the third period scoring twice to force overtime for a second consecutive game. So, they haven’t given up completely. It’s the lack of consistency and bad starts that’s costing them valuable points. To hear Kevin Shattenkirk tell it, they need to be more patient.
#NYR defenseman @shattdeuces said the team must be "more patient" at the start of games. Hear what else he said after today's practice. https://t.co/RD5g7wbRgo
While the offensive defenseman has been bounced around the lineup by Alain Vigneault, he’s contributing. The New Rochelle native picked up a primary assist on David Desharnais’ goal that tied it at one in direct response to Anders Lee scoring on a early power play thanks to a bad penalty from Chris Kreider. It’s about the only thing he’s been doing daily. Not exactly what you expect from the key power forward who remains without a goal thus far.
Despite team struggles, Shattenkirk has found offense. He does it by finding room to get his accurate right shot through from the point. It was a quick wrist shot that a driving Desharnais was able to tip home past Islanders starter Jaro Halak. That gave him goals in two straight. Since being moved up to the second line with Kreider, he’s found chemistry with J.T. Miller. It’s Kreider who needs to join the party.
As for ShattDeuces, he’s up to seven points (2-5-7) which puts him in a three-way tie for first in team scoring with Miller and Mats Zuccarello. The former Blue who had a short stay with the Caps is tied for fifth amongst defensemen in scoring. There’s no doubt what he can bring. He’ll score his goals and get his points. He’s even taken on a team leadership role getting involved the other night with Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust. He’s trying his best to help lead the team in the right direction.
A bad characteristic is this team’s penchant for giving up untimely goals. They continue to frequently fall asleep. The alarm didn’t sound until the third. They seem to not play with urgency until they get behind. Following Desharnais’ goal, the Ranger fans who actually showed up had exactly a minute to cheer before a sloppy defensive shift allowed Brock Nelson to beat Henrik Lundqvist with a perfect laser high to the stick side to give the Islanders back a one-goal lead.
The main culprits were Michael Grabner and Adam Cracknell. Both turned over the puck to Andrew Ladd allowing Nelson easy access in the slot for the Isles’ second goal of the first period. Cracknell slammed his stick. He didn’t see the ice in the third.
Neither team is good defensively. There were plenty of turnovers throughout. By night’s end, each side was credited with 17 giveaways. That included five more by Ryan McDonagh. He’s clearly going through the worst stretch of his career. A reliable top pair defenseman, the captain is fighting it. It could have to do with all the partners he’s had through eight games. He was used to playing with Dan Girardi. Believe it or not, he misses him. It still doesn’t explain the brain cramps. He’s too good for this to continue.
As a team, the Rangers have been guilty of way too many turnovers. It’s only been eight stinking games and they already have a league high 122 giveaways. Unlike Dolan’s MSG which now closes gates to the Blue Seats early and inexplicably shuts down concessions and doors, there’s room for improvement.
Outside of allowing a bad angle goal to gifted Isles rookie Mathew Barzal (1st of career) which made it 3-1 at 1:15 of the second, Lundqvist played well. He kept his team in it by making several outstanding saves (35 total). None better than thwarting Josh Bailey’s last second bid to win it with seconds to spare in regulation. Another breakdown that can’t happen. Thankfully, he saved the game to bail out Mats Zuccarello, Mika Zibanejad and a badly beaten Shattenkirk.
As usual, they had trouble beating Halak (38 saves). He always steps up in the head to head match-ups with Lundqvist. It might explain why he improved to 12-1 in the last 13 meetings. He was under siege in a third that saw a exhausted Isles try to hold on. They recently returned from a three game road trip in California. So the third was predictable.
The Rangers finally imposed their will. Using a quicker tempo, they furiously attacked the Islanders with speed and puck possession. They were more aggressive. Jimmy Vesey nailed Nelson with a hard hit from behind in the neutral zone. That caused a angry Ladd to challenge him. Eventually, Brendan Smith picked off a errant pass at the Islander blueline and broke in on Halak, throwing a puck off a Islander right to Zuccarello, who buried it to cut the deficit to 3-2 at 3:29.
Smith played his most assertive game of the season. After starting with partner Brady Skjei, he was moved up to McDonagh in the third. The old Wisconsin Badgers worked well together. Smith also had a apparent tying goal overturned due to the NHL replay determining that he kicked the puck in. It was a tough call because it didn’t look deliberate. But they concluded it was a distinct kicking motion. Smith kicked the puck with his left skate and attempted to get he stick shaft on it. But Halak was in the way resulting in the loose puck banking in off Smith’s right skate.
To their credit, the Rangers persevered until Kevin Hayes beat Halak with a backhand from a bad angle to tie the score with 5:54 left. Playing his best game so far with new linemates Vesey and Jesper Fast, Hayes went end to end. Holding onto the puck, he skated wide around the Isles D and threw a backhand that surprised Halak for his second of the year.
Overtime was dominated by the Rangers. They got the first four shots including a unlucky Rick Nash stealing a puck and having another breakaway only to get stoned by Halak. I’ve never seen a more jinxed player. No one gives better effort than Nash. He remains stuck on one goal entering tomorrow’s rare Saturday matinee against Nashville. At some point, his luck will change. It’s why I can’t stand tweets like this:
That defeatist mentality bothers me. Sure. I get frustrated. But it’s not over yet. They must get it turned around. The losses are piling up. It’s about the key players picking up their game. It would also help if Vigneault gave Pavel Buchnevich more shifts. He shouldn’t be receiving less than 10 minutes. He was partially responsible on the Nelson goal flying the zone. That’s the mindset of a offensive system which sometimes makes the players forget the defensive side. That must change.
A bench minor gave the Isles a four on three power play with 1:19 left. A player came on too early before Nash got to the bench. But the penalty killing unit of Hayes, McDonagh and Marc Staal did a great job.
The shootout is hit or miss. Zuccarello started it by scoring thanks to his five-hole shot going off Halak and in. But Jordan Eberle evened it off Lundqvist’s glove to end Round 1. After Halak stayed with Zibanejad, John Tavares walked in and beat Lundqvist with a wicked backhand upstairs that hit the back bar. It was a nice move and sweet finish. That forced Desharnais to try to even it. But he was stopped by Halak to send the Islanders to their third win (3-3-1).
I’m just gonna add one thing. Why not Buchnevich? He didn’t even get a shift in OT. He had a very active game even getting moved up a couple of shifts in the third. Nothing against Desharnais, who’s looked much better since being elevated. I didnt agree with him being their third shooter with a big extra point on the line.
I don’t get Vigneault sometimes. He’s a well spoken coach. But some of the decision making leaves a lot to be desired. He’s been a very successful coach winning over 600 games with Montreal, Vancouver and New York. He won over 300 with the Canucks and currently is 193-113-30 with the Rangers. The question at the moment is will he survive in Year 5. If it continues, probably not.
Chris Kreider is congratulated by pleased teammates after his goal in the second period. AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images
Live tonight at 9:30 PM EST, I’ll be joining BlueShirt Nation for a special debut show of Rangers Hot Seat.
Tune in on Blogtalk Radio to hear our analysis on the Rangers’ poor start. They’re now 1-5-1 with just three points which are tied with the Canadiens for the fewest in the East. They trail first place Columbus and New Jersey by seven already.
What’s gone wrong? Everything. They’ve been outscored 26-17 and remain a inconsistent mess. They’ve lost close games like last night’s failure to close out the Pens with Henrik Lundqvist allowing a bad goal to Sidney Crosby with 55 seconds left. A play in which Kevin Shattenkirk didn’t realize it was a hand pass, mistakenly playing the puck to give Crosby a chance for one of his patented Gretzky backhand specials from the goal line.
Even in a game they played well skating with the defending champs by rallying from a 2-0 deficit by scoring four of the next five goals, it wasn’t enough to win due to the failure to protect a lead in the final minute. A similar theme last Spring against Montreal and most notably Ottawa.
Is it mental? Most of the group is still intact with GM Jeff Gorton subtracting top center Derek Stepan and Oscar Lindberg along with Dan Girardi. Some of the leadership is gone. It’s up to underachieving Kevin Hayes and Chris Kreider to provide more. Instead, neither has established themselves yet.
Let’s not forget they’ve only played seven games. While most are pushing the panic button, there’s plenty of time to turn it around. Are they capable? It largely depends on the aforementioned Hayes, Kreider and other key players such as Brady Skjei, Ryan McDonagh, who has been brutal so far. His giveaway causing an easy overtime put away for Evgeni Malkin. A play he admitted to making a foolish decision.
With Lundqvist the emotional leader along with veteran Mats Zuccarello and forgotten stalwart Marc Staal, who’s been better than expected, they have a lot of proven guys in the locker room who can lead.
Mika Zibanejad has stepped up his game with five goals and better attention to detail as the new top pivot. J.T. Miller’s game is coming. He posted a goal and two helpers on Tuesday to overtake Zibanejad and Zuccarello for the team lead with seven points.
Jimmy Vesey must get untracked. He remains stuck with a goose egg despite some good work yesterday. He can do better than 14 shots but needs to earn consistent ice time. I like the idea of him with Hayes and Jesper Fast. But Hayes has to get checked in defensively. There were a couple of lazy shifts where he didn’t get back. That can’t happen. He’s the number two center.
David Desharnais performed well last night recording a goal and assist while establishing chemistry with Miller and Michael Grabner, who finally got on the board off a textbook give and go.
I wish I could say the same for Kreider, who has been disappointing with three assists and no goals. That can’t continue. He’s too important to the team’s success.
Despite continuing to generate quality chances, Rick Nash remains stuck on one goal. He certainly works hard using his speed and skating off the rush as well as on the forecheck. The goalpost must be in his nightmares.
If there’s a gripe, it’s the coach. Alain Vigneault has been here long enough to know sometimes, you have to make everyone accountable. If that means Hayes or Kreider missing a shift or two, so be it. The guys who bring it consistently should be rewarded.
Was there any rational explanation for not giving Pavel Buchnevich more ice time following his power play goal? He only received 5:49 at even strength remaining on the fourth line with Adam Cracknell and mostly Grabner. Buchnevich should be getting at least 12 minutes. He’s been one of the few bright spots.
Tony DeAngelo played a better game showing off his skating and transition. Vigneault must stick with him. That’s the only way he’ll grow.
If they can’t beat the Islanders who will be visiting MSG off a three game California swing going 1-2-0, the pressure will mount. The Rangers have to show improvement in the final two home games against their blood rival and the Predators on Saturday. That means playing a full 60 minutes and stringing together something they haven’t done yet. Back to back wins. If they can do that, then this can happen.
Losing is contagious. Similar to winning, it can drive both coach and players crazy. Being a Rangers fan is tough right now. For the past decade, we’ve grown accustomed to seeing our team have success thanks to Henrik Lundqvist and a strong cast.
Now, I’m not saying the season is over. I’m not jumping off the Verrazano Bridge like some. The hard truth is the ’17-18 New York Rangers have lost six of their first seven games. Even though they played well in a highly entertaining game against the Penguins, they still found a way to lose in overtime 5-4 at MSG.
This one stung because most of the players gave a better effort. They showed some heart coming back from a early two goal deficit by scoring three in a row during a tops turvy second period. While I was locked in on the Yankees’ epic rally to stun the Astros to even the ALCS at 2-2 as were quite a few baseball fans who cheered while following it on their phones or on Garden Vision (actually provided updates with highlights), I paid enough attention to the hockey game to know it was high quality.
It would’ve been easy for the Rangers to go away after a bad first period. They trailed 2-0 thanks to poor defense which led to Pittsburgh goals from Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin. A beautiful move and wrist shot high glove on former teammate and buddy Henrik Lundqvist.
Go inside the #NYR locker room after tonight's overtime loss to the Penguins and hear from Lundqvist, AV and more. https://t.co/o32gniGpyK
Instead, they responded with a resounding second. They scored three in a row to go ahead 3-2. Poetically, the Yankees mounted their big rally from a 4-0 deficit in the seventh and eighth by scoring six runs while the Blueshirts gave us something to celebrate. Goals have been few and far in between. They scored four times against the defending champs after getting only 13 in the first six contests. So, it wasn’t all bad. The offense must build upon it when the Islanders visit Thursday.
David Desharnais played his most assertive game. Bumped up to the second line with J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider, he got the comeback started by sniping one from the left circle top shelf on Matt Murray. They then took full advantage of a undisciplined Sidney Crosby double minor for high-sticking Jimmy Vesey. Predictably, he complained before going to the box. He was whiny Crosby taking three penalties for six minutes.
Off a great feed from Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich buried a shot past Murray for a power play goal to tie the score 1:30 later. Still on the power play, they went ahead thanks to a laser from J.T. Miller that went through a double screen from Mats Zuccarello and Kreider. Ryan McDonagh and Tony DeAngelo assisted on Miller’s second. He played a second straight good game. That’s a positive sign. I wish I could echo the same for Kreider and Kevin Hayes.
A Crosby slash to Buchnevich followed by a Hagelin slash 13 seconds apart handed the Blueshirts a golden opportunity to put some distance. However, the failure to capitalize on a five-on-three was the turning point. They reverted by overpassing and getting shots blocked and cleared by the three man Pens penalty killing unit. It was frustrating.
Making matters worse, Murray shoved Kreider into Brian Dumoulin and he somehow was called for a cross checking minor in the offensive zone. It was his second minor of the game. But it was a horrible call. Anyone could see it. Even a Pens fan.
The Pens tied it up with a power play goal from net pest Patric Hornqvist with 1:59 left in the period. Kessel and Evgeni Malkin set it up.
The third was wild. It had everything. Great skating. End to end rushes. Splendid goaltending from both Murray and Lundqvist. A goalpost. Of course it was Rick Nash, who gets more scoring chances than anyone but has the worst luck I’ve ever seen. There also was rough stuff with Kevin Shattenkirk mixing it up with Malkin, who was his usual snarly self. Shattenkirk also exchanged pleasantries with Bryan Rust.
It was a wonderfully constructed play started by Miller that led to a perfect give and go between Michael Grabner and Desharnais leading to to a Grabner tap in for a 4-3 lead at the eight minute mark. But in one of the most entertaining periods that saw the teams combine for 25 shots (NYR 15 Pens 10), the Garden hosts didn’t cash in on a late power play. They killed two minutes.
You can’t leave it to chance against the Pens. Even with a strong defensive shift from Jimmy Vesey, there was still enough time for Crosby to work his magic. On a broken play which would’ve been a hand pass had Shattenkirk realized it by not touching the puck, Crosby managed to send a backhand from the side of the net towards Lundqvist, banking it in with 55 seconds left. He burned them again. It’s who Crosby is. It was one Lundqvist should’ve had.
Just like that, the game went to 3-on-3 overtime. You knew it was only a matter of time before the Pens won. Sure enough, McDonagh had a terrible giveaway right to Kessel, who fed a wide open Malkin for an easy tap in to give the Pens the victory in the first minute.
What more can be said? We got out of there fast. It is what it is. The Rangers are who they are. A bad team whose 1-5-1 record reflects it. Inconsistent and in trouble already seven games in. What happens if they lose to the Islanders Thursday and the Predators Saturday? Both are also at home.
It’s hard to pin it all on the coach. His line changes worked for the most part. It’s the lack of consistency, discipline and defense (forwards too) that’s killing them. When does it change?
At the morning practice, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault once again mixed his lines as if they were out of a hat. Only six games in, his team has struggled to find chemistry scoring just 13 goals while losing five of its first six.
With key players unable to get going, a desperate man is seeking answers. How to explain his many lineups already and changes? Manic. He’s clearly feeling the pressure while looking for the right combination that can put together a 60-minute effort. It’s a must with the two-time defending champion Penguins visiting MSG for tomorrow’s match at 7 PM.
To say they need a win is a understatement. From the coaches to the players, two points is badly needed for their psyche which can’t be too good. Inconsistency has been the theme so far. Until that changes, they’ll be hard pressed to go on a hot streak.
We’ve already seen Kevin Shattenkirk on all three pairs while still getting lots of power play time on the top unit. If only it were as simple as winning games on special teams. After a good start, the power play has cooled off going 1 for its last 14.
Over the past four seasons, Vigneault put a emphasis on puck possession and winning the battle five on five. Preaching quick transition and solid forechecking, the veteran bench boss had plenty of success guiding the franchise to four consecutive postseasons including a Stanley Cup appearance and within a period of another. They’ve since lost in the first round and in the second round.
There’s no doubting Vigneault’s resume. He’s been a good coach for over a decade also having similar success with Vancouver where they fell a game short of winning the franchise’s first Cup. Ultimately, a talented team featuring the Sedins, Ryan Kesler, Roberto Luongo, Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, Christian Ehrhoff, Sami Salo, Mikael Samuelsson, Alex Burrows, Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond fell shy of their goal. They won a President’s Trophy the following year and were upset by eventual champ Los Angeles in the first round. Another first round ouster to San Jose ended his run with the Canucks.
Are the Rangers heading down the same path? Since that gut wrenching Stanley Cup loss to the Kings, they’ve had some tough disappointments including losing a home Game 7 for the first time in MSG history to the Lightning. Followed by early exits, it resulted in changes with former playoff hero Derick Brassard traded to Ottawa and Derek Stepan sent to Arizona.
That’s created a hole at center with Mika Zibanejad fulfilling the number one center slot so far leading the team with five goals. However, Kevin Hayes has been up and down while Vigneault has moved J.T. Miller and David Desharnais around. He has yet to figure out if Miller would be better suited as a center. Considering the team’s lack of depth, there isn’t much choice. Desharnais should center the fourth line. Instead, he was centering the second line in the latest bizarre twist.
Mika Zibanejad gets new linemates in Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello. I have no problem with that. Zibanejad, Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich was getting stale. Neither Kreider or Buchnevich have a goal. I just have no idea why Buchnevich is down to the fourth line with Paul Carey and Michael Grabner. Holy mackerel.
The third line of Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Jesper Fast has potential. Vesey worked well with Hayes in preseason and is overdue. Fast is that strong hard working two-way presence. The idea that Desharnais is centering Kreider and Miller is absurd. Desharnais isn’t a top six forward. This is what Vigneault is going with against the Pens.
Then there’s the confusing defense pairings. Shattenkirk is on the third pair with Marc Staal. Why? He’s getting the Keith Yandle treatment. So much for giving ShattDeuces another look with Ryan McDonagh. All it took was four periods. McDonagh is now with Tony DeAngelo. A liability in his end. Brady Skjei remains with familiar partner Brendan Smith. The only tandem that makes sense.
So, this is how nuts Vigneault is. Only entering Game 7 of 82 and he’s pulling names from a hat. He already has used seven D and 11 forwards twice. It’s mystifying.
The unpredictable nature of his lines have Rangers Twitter in a conundrum. Nobody understands what’s going on. If things don’t change starting tomorrow with the Islanders Thursday and Predators Saturday at MSG, it might not matter anymore for Vigneault. Some fans don’t care.
When you’re a good team, you find ways to win. When you’re bad, you find ways to lose. For the Rangers, they did it to themselves again in last night’s 3-2 loss to the Devils at a restless MSG.
They’re now 1-5-0 and don’t resemble anything close to a team that’s made the playoffs seven years in a row and 11 of the last 12. What’s more? In Year 5 under bench boss Alain Vigneault, they look lost.
Perhaps all the different lineups, lines and D pairings have confused the players. After losing in Columbus Friday, Vigneault decided to dress seven D and 11 forwards. Even with Jesper Fast returning, he thought the best chance was to not roll four lines and work in seven defensemen. A puzzling rotation that saw Marc Staal limited to 9:24 (17 shifts) and Nick Holden to 9:41 (15 shifts). The same Holden who played top pair with Ryan McDonagh the other night. The same Staal who’s been their most consistent blueliner thus far.
Welcome to the wild and wacky world of the 2017-18 Rangers. Where adding veteran coach Lindy Ruff to manage the D means nothing. If you’re confused, why don’t we ask Chris Kreider if he knows the season started yet? He’s now without a goal in six. Sometimes, he can dominate shifts and other instances, you don’t realize he’s out there.
Even new alternate captain Mats Zuccarello has been underwhelming. Sure. We cheer because the pint sized Norwegian makes it known to opponents he won’t back down by going into the corners and challenging bigger guys. Tom Petty would be proud. But outside of the career best four points he posted against Toronto, he only has one other point. That can’t be for one of the veteran leaders. They need Zucc to be better.
This is the same team that can sit out Tony “Don’t Call Me Anthony” DeAngelo three straight games after a bad shift that led to a Maple Leafs goal in a 8-5 loss. Then decide to stick the unproven defenseman with McDonagh on the top pair. Then watch helplessly as he is culpable on two Devils goals and takes a iffy cross checking penalty that leads to Drew Stafford’s power play game-winner.
We always criticize Vigneault for how little patience he has for younger players. But he sure showed plenty with DeAngelo Saturday playing him 16:13 despite undisciplined play. On the opposite side, you had John Hynes make an example out of his second line by benching Pavel Zacha, Marcus Johansson and Jimmy “Not Kevin” Hayes the final 36 minutes due to their poor defensive work.
Accountability can work. The Rangers totally outplayed the Devils in a lopsided first period by outshooting them 14-3. The only reason the game was scoreless was due to New Jersey backup Keith Kinkaid. He had a splendid game making 29 saves including 13 more big ones in the third with his tired team clinging on.
It’s not the first time the punchless Blueshirts have made a backup look Vezina caliber. Carter Hutton anyone? Right now, this roster would have trouble scoring on pee wee goalies. They have totaled 13 goals in the first six or four more than NHL leader Alex Ovechkin. They aren’t the only team struggling to score goals. Montreal is even worse.
In a league where scoring is up due to the confusing new rules which include love taps for penalties, the Rangers’ lack of creativity is alarming. While it’s easy to point out their defensive deficiencies which turned over pucks to the tune of 16 giveaways, the offense continues to puzzle.
Jimmy Vesey is without a point. Either he plays few minutes like yesterday getting just over eight in a three line rotation or he winds up with more. Is this how to handle one of the few gritty young forwards who proved he could handle the postseason in his rookie year? I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve blame. But they have to do better for Vesey, who is good in front and willing to win battles.
The Rangers have become all finesse. That’s the way they play. An extension of a coach who preaches quick transition emphasizing team speed and extra passes even when there’s a clear shooting lane. That style has worn thin on frustrated fans who headed for the exits at the five minute stoppage of the final period.
Some even departed with half a period left. They knew the team wasn’t coming back from a 3-1 deficit in which Will Butcher made the Rangers’ three penalty killers look silly to lead Stafford in on Ondrej Pavelec for a backhand deke PPG a minute in.
Indeed, it felt like old times at the Garden. The Dark Ages were back with disenchanted fans voicing their displeasure. Even McDonagh felt the wrath after he kneeled instead of taking Brian Gibbons off the puck before he set up Adam Henrique for the game turning goal that tied it up. Nash had scored on a nice feed from David Desharnais. Then the Rangers stopped skating. They only had three shots for the longest time as the Devils and their supporters of which there were many took over.
This was like seeing a bad rerun. A mini section of Devils fans were louder than the lifeless Rangers crowd who don’t like how their team plays. Wildly inconsistent. The same as the performance at Columbus where they played two periods and then no showed the third to lose.
What will change? Vigneault said the same things in a redundant postgame about “looks” and not capitalizing and “bad turnovers” along with having to get back to work Monday for the Pens on Tuesday. Yes. They have a scheduled off day today. Even if they practiced, I’m not sure it would help. They don’t know who they are.
We are only six games in and the Rangers currently sit dead last in the Metro Division with two points. They continue to dig themselves an early hole which could be difficult to climb out of. These games mean the same as the ones in March and April.
They’ve never looked this bad under Vigneault, who signed an extension in January so he wouldn’t be a lame duck coach entering a final year. How does it look now? Once, John Tortorella lost the team one year following a Conference Final that led to a extension. A second round elimination to Boston was enough for him to be fired. Vigneault might be safe for now but for how long?
This isn’t just about him. It’s about the players Jeff Gorton chose including the Derek Stepan deal which so far has netted negative returns. He isn’t doing much better with the dreadful Coyotes. The gaping hole at center isn’t leaving. Last night, J.T. Miller played center winning 10 of 12 draws and assisting on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal with 57 seconds left. It was too late.
That is how they play. Tease you to death. They can control the play for stretches like they did against the Devils but make enough costly mistakes to lose. Shots (31-19) and shot attempts (66-47) along with Corsica don’t matter with a inconsistent team.
They’re a mess. At least first round pick Filip Chytil recorded a goal and two assists in a Hartford win. He barely got a chance. Wouldn’t want to see what he can do. That’s the Rangers in a nutshell.
Many times in hockey all of us (fans) will complain about coaching decisions and perhaps at times give coaches too much credit/blame on such things as – who plays, who sits, who’s on what line, does the system fit the players, are the players giving effort? – but in the end it’s near impossible to discern the impact most of a coach’s individual moves have on the team. Ultimately all NHL coaches are judged on overall results but by the same token it’s very, very rare where you can clearly pinpoint one move in one game and say that coach won – or lost – his team the game.
Yesterday was one of those rarities – John Hynes clearly won last night’s game for the Devils.
How? By forcing the team to show accountability after a horrible first period at Madison Square Garden, where goaltender Keith Kinkaid was the only reason the Devils were still even in a game (let alone tied) they were outshot 14-2 in the first period and were putting out another dud effort after an underwhelming 5-2 home loss to the Caps last night I mercifully missed. Hynes sat three of the main culprits – forwards Marcus Johansson, Jimmy Hayes and Pavel Zacha – for two shifts to begin the second period, then when they returned to the ice almost immediately the Rangers had a quality scoring chance within about 10-15 seconds. After that, none were to be seen the rest of the game anywhere but the bench. For almost forty minutes the Devils played with just nine forwards, something almost unheard of at the NHL level. This wasn’t even out of the Jacques Lemaire/Pat Burns playbook, this was more like Gene Hackman in Hoosiers playing with four instead of five to make a point.
And I loved every minute of it. Would have loved it even if the team did not respond the way they eventually did because it’s more proof there’s going to be accountability this year, which was too often lacking last season and it showed in the team’s heartless play for much of 2016-17. However the effect was undeniable – the team did start to pick up its play almost immediately after the benchings. Finally behind 1-0 early in the second period, the Devils’ effort level turned around 180 degrees and their three lines attacked play the way they did early in the season. Even Chico Resch on the radio had observed that through the first three games the players were playing like a team but in the four periods since (Friday night’s game and the first period last night) they were playing more individually. That improved as well, as our nine-forward group played some of the best hockey of the season for about the next thirty minutes or so.
Each of the three lines eventually contributed on the scoresheet, with Adam Henrique tying the game midway through the second after the immortal Brian Gibbons continued his ‘where the (heck) did this come from?!’ offensive binge – first by making a good play to keep the puck in the zone, then finding an open Henrique through traffic. Gibbons and fellow fourth-liner Blake Coleman weren’t even supposed to be in the lineup this season, but injuries to Travis Zajac and Brian Boyle have given both a chance and they’ve responded with surprisingly effective play. Another bottom sixer promoted after the mass benchings last night was Miles Wood, and he scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period tipping in a shot from plodder defenseman Ben Lovejoy of all people.
Now up 2-1 you wondered whether Hynes would let the three forwards out of doghouse to start the third, but once it was obvious they were done for the night, I was just hoping we could put the game away before our nine forwards started to tire. Drew Stafford gave the team much-needed breathing room early in the third period, dekeing out Ondrej Pavelec to score after a brilliant feed from Will Butcher and giving the Devils a 3-1 lead. Another game, another power play point and two assists total for Butcher, who now has an incredible eight through five games as a rookie. Ultimately the effect of playing nine forwards did start to show late as the Rangers continued to press but somehow the Devils kept them off the scoresheet until the final minute, avoiding disaster earlier when three or four of the penalty killers were stuck on the ice through most of a Ranger power play and for about thirty seconds after an icing, thanks to the NHL’s new mandate you’re not allowed to use a timeout after an icing.
In the end it proved to be the best of both worlds for the Devils last night – big comeback win against a rival, and a lesson learned in searing fashion.
Where’s The Offense? It’s been missing so far for the Rangers, who face the Devils tonight needing a win to avoid a 1-5-0 start.
This isn’t the start anyone envisioned. After falling in Columbus 3-1, the Rangers are 1-4-0 entering tonight’s home match against the Hudson rival Devils.
It’s not only the defense which has been inconsistent thus far despite going with eight D. It’s been the lack of offense that hasn’t come close to producing the amount of goals needed to win on a nightly basis. They’ve scored 11 goals in five games for an average of 2.20 goals-per-game, ranking 17th out of 31.
The only dreadful performance was the 8-5 humiliation at Toronto last Saturday on Hockey Night On Canada. A game that saw the very talented Leafs chase Henrik Lundqvist for five goals after one period. Every other game has been close. They couldn’t beat Semyon Varlamov in a disappointing 4-2 season opener at home which set the tone.
The lone win came against the even more inept Canadiens. A 2-0 shutout last Sunday. Montreal had more shots and plenty of attempts compared to the Rangers. But it didn’t matter due to Lundqvist. A look at the two defeats by identical 3-1 margins to the Blues and Blue Jackets and it’s the same recipe. An offense that isn’t performing up to expectation.
St. Louis backup Carter Hutton again stonewalled them at every turn. Jaden Schwartz scored an empty netter to end the misery. Following a flat start that saw Columbus have a goal wiped out 27 seconds in due to goalie interference on Matt Calvert, they woke up and controlled a majority of the first period on Friday night.
Kevin Hayes became just the fourth Blueshirt forward to score a goal so far, joining Mika Zibanejad, Mats Zuccarello and J.T. Miller. And that’s where the problem lies. Somehow, Chris Kreider has no goals. He had a good game last night coming close but that doesn’t matter. At some point, he along with Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, Jimmy Vesey have to finish.
Alain Vigneault has tried mixing his other three lines in a desperate attempt to get something going. They only got one past Sergei Bobrovsky, who proved why he’s the game’s best goalie. The one line that’s stayed intact is Zibanejad, Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich. Buchnevich has shown improvement in his second year by coming out with more pucks and assisting on three goals. He does need to put away some of his chances. Mainly Zibanejad, whose four power play goals and five overall easily lead the Rangers.
After Zibanejad, no Ranger has more than one goal. In fact, only three skaters have over three points with Kevin Shattenkirk with four all on the power play. Zuccarello has five with a career best four coming in last week’s wild loss to the Leafs. A game they trailed 5-1 before rallying to tie it but ultimately falling.
A look at their plus/minuses is cringe worthy. Shattenkirk is a team worst minus-six while being bounced around from partner to partner after only four periods together with Ryan McDonagh. Zuccarello is minus-five and even Zibanejad is a minus-four with a bad decision to go for a block on a long Seth Jones shot resulting in it deflecting past a infuriated Lundqvist. The turning point of yesterday’s game.
They have yet to put together a full 60-minute effort. There have been way too many lazy shifts resulting in sloppy turnovers. Not just the defense. But the forwards, who are so rarely critiqued. Hayes blindly threw the puck right to a Blue Jacket which nearly led to the game’s first goal. But a successful challenge negated it due to Calvert making contact with Lundqvist on his deflection.
This has become the norm under Vigneault. Too many players taking shortcuts rather than putting in the work defensively. It’s a offensive system that encourages players to fly the zone and look for odd man breaks. How many times does Lundqvist have to point it out in a somber tone during the postgame?
At some point, it has to sink in. In a improved Metro Division, they’re digging themselves a early hole. Vigneault always emphasizes getting off to fast starts. With the exception of his first year on Broadway in ’13-14 where there was a learning curve for both coach and players, his teams have been successful early. Last year’s roster built enough cushion to make the playoffs safely. In Year Five, Vigneault’s Blueshirts have never missed the postseason. With the coach getting extended so he wouldn’t be a lame duck, his team needs to pick it up.
Facing a young and more talented Devils team boasting early Calder leader Jesper Bratt, 2017 first overall pick Nico Hischier and rookie blueliner Will Butcher, the Rangers face another challenge. If they’re not ready to play, it could be a long night in front of the Garden Faithful. There’s already growing frustration from a fan base confused by Vigneault’s lineups. But it can’t always be the coach.
The players are underperforming. It’s time for that to change. Kreider needs a hit streak. Maybe a goal will get him going. He’s been streaky throughout his career. A slow start last year didn’t prevent him from coming back to lead the Blueshirts with a career high 28 goals. More is expected from the 26-year old power forward. Thirty goals and 60 points should be attainable. He went 28-25-53 in 75 games in ’16-17.
Nash is without a point so far. That can’t continue for the likable 33-year old veteran who’s in a contract year. He battles hard and generates scoring chances. It’s about production.
Ditto for Miller, who hasn’t been consistent either. Despite a goal and two assists, he’s been guilty of some poor puck management. Most effective when he’s playing a straight line game, he must stay away from the passes in the middle of the ice that cause turnovers. Along with Hayes, he’s a key RFA next summer. Being moved around from center to wing doesn’t help. Something that’s irked him under Vigneault per a source last season. The coach must figure out what’s gonna be better for Miller and this club over the long haul.
David Desharnais hasn’t thus far made anyone forget Oscar Lindberg. Vigneault went from hardly using him to having him center the third line on Friday. Desharnais has some speed and skill. It’s about harnessing it. Either he plays in the top nine with a little power play usage or he’s their fourth line center.
Paul Carey has done what’s been asked. Provide energy and win board battles. He’s not going to wow anyone. It’s amazing that some of my peers decide to focus on him rather than the better players not pulling their weight. He or Adam Cracknell become an extra once Jesper Fast returns. They miss his effort and grit. Fast could debut by next week. He says he’s ready. We’ll see what the coaching staff decides.
Without Derek Stepan, it’s up to Hayes and Miller to play bigger roles. Only Zibanejad has delivered on his promise with his team-leading five goals and points. It would be nice if he picked up an assist. But that’s up to his teammates.
It’s never good when Marc Staal has one more point (2) than the captain Ryan McDonagh. He does need a consistent partner. I thought that problem was solved with the addition of Shattenkirk. But they started off poorly and Vigneault’s assistant Lindy Ruff broke it up. At some point, they’ll get another chance.
Staal has been better than expected after a tough preseason. He’s been jumping in offensively and hasn’t been a liability in his end. How long will it continue? They even had Staal on the left with McDonagh on the right for two games. They were surprisingly effective. But Vigneault feels it takes away from McDonagh’s game. Why did he have Nick Holden paired with him last night?
That’s the thing. Holden didn’t even start the first two games. Then he goes from third pair status to top pair. It’s clear that the coach is still sorting through the roster Jeff Gorton provided. Steven Kampfer got in for two due to Brendan Smith starting poorly. Smith returned last night and played with familiar partner Brady Skjei, who’s fighting it so far. Skjei must be better. Particularly defensively.
Vigneault isn’t giving up on young righty Tony DeAngelo. He could slide back in tonight. But needs more ice time. If he plays, he is part of the second power play unit. One bad game in Toronto shouldn’t prevent the coach from playing him. DeAngelo was far from alone.
As for Lundqvist, he’s looked more like his old self. But if the team can’t score, how will they win games? Ondrej Pavelec is due to start. The Devils are going with Keith Kinkaid in place of starter Cory Schneider. Does the coach have enough trust in his backup to come out with a win?
That remains to be seen along with the disappointing offense. As Yogi Berra once said, “It’s getting late early.”
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