Islanders fall 4-3 to Oilers in shootout for third straight home loss

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Derek
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Mark Letestu beats Jaroslav Halak in the third round of the shootout as the Islanders fell to the Oilers 4-3. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Sportsnet.

When things aren’t going your way, you make changes. Even with coach Jack Capuano making changes to his lines, the Islanders couldn’t hold two leads in a frustrating 4-3 shootout loss to the Oilers at Barclays Center. It was their third consecutive loss. All have come on home ice.

Despite getting offense from other players, the Islanders’ penalty kill again let them down. They gave up two Oilers’ power play goals in three chances including Milan Lucic’s game-tying marker with 3:10 left in the second period.

The difference was Mark Letestu’s goal in the bottom of the third which resulted in Isles’ starter Jaroslav Halak breaking his goalie stick on top of the net. That summed up how things have gone. In a 3-2 shootout defeat to the Flyers, they also blew a two-goal lead. However, the two Flyer tallies came in the last 7:05 of regulation. That included Matt Read’s power play goal at 19:02.

The Islanders responded to Capuano’s challenge with a great start against Edmonton. Having moved Cal Clutterbuck up to the top line with John Tavares and Josh Bailey, Capuano got immediate results when Clutterbuck found a cutting Nick Leddy 13 seconds in for his second of the season. Tavares started it working the puck to Clutterbuck, who made a great centering pass for a Leddy finish. It marked the eighth straight game an Isles’ defenseman has scored a goal.

Shane Prince continued to contribute notching his third increasing to 2-0 at 5:49 of the first period. Dennis Seidenberg set it up along with Calvin de Haan. The 35-year old German veteran who general manager Garth Snow signed late following the World Cup of Hockey has been a real find. Thus far, his eight points (4-4-8) rank third in team scoring. He also picked up a helper on the Isles’ third goal.

Trailing by two, the Oilers got back in it thanks to a Patrick Maroon redirection of defenseman Matthew Benning’s right point shot. Maroon parked himself in front and got a piece of Benning’s blast to beat Halak at 8:22 to pull Edmonton within one.

Penalty trouble hurt the Isles. With Seidenberg off for tripping, Leon Draisaitl was able to score on the power play thanks to a favorable carom off Islander defenseman Travis Hamonic. Hamonic left the contest with an injury which could keep him out of action a while. He only took seven shifts logging 6:10 of ice-time. His block of an Oilers’ shot could prove costly. The Islanders only ice six D due to carrying three goalies. With Ryan Pulock on the injured reserve, they’ll likely recall Adam Pelech for Monday’s game against the Canucks.

The game remained tied until Casey Cizikas was able to get to a Prince feed in front and beat Cam Talbot for a 3-2 lead with 8:42 left in the second. That gave Prince a goal and assist. Seidenberg recorded his second assist of the night.

Unfortunately, another Isles penalty resulted in the Oilers taking full advantage with their second power play goal. Connor McDavid got a step on Tavares forcing the Islander captain to grab a hold of his stick to prevent a scoring chance. On what was a bad break that saw veteran defenseman Johnny Boychuk do a split while banging into the boards, he was unable to recover in time for Milan Lucic’s rebound of a Jordan Eberle shot. The Islanders got better news on Boychuk, who was able to return.

The teams played a scoreless third combining for 18 shots with the Isles holding an 11-7 edge. The best chance came when Bailey forced Talbot into a difficult toe save point blank. Talbot basically is the Oilers because they still haven’t started their backup. I didn’t even know who it was until I checked the game sheet. It’s Jonas Gustavsson, who made 10 saves in relief in one appearance. Talbot finished with 30 saves in his 12th consecutive start. Insane.

With the game still tied at three, it went to three-on-three overtime. Both teams had great chances but the goalies were up to the challenge. It was again Talbot who made the biggest stop when he denied Tavares one-on-one after he undressed Benoit Pouliot with under 15 seconds to play. He made a great move around Pouliot but Talbot got his goal stick on it to force it wide.

None of the first five shooters scored in the shootout. The Isles’ three included Leddy, Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera. After denying Oilers’ sharp shooters Eberle and Ryan-Nugent Hopkins, Halak was unable to thwart Letestu, whose quick snapshot beat him top shelf for the game-winner.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Patrick Maroon, Oilers (goal, assist, 3 hits, -1 in 21 shifts-18:02)

2nd Star-Dennis Seidenberg, Islanders (2 assists, 2 shots in 3 attempts, 5 blocked shots, 4 PIM, +2 in 23 shifts-21:41 including 20:27 EV, 1:14 SH)

1st Star-Shane Prince, Islanders (goal-3rd of season, assist, 3 shots in 4 attempts, 2 takeaways, +1 in 17 shifts-13:06 including 12:30 EV, 36 seconds PP)

Notes: In seven games, Prince is 3-3-6. … Halak finished with 20 saves. … Oilers went 2-for-3 on the power play while the Islanders took the collar in three chances. … Benning tallied two assists for Edmonton. … The Oilers won for the first time in New York since Dec. 14, 1999. … McDavid went without a point taking 26 shifts while logging 23:26 with 6 shots in 10 attempts while going minus-one. … Face-offs went in favor of the Oilers 29-27 with McDavid going 9-and-8 while Letestu went 7-and-2. For the Islanders, both Cizikas and Tavares finished 9-and-8. … As a team, the Isles blocked 23 shots led by Thomas Hickey’s 8. Seidenberg had 5 and Boychuk recorded 4. That trio combined for more blocks (17) than the Edmonton total (14). … Islanders (4-6-2) are home for Vancouver Monday before traveling to Tampa and Florida on 11/10-12.

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Game 12 Rangers offense continues assault in 5-2 win over Bruins

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Derek
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Rookie Pavel Buchnevich shows off the puck of his first NHL goal. The Rangers won again 5-2 over the Bruins in Boston. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers. 

Even one of the NHL’s best goalies was no match for the Ranger juggernaut. Their offense continued to score at a ridiculous clip getting five past previously unbeaten Boston starter Tuukka Rask to post a 5-2 win over the Bruins at TD Garden.

They were opportunistic scoring five goals on 24 shots as Rask had a tough night. The rematch from over a week ago resulted in an identical score. Like that one, the Bruins jumped out in front with Patrice Bergeron finishing off a nice set up from Brad Marchand at 3:44 of the first period. On the play, Ryan McDonagh made a rare mistake losing the puck behind the net and Derek Stepan forgot to take Bergeron, who got his second past Antti Raanta.

After a sluggish start, the Rangers came on with some good chances to tie it. However, Rask kept his team in front until less than five minutes were left in the first. On what was a weird play started by rookie Stepan, rookie Jimmy Vesey found Nick Holden open at the point for his first as a Ranger at 15:09. He let go of a wrist shot that sneaked through traffic past a surprised Rask.

The special teams of the revitalized Rangers came through big time in this game. They scored two shorthanded goals and a power play goal. The Bruins did nothing in three power play chances except drive their fans nuts. Careless play almost led to consecutive Ranger shorthanded goals late in the first. Following a big defensive play by Dan Girardi who saved a goal, out came Michael Grabner flying down the right side on a two-on-one with Stepan. His pass across for Stepan actually went off the center’s skate and in for his first of the season. A shorthanded goal that really swung the momentum.

On the next shift, Stepan and Grabner again came. This time, it was an unbelievable two-on-none with Stepan passing across for Grabner, who fanned on the shot. If he doesn’t, it’s in for a second straight shorthanded goal on one Bruins power play. Fans murmured. Could you blame them?

Trailing by one, the Bruins were put on another power play on an offensive zone Jesper Fast tripping minor 1:19 into the second. Instead of taking advantage, they watched as Marc Staal sent Kevin Hayes in on Rask for the second shorthanded goal of the game. He patiently out-waited Rask before firing five-hole for his fifth, giving him a three-game goal scoring streak. His play has been so much superior to last year. You can tell Hayes is a different, more mature player. He is proving it on the ice.

Hayes had the only goal of the second. Boston applied constant pressure. But they were unable to get one past Raanta, who was superb making 35 saves to earn the game’s first star. For a guy who doesn’t play often, he really gives the Rangers exactly what they need when Henrik Lundqvist needs a breather. In the first of a back-to-back with the talented Winnipeg Jets visiting MSG with splendid rookie Patrik Laine tomorrow night, Raanta was stellar- making several key saves to keep his team ahead 3-1. He stopped all 15 Boston shots in a busy second.

The Bruins didn’t give up in the third. Continuing to come at the Rangers and test Raanta, they couldn’t buy one. Raanta’s best save came on David Krejci robbing the snake bit center twice on the doorstep.

Marchand picked an inopportune time to lose his cool. After getting nabbed for holding, he took an extra two for unsportsmanlike conduct handing the Rangers a four-minute power play. Even though they didn’t score on the first part, they kept possession in the Boston zone. Eventually, some more crisp passing led to Pavel Buchnevich’s first career NHL goal. Brady Skjei continued his impressive play with an assist to start a great passing play with Stepan making a brilliant backhand saucer feed across for Buchnevich, who didn’t miss from the slot. That made it 4-1 with 6:23 remaining.

The Bruins responded thanks to a neat tip in front by David Pastrnak for his team-leading seventh 1:09 later which cut it to 4-2 with 5:14 left. The big forward parked himself in front and was able to redirect a Riley Nash shot by Raanta.

But any hopes of a late comeback were dashed when Grabner stole the puck at the Boston blue line and then fooled Rask with a quick snapshot five-hole 2:02 later for a 5-2 lead with 3:14 to go. It was his team-leading seventh. What a pick up he’s been. It makes you wonder how the Islanders and Maple Leafs gave up on him. It’s probably more the Ranger system under Alain Vigneault, who has so much skill up front that it makes them very tough to play against.

Their combination of speed and skill have given opponents nightmares. It’s why they’re 9-3-0 and in first place. They’ll look to keep it going Sunday against the Jets.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Michael Grabner, NYR (team-leading 7th of season, assist, +2 in 24 shifts-14:52 including 11:52 even strength and 2:55 SH)

2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (shorthanded goal-1st of season, 2 assists, +1 in 25 shifts-16:19 including 11:27 even strength, 2:49 SH and 2:03 PP)

1st Star-Antti Raanta, NYR (35 saves incl. 15/15 in 2nd to improve to 3-0-0)

Notes: With a goal and a plus-one rating in 25 shifts (20:48), Holden is up to plus-11 on the season. … Mats Zuccarello missed a couple of shifts in the second but returned. … Chris Kreider also got banged up but also was able to return. … With another helper, Skjei is now up to seven assists. … Krejci and Ryan Spooner were each minus-three for the Bruins. … Matt Beleskey challenged J.T. Miller a couple of times but nothing materialized. … Boston held an edge on face-offs 30-26 led by Bergeron (12-and-9) while Mika Zibanejad went 9-and-10. … As a team, NYR blocked 18 shots including game high four from Girardi and three from Kevin Klein, who recorded his first point of the season.

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Saturday Night Hockey

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Derek
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Ryan O’Reilly gives a puck to a kid before the Sabres take on the Senators. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Buffalo Sabres.

Tonight, there’s plenty of hockey on your classic Saturday for puckers. For local hockey fans, all three Battle clubs will be in action. Buffalo is also in action. Game time is 7 PM for each.

The Rangers are visiting TD Garden to battle the Bruins in an Original 6 rematch. The Blueshirts took the home game in convincing fashion 5-2 at MSG. A game that saw them battle back from a 2-0 first period deficit by scoring five unanswered including two from Brandon Pirri. Rivalry Night also saw Bruins forward David Pastrnak go head hunting with an illegal check to the head of Dan Girardi, receiving a minor penalty. He was suspended two games and will be in Boston’s lineup. If anyone decides to do anything, Chris Kreider is the likely candidate. He’s back for his homecoming. So, you know he’ll want to have a big game. Tuukka Rask has been on fire for Boston since returning. He should be a good test for the league’s leading offense. Antti Raanta gets his third start.

The Islanders are home at Barclays Center to host the Oilers. Losers of two straight and called out by upset coach Jack Capuano, they need a bounce back performance in a big way. They’re 4-6-1 and have played bad hockey so far. With newcomers Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera under performing, Capuano changed his lines moving grinder Cal Clutterbuck up to the top line with John Tavares and Josh Bailey. Ladd is with Ryan Strome and rookie Anthony Beauvillier, who officially plays his 10th game which means he’s here to stay. Brock Nelson anchors Anders Lee and Chimera. Casey Cizikas centers Nikolay Kulemin and Shane Prince. After a strong performance in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Flyers, Jaroslav Halak gets the start. It’ll be interesting to see if the Isles’ D can contain Connor McDavid, whose teammates love to play a fast paced tempo. How will that work on the ice in Brooklyn? Cam Talbot starts again for Edmonton, who really don’t have a backup.

The Devils play the Lightning for the second time in three games. Coming off a 4-3 overtime loss at Florida, it’s the second of a long seven-game road trip. They defeated the Lightning at home 3-1 on Oct. 29. Adam Henrique, Damon Severson and Devante Smith-Pelly tallied and Cory Schneider made 32 saves. Severson broke out with a goal and assist. He’s been hot of late tallying two assists in a one-goal loss to the Panthers, upping his season total to eight points (1-7-8). Former first round pick Pavel Zacha scored his first career NHL goal to help the Devils rally from a 3-1 deficit in the third period to earn a point at Florida. Interestingly, Severson is one of six defensemen leading their team in scoring. Schneider is in net opposing Ben Bishop. The top line features leading finisher Taylor Hall (5 goals), Travis Zajac and P.A. Parenteau, who’s been solid so far. Severson is paired with captain Andy Greene. We’ll see if they can keep Steven Stamkos in check along with Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn.

The Sabres visit the Senators too. After a slow start without Jack Eichel, Buffalo has won three of four. Ryan O’Reilly leads them in scoring with eight points (4-4-8). Kyle Okposo has adjusted to life well with four goal and three assists while playing on the same line. Interestingly, former Isles’ line mate Matt Moulson also is on the top line. He’s been rejuvenated with four goals. Rasmus Ristolainen leads the Sabres in assists with seven. Brian Gionta and Johan Larsson have also been key contributors. They’re also without oft injured power wing Evander Kane, who will be out a while. Starter Robin Lehner just returned. He’s been solid in his last three starts winning two while allowing only four goals. He gets his fourth consecutive start. On the opposite end, Craig Anderson gets his second start since finding out that wife Nicholle has cancer. He recorded a shutout to outduel Talbot in an emotional game at Edmonton in which he was named the game’s number one star. Talbot stayed out to cheer him.

Everyone is thinking about Anderson and his wife at this challenging time. It should be an emotional night in Ottawa.

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Capuano right to call out Islanders

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Derek
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Islanders coach Jack Capuano is on the hot seat after calling out his team following a disappointing 3-2 shootout loss to the Flyers. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Yahoo Sports NHL.

It hasn’t been a good start to the season for the Islanders. They’ve lost four of their last five. That included a blowout 6-1 loss to the Lightning on Tuesday and a gut wrenching 3-2 shootout loss to the Flyers last night. A game which they led 2-0 before the Flyers scored twice in the last 7:05 to tie it. That included a game-tying power play goal from Matt Read with under a minute to play.

One of coach Jack Capuano’s most trusted forwards was in the penalty box. Casey Cizikas took a hi-sticking minor penalty and could only watch as the Isles’ penalty kill didn’t get the job done. After returning, he got into it with Brandon Manning with the two getting matching minors for roughing with four seconds left.

If not for some superb saves from embattled number one goalie Jaroslav Halak, the Islanders lose the game in overtime. He was under siege after Jason Chimera took a holding minor that handed the Flyers a four-on-three power play with two and a half minutes left. It was a firing gallery for the four dangerous Flyer shooters featuring Claude Giroux, Shayne Gostisbehere, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek. All four took turns firing tough shots on Halak who gave his team a chance with a couple of point blank stops on Simmonds and Voracek.

It went to a skill competition. In it, Giroux scored the only goal when he literally faked Halak out of his pants with a forehand triple deke to give the Flyers the win in the second round. Islanders’ captain John Tavares was tentative in the top of the third with an aggressive Michael Neuvirth snuffing out his move with a poke check to end it.

The latest defeat made the Islanders 4-6-1 through 11 games. They sit seventh in the Metropolitan Division with nine points. The Rangers, Penguins and Capitals have already built a nice cushion.The Isles trail the Rangers and Pens by seven and the Caps by six. The Flyers are up to 13 points. The Devils have 11 with a two-goal comeback in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Panthers giving them a point on Thursday. Even the Blue Jackets have played better hockey. They’re 4-3-1 with the same nine points in only eight games. They don’t score but also don’t give up much.

The same cannot be said for these Islanders who have already allowed 34 goals. With their “three-goalie system” complicating matters thanks to keeping Jean-Francois Berube on the roster, it has made for an uncomfortable situation in Brooklyn. While Berube has yet to play, neither Halak or backup Thomas Greiss have taken the bull by the horns. Each goalie has posted identical .908 save percentages and the same amount of wins (2). Even the goals-against-averages are similar with Halak at 2.94 while Greiss has a 2.87. That’s simply not good enough to win consistently in a league where offense is up.

It’s not all their fault. The Islander defense has been miserable. They’ve gotten unsteady play from Travis Hamonic, who’s a team worst minus-seven along with anchor Nick Leddy. Also a minus-seven with just four points (1-3-4). Calvin de Haan is a plus-six but even was victimized in an embarrassing five-goal loss at Barclays Center to a Tampa team that was humiliated by the Rangers. Fans chanted “Fire Capuano!” throughout in game number 10. The scary aspect is that had they not signed veteran Dennis Seidenberg who has played well with four goals and two helpers, the blue line would be in even worse shape.

To be honest, the chant was a bit unfair. He’s the same coach that finally got them past the first round last year before they were beaten by the Lightning. Ten games doesn’t make a season. However, when you’re ranked near the bottom in goals allowed per game (3.00) and are in the middle of the pack in offense with 2.73 goals-per-game, it’s alarming. Their special teams are also a mess with the power play tied for 23rd worst at 12.5 percent and the penalty kill has dropped to 17th at 81.4 percent.

The problem for the Isles is they’re going through an adjustment period. When management decided not to bother offering Kyle Okposo a contract and let Frans Nielsen go, they took a big risk. Some would say ‘awful risk.’ So far, losing two of their core players who were a big part of the team scoring and were instrumental on both the power play and penalty kill has hurt them big time.

Replacements Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera aren’t performing. On paper, Ladd seemed like a good signing to replace Okposo. A respectable top six forward who’s won multiple Stanley Cups and is capable of scoring 20-25 goals and 50-plus points, Ladd hasn’t fit in yet. He hasn’t found any chemistry with Tavares leaving Capuano to throw darts with his lines. Josh Bailey is a nice player but shouldn’t be on the top line. Shane Prince is a depth forward. That he was tried with Tavares is mind boggling.

When asked by MSG’s Stan Fischler about the effort level, Capuano didn’t pull punches. He called out players but not by name and kind of threw general manager Garth Snow under the bus.

“That’s my concern. Where are we gonna get the point production from? We took 134 points out of our lineup that we lost. Now we gotta find a way. Everything gets magnified. I get it,” he pointedly told reporters after the loss.

The third player that was allowed to leave was Matt Martin. A popular Islander who completed the fourth line with Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck, who ironically was selected to take the first shot in the shootout. That line made the Isles go. Replacement Nikolay Kulemin hasn’t been bad. But he’s only got three assists and no goals in nine contests. Kulemin is a different style player who can skate and obviously doesn’t pack the punch of Martin on the forecheck. It’s not the best fit. Both Cizikas and Clutterbuck each have a goal and four assists.

What really hurts is the lack of production from the new guys. Neither Ladd nor Chimera have lit the lamp, totaling four assists so far. That is inexplicable. Anyone with a pulse knew they couldn’t replace the versatile Nielsen, who doubled as a solid face-off guy behind Tavares while being an effective penalty killer and good all around player who Capuano trusted in every situation.

Okposo was Tavares’ running mate. They had instant chemistry and were a great duo. Last season, Tavares led the club in goals (33) and points (70) while Okposo paced them in assists (42) while his 64 points ranked second. Nielsen was third with 52. Four Islanders scored at least 20 goals or more including Brock Nelson, who wound up with 26. He’s been okay so far tied with Tavares for the team lead in points with nine. Bailey has contributed seven.

After that, there’s a dramatic drop off. The other Isles’ forwards are struggling with consistency. Former first round pick Ryan Strome got off to a decent start but remains at two goals with three assists. Since returning, Prince is 2-2-4 in six games. Solid production. But with Ladd unable to score and Chimera still without a goal, there’s not much going on.

Anders Lee has been a big disappointment with only one goal and no helpers in 11 games. He is coming back from an injury. Maybe it’ll take him some time. 2015 first round pick Anthony Beauvillier looks like a keeper. He’s slotted into the top six and has a goal and four assists in nine games. They held him out Thursday. If the organization is thinking about sending him back to juniors due to the nine game limit, it might be a mistake. Are they that cheap? He’s clearly been one of the bright spots. As for Mathew Barzal, he’s played two games and will be sent back to Seattle of the Western Hockey League.

The Islanders find themselves in an early hole. With home games against the surprising Oilers and the Canucks on the horizon, their character will be tested. Teams have gotten out of the gate slowly before and recovered. However, the players who are under performing must be better. The Isles are a team that needs consistent production from everyone. They need to outwork opponents. That’s what their fans expect. That work ethic has been missing which might explain the attendance last night. They drew over 11,000.

Is Capuano justified? Maybe it wasn’t the best thing to say. Referencing the players who are no longer around won’t help the situation. However, this is the roster he was given. So far, it’s failing. At some point, he can’t be nice forever. Jobs are on the line. Mainly his if it doesn’t get fixed. He’s lasted a lot longer than anyone ever thought. The longest tenured coach in the Metro Division is Capuano. Every other team has made changes. The Isles have remained loyal to him with Snow in his corner.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens over the weekend.

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Game 11 Nash wins it with 1:21 left in thrilling Rangers’ 5-3 win over Oilers

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Derek
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Kevin Hayes celebrates in the Rangers locker room with the Broadway Hat after a three-point night in a 5-3 win over the Oilers. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

Mark this one as one that was everything and more. Oilers/Rangers I lived up to its billing. The first of two games between two of the NHL’s most exciting teams with the rematch in Edmonton on Nov. 13 saw them combine for eight goals. However, it was the more experienced and deeper Blueshirts who prevailed thanks to a Rick Nash goal with 1:21 left for a thrilling 5-3 comeback win over the Oilers at MSG.

Three times, they trailed by a goal. In all three instances, the Rangers came back to tie a seesaw contest that its share of skating, transition, scoring chances, defense and goaltending on both sides. The first ever meeting between student Cam Talbot and teacher Henrik Lundqvist was fun. Even though they gave up a total of seven goals with Talbot allowing Nash’s rebound on doorstep at 18:39 of the third period, both had their moments.

Prior to allowing Nash’s go-ahead tally off a wonderfully constructed play set up by the relentless Mats Zuccarello, Talbot made two big stops thwarting Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller. He faced more pressure finishing with 26 saves on 30 shots. Lundqvist wound up with 21 saves to win for a second straight start. He had a dangerous Connor McDavid shot sail high and over the net with the game still tied.

Even though he got the primary assist on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ first of the season on a power play, it wasn’t a memorable night for McDavid. His line with Jordan Eberle and Milan Lucic had a rough game going a combined minus-10 with McDavid minus-three at even strength.

The line that did most of the damage for the Rangers was the newly minted third scoring unit featuring Miller, Kevin Hayes and Michael Grabner. For a second consecutive game, the cohesive trio dominated five-on-five combining for seven points (3-4-7) with a plus-eight rating. The way they’re going, suddenly it’s pick your poison for opponents. Especially with Mika Zibanejad and Derek Stepan only having a combined two goals while anchoring the top two lines.

On a night where they didn’t get any production from the Zibanejad unit, the Hayes line connected three times including Miller’s bank shot empty netter that sealed it with 64 seconds remaining. Did he call it? The fourth line also was instrumental with Brandon Pirri’s unit responding to an Adam Larsson go-ahead tally with Jesper Fast redirecting a Pirri shot past Talbot to tie the game 3-3 with 10:29 left in regulation. A nice reward for a hard working player who atoned for a double minor for hi-sticking that led to Edmonton’s first goal.

Brady Skjei continues to excel picking up a pair of assists (4, 5) in 24 shifts (17:50). The rookie’s game is coming together. Right now with him assuming a role on the power play and playing well defensively, Keith Yandle isn’t missed. Especially given the contract he got from the Panthers, which the Rangers couldn’t afford.

Even Nick Holden was solid playing responsible in his end while contributing two helpers including his one-timer off a Stepan pass which forced Talbot into a tough save, allowing Nash to pounce for the game-winner. Holden also assisted on Miller’s empty netter with help from Hayes, who’s been much more noticeable defensively. A welcome change from Year Two.

It resulted in the third consecutive victory with each coming on home ice. In fact, the Blueshirts have won their last five at MSG. The only defeat came last Friday at Carolina by a count of 3-2. Their next game is a rematch at Boston on Saturday night. The first game since David Pastrnak’s illegal check to Dan Girardi which resulted in a two-game suspension. The good part is he’ll be in the Bruins lineup. However, it’s not like the Rangers have any toughness. So, the talking will probably come in their play.

Right now, it’s all working. They take their 8-3-0 record on the road this weekend before returning to Broadway for home tilts against Winnipeg and Vancouver. Then they hit the road for four.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (empty net goal-4th, assist, 4 shots, 7 attempts, 3 hits, +3 in 27 shifts-15:06 including 12:48 even strength, 2:18 SH)

2nd Star-Kevin Hayes, NYR (goal-4th, 2 assists, 2 shots, 5 attempts, +2 in 28 shifts-15:38 including 13:42 even strength, 1:36 SH, 20 seconds PP)

1st Star-Michael Grabner, NYR (goal-6th, assist, 4 shots, 5 attempts, 3 takeaways, +3 in 25 shifts-14:13 including 12:39 even strength, 1:34 SH)

Notes: Ryan McDonagh had his eight-game assist point streak end. He led all skaters with 24:12 of ice-time including 16:35 even strength, 4:32 PP, 3:05 SH. … Ice-times for other 5 NYR defensemen: Dan Girardi (19:47, 16:42 EV, 3:05 SH), Holden (17:25, 15:35 EV, 1:17 SH, 0:33 PP), Marc Staal (17:38, 14:11 EV, 3:27 SH, Skjei (17:50, 16:21 EV, 1:27 PP, 2 secs PP, Kevin Klein (17:24, 15:12 EV, 2:12 SH). … Face-offs were 35-32 Rangers led by Zibanejad (10-and-8). Mark Letestu went 9-and-7 for the Oilers. … Edmonton went 1-for-4 on the power play with Larsson’s tally coming after it expired. The Oilers penalty kill dominated the Rangers, who took the collar in three chances.

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Game #11 Preview: Talbot leads first place Oilers into MSG against hot Rangers

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Derek
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Cam Talbot returns to MSG where he’ll oppose Henrik Lundqvist for the first time. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Edmonton Oilers.

The Edmonton Oilers are a first place hockey team. Repeat. The Edmonton Oilers are a first place hockey team. At 7-2-1 through 10 games, they lead the Pacific Division with 15 points. Three better than the Sharks.

Connor McDavid and Cam Talbot are the biggest reasons why the Oilers are off to a great start. In his second year, the 19-year old captain is out quickly. His 12 points (5-7-12) in nine games made him the First Star of October. So far, the 2015 first overall pick is 21-39-60 in 55 career games. A dynamic scorer who might be the fastest player in the game, he has lightning quick hands and is everything advertised. If Edmonton can stick around, McDavid should challenge for the scoring title and Hart.

McDavid has great chemistry with Milan Lucic (4-3-7) and Leon Draisaitl (2-4-6) on the top line. They should be a handful for the Rangers to contain. Expect Ryan McDonagh to see a lot of McDavid. He’s back to an elite level dominating at both ends. McDonagh carries an eight-game point streak tallying nine assists over that time. He and partner Dan Girardi will certainly be mixed together with Alain Vigneault likely to give Nick Holden some time as well even though he shouldn’t be anywhere near the top pair. That match-up will be fascinating to watch.

Talbot finally gets to start versus his former club. Everyone knows how well he performed as Henrik Lundqvist’s back up. When Lundqvist went down in ’14-15, Talbot was heroic winning 21 games with a 2.21 goals-against-average, .926 save percentage and five shutouts in 36 games. Talbot became very popular with the Garden Faithful who chanted his name. He should get a warm welcome back.

“They gave me a chance to go somewhere and compete for a number-one job and progress my career a little bit,” Talbot said in a game preview that appeared on the Oilers website. “I loved my time in New York, but it was time to move on for both of us. Obviously, to come back, for me it’s just another game. I want this win as much as I want to win every night. I know a few more guys across the hall, but that’s about it.”

He enters playing extremely well. Talbot has started all 10 games for Edmonton leading the NHL with seven victories while posting a 2.14 goals-against-average and .932 save percentage. That includes two shutouts which tie him for second behind league leader Devan Dubnyk (3).

“We had a really good time together, a lot of good memories and we worked really hard together,” Lundqvist said of his former teammate. “I’m really happy for him. He’s established himself in a role in Edmonton now and he’s off to a good start.”

It didn’t come easy for Talbot in his first year with the Oilers. Initially, he struggled mightily losing the starting job to Anders Nilsson. Nilsson made both starts against the Rangers forcing Talbot to wait before facing them. He did regain the number one job in the second half finishing with 21 wins in 56 games with a 2.55 GAA, .917 save percentage and three shutouts.

That was a team in transition. Under veteran coach Todd McLellan, they went through some tough times. The defense struggled mightily leaving Talbot out to dry most nights. Something Lundqvist dealt with on a nightly basis last year. Edmonton sought to improve the back end by dealing former first overall pick Taylor Hall to the Devils for Adam Larsson. A trade that was laughed at by most observers.

While Hall is off to a nice start in New Jersey with five goals, Larsson has helped stabilize the Edmonton blue line. In 10 contests with his new team, he has two assists with a plus-four rating while averaging 20:20 of ice-time a night. One of four Oilers’ defensemen to get over 20 minutes. Oh btw. McDavid averages 21:29. Second behind veteran Andrej Sekera (21:35). Oscar Klefbom and veteran shot blocking specialist Kris Russell also receive over 20:00.

Second-year player Darnell Nurse could be their best. A good skating physical defenseman who should be a shutdown player for years, the 21-year old has the size (6-4, 213) and strength to anchor the D with Larsson. He’s off to a good start also contributing offensively with two goals and two assists which lead all Edmonton blue liners.

The Oilers block their share of shots against. As expected, Russell leads them with 29. Klefbom has 21 followed by Sekera (19) and Larsson (16). Larsson leads the back end with 28 hits but also is turnover prone with 12 giveaways. Nurse has 25 hits and Eric Gryba has 23 in seven games.

Other key Oiler forwards include Jordan Eberle. Always a pest in front of the net, the speedy and gritty skilled forward is dangerous on breakaways and battles hard. He has three goals and three assists with his six points tying Draisaitl for third in team scoring. Second center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins enters play without a goal but does have five helpers. Another former Oilers first overall pick who’s crafty with good speed and playmaking abilities.

Benoit Pouliot returns to MSG. He’ll always be an integral part of the ’13-14 Rangers who reached the Stanley Cup Final. Playing on a cohesive third line with Mats Zuccarello and former Blueshirt Derick Brassard, they were instrumental in the team’s second round comeback from 3-1 down against the Penguins. Pouliot enters with three goals and a helper in a secondary role. He still takes bad penalties but is a solid offensive player.

The Oilers have gotten good contributions from Mark Letestu (2-3-5), Tyler Pitlick (3 goals) and comeback story Zack Kassian (2-2-4, 14 PIM). A former ’09 first round pick of the Sabres who has overcome alcohol and substance abuse. His struggles with the Canucks are well documented. Eventually, they released him. Edmonton gave him one more chance. So far, it’s worked out for the 25-year old from Windsor, Ontario. He’s a physical player with a mean streak that also has some deft touch.

The best part of tonight’s match is it pits Talbot against Lundqvist. Something I was hoping to see last year. Now, it finally will happen. Lundqvist gets his ninth start. Fresh off a 35-save shutout (60th career), he’ll look to follow it up against a dangerously skilled team featuring arguably the game’s best scorer. McDavid is that good already.

It promises to be exciting. It’s up to the defense to do the job. They’ve been disciplined so far. They haven’t taken many unnecessary penalties. Tied with four other teams for the second least amount of times shorthanded (27), they have also been a solid penalty killing unit allowing five power play goals. While that puts them in the middle of the pack at 81.5 percent, it’s a marked improvement from last year’s awful unit which ranks near the bottom.

That can be attributed to the additions of Michael Grabner and leading scorer J.T. Miller, who’s becoming their best overall forward. Kevin Hayes has also been a pleasant surprise when used. Along with mainstays Derek Stepan, Rick Nash, Jesper Fast, Vigneault can confidently send out three different forward combinations who will pressure the puck with speed and create shorthanded opportunities.

With the forwards more active, it’s taken some pressure off the D allowing them to do their jobs more easily in front of the net. Marc Staal has been better along with Girardi while McDonagh has shined. Holden has been solid in this area too. Kevin Klein normally excels on the PK too. He needs to be more consistent five-on-five.

Brady Skjei has continued to improve. Now being given a chance on the point of one power play unit, he’s looked okay so far registering an assist on a power play goal in the Rangers’ 5-0 shutout of the Blues. The power play converted twice in six chances. Thus far, they’re 9-for-38 going 23.7 percent which ties them for ninth overall. They’ve done most of the damage at home scoring seven of the nine in 31 chances (22.6 percent). Of course, part of that is due to playing more home games early. This will be their eighth of 11.

With four balanced lines that have contributed to the league’s top offense, the Blueshirts have to feel good about how they’re playing. There’s a reason they’re 7-3-0 with 14 points which is a point behind division leader Pittsburgh. It’s not luck either. They’re improved depth and speed has led to even more transition which explains why they blew out quality opponents in the last two wins outscoring the Lightning and Blues 11-1. Ken Hitchcock paid some high compliments, noting how well they’re playing.

Jimmy Vesey looks to keep it going. Tied for the rookie lead with six goals and third in scoring with nine points trailing only Leafs’ pair William Nylander and 2016 first overall selection Auston Matthews, he’s found great chemistry with Stepan and Rick Nash. With Nash up to five goals and eight points, it’s clicking. Stepan has six assists but is still without a goal. He needs to get off the snide.

Balanced lines which feature Chris Kreider and Zuccarello with Mika Zibanejad and Miller with Hayes and Grabner have the Rangers looking tough. Kreider came back with two assists in his return after missing four games with neck spasms. That included a brilliant feed across for an easy Zuccarello tap in. The fourth line is one in name only with Brandon Pirri, Pavel Buchnevich and Jesper Fast capable of contributing. With Vigneault wisely still using Pirri and Buchnevich on power play units, he’s managing his personnel better.

There’s a lot to like about this team. We’ll see if they can keep it going tonight.

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Game #10 Vesey and Lundqvist highlight 5-0 Rangers’ home rout of Blues

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Derek
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Jimmy Vesey celebrates a power play goal at the bench in a dominant Rangers’ 5-0 shutout win over the Blues. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

For a second straight game on home ice, it was total domination. If this continues, it’ll be a lot more fun to get used to. The league’s best offense continued its rampage by scoring five times on the Blues in a 5-0 Rangers’ victory that was never in doubt.

Five different Blueshirts lit the lamp including sizzling freshman Jimmy Vesey, who led the charge with a power play goal and two assists. After a slow start where nothing went in, he is on fire. The 23-year old former Hobey Baker winner has heated up with six points (3-3-6) over the last four and is 5-3-8 in the past six.

“I think confidence is everything in this game and right now it’s high and I am riding that,” Vesey told reporters.

The rematch between the Blues and Rangers was similar except the end result more typified how well they played. Dan Girardi started the scoring when his wrist shot went off Vladimir Tarasenko’s stick and past Jake Allen for his second of the season at 9:37 of the first period. Ryan McDonagh forced a turnover and then got the puck to Chris Kreider, who passed for an open Girardi for the game’s first goal. That extended McDonagh’s assist streak to eight straight. Over that span, he has nine assists.

A dangerous Patrik Berglund hi-stick to McDonagh put him in so much pain, he literally didn’t see the boards crashing into them. The scary moment for the Rangers’ captain sent him to the locker room. Fortunately, he was okay and returned later in the period. While he was checked out, the Rangers went to work on the power play. Some great passing started by Brady Skjei allowed Derek Stepan to find a cutting Vesey for a sweet finish at 11:11 for a 2-0 lead. The assist was Stepan’s 200th of his career.

It very easily could’ve been three or four goals in a lopsided first which saw all four Ranger lines use their speed and quick transition to get dangerous chances on Allen. He did well making a couple of big stops to keep his team afloat.

On the opposite side, Henrik Lundqvist was back in net after getting Sunday off. He was sharp throughout stopping all 35 shots en route to career shutout 60. That included a great stop to deny Robby Fabbri point blank on a mini-break. The speedy Blues forward got behind Marc Staal and was in but his backhand deke attempt was kicked out by Lundqvist. As his team built their lead, he still was strong denying all 16 St. Louis shots in the second.

Rick Nash continued his surge scoring his fifth to increase the lead to three at 6:18. On a Vesey pass, Nash went behind the net and tricked Allen by banking the puck off him. Let’s just call it a late Halloween treat for a player who’s closing in on 400 goals. He needs two more.

Another St. Louis penalty allowed the lethal Ranger power play to cash in. This time, it was some more great passing down low that led directly to a Mats Zuccarello power play goal for a 4-0 lead at 12:55. This time, Mika Zibanejad got the puck to Kreider at the side of the net where he passed across for a Zuccarello one-timer into an open side. Kreider’s second assist in his return on Zuccarello’s fifth chased Allen, who was hardly at fault. He gave up four goals on 20 shots.

Even his replacement Carter Hutton was victimized late in the period. A good defensive play by Vesey trapped the Blues causing a three-on-one. Some unreal passing started by Vesey to a cutting J.T. Miller resulted in Miller making a great dish for Kevin Hayes, who went top shelf for his third at 18:17.

The only question left is would Lundqvist finally get a shutout. Ranger goalies didn’t have one in the first nine. Antti Raanta came close last game but a Steven Stamkos power play goal foiled his bid. Lundqvist turned aside a Berglund chance with under nine minutes remaining in regulation. He would get the shutout on what was a great night.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (2 assists, 5 shots, 7 attempts, +1 in 23 shifts-14:59 including 4:25 PP)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves for 60th career shutout)

1st Star-Jimmy Vesey, NYR (power play goal-team leading 6th, 2 assists, +1 in 13:58)

Notes: The Rangers went 2-for-6 on the power play against an undisciplined Blues team. … Jay Bouwmeester played in his 1,000th career game finishing minus-2 in 22:02. … Oscar Lindberg was a healthy scratch. … With an assist Miller raised his team-leading point total to 10 (3-7-10). When he records a point, they haven’t lost. … Even though he played on the fourth line, Pavel Buchnevich received 15:11 including 4:19 on the power play. … Rangers (7-3-0) host the Oilers (7-2-1) Thursday night. Cam Talbot returns along with Connor McDavid fresh off an overtime loss at the Maple Leafs. They’re first in the Pacific.

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Game #10 Preview: Kreider returns as Rangers host Blues

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Derek

 

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AP Photo via Getty Images by rangers.nhl.com. 

When the Rangers (6-3-0) host the Blues (5-2-2) tonight at MSG, they’ll get Chris Kreider back. In his fourth full season, the 25-year old power forward was off to his best start when neck spasms kept him out of the lineup for four games. He found instant chemistry with Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich scoring three goals and four assists in his first five contests.

Carrying over his impressive play during preseason, the imposing 6-3, 226-pound former Boston College product has looked even bigger, faster and stronger. He has a rare combination which can make him a dangerous player for opponents to defend. It’s a shame that an injury prevented Kreider from continuing his fast start. However, health is key. With the team’s improved depth helping them go 3-1-0 without him, he took the positive out of the missed time.

The best aspect is other players stepped up in his absence. Michael Grabner’s hat trick was the latest example in a 6-1 rout of the Lightning. The new third line with Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller combined for four goals and nine points. Most encouraging is Hayes’ improvement in the face-off circle. So far, he’s 50.0 percent going 51-and-51. He worked hard in the off-season to get faster and stronger. In his third year, he’s determined to put ’15-16 behind him. Good efforts like the three assist game against a quality team definitely help.

With Kreider coming back, someone has to move down. It’ll be Buchnevich. He moves down to the fourth line with Brandon Pirri and Jesper Fast. The 21-year old Russian rookie has done nothing wrong. In four games, he has two assists picking up one in his return Friday at Carolina on a Mats Zuccarello power play tally. However, it makes sense to keep Zuccarello with Zibanejad and Kreider. They could become an even more potent line.

Coach Alain Vigneault has done a good job with the lines. Jimmy Vesey continues to impress with Derek Stepan and Rick Nash. His five markers are second behind 2016 first overall pick Auston Matthews (6) and second overall pick Patrik Laine (6). With Nash up to four goals and three assists, Stepan remains without a goal in nine. He has five helpers but it would be nice to see the top center get one.

With Hayes, Miller and Grabner staying intact, it forces Buchnevich down to the fourth line. However, Vigneault sees it as a positive given the improved scoring and depth.

“Right now I look at our four lines and I see balance,” Vigneault told Matt Calamia in a feature that appeared on NYRangers.com. “I see a good skill level. I see on every line I see guys that can make plays and use their speed.”

“This is the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve had a [fourth] line with that makeup,” he added. “I think balance right now is the word for me that comes to mind. Figure out the different matchups that you can have. We’ll see how it unfolds during the game. Tonight against a real strong team is a good time to see what we have.”

There’s really nothing to disagree on. When have the Rangers ever had this much balance? In ’13-14, the fourth line which featured Brian Boyle, Dominic Moore, Daniel Carcillo/Derek Dorsett was a key factor in the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals. But none had the skill level or talent of Buchnevich and Pirri with Fast more suited as the smart two-way checking forward.

As predicted, Oscar Lindberg comes out of the lineup. Right now, he’s the odd man out. With just four games under his belt this season and coming off surgery, it’s all about timing for the second-year center who’s won 59.4 percent of his face-offs (19-and-13). He didn’t play enough to gauge where he is, averaging 10:14. It was exclusively at even strength.

It’s uncertain what his future is. Vigneault indicated that it wasn’t about Lindberg’s play. He has more options. With Pirri sticking and Grabner performing well, it’s a numbers game. Fast stays in because he’s that solid defensive forward Vigneault likes to use on the penalty kill. He also is a wing. If Pirri falters, Lindberg will get back in.

Given that they are high on Cristoval Nieves, who’s in Hartford, it looks like Lindberg could be traded. Maybe at some point, he’s part of a package with Dylan McIlrath and a top prospect for a defenseman. However, his value can’t be great at the moment. We’ll see.

With the schedule picking up this month, Vigneault did indicate that Adam Clendening should be getting back in the lineup. How much is anyone’s guess.

All-time, the Rangers are 78-43-16-1 against the Blues including 46-13-6-1 at MSG. Last year, they swept the season series. This time, it’s St. Louis going for a sweep after winning 3-2 at home on Oct. 15. Vladimir Tarasenko, Paul Stastny and Alex Pietrangelo got the goals. Kreider and Zibanejad tallied for the Blueshirts who were unable to beat Hutton, who made 33 saves as the game’s number one star.

Tarasenko leads the Blues in scoring with nine points (4-5-9) followed by Stastny (3-4-7) and Alex Steen (2-5-7). In his walk year, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is off to a good start with three goals and three assists. The Rangers had interest in acquiring the 27-year old from New Rochelle, New York.

With Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko and Jay Bouwmeester, St. Louis boasts one of the game’s best blue lines. So, it should pose a good challenge.

Secondary scoring has been tough to come by. New acquisitions David Perron and Nail Yakupov each have four points. Key scorer Jaden Schwartz has struggled since returning with a goal and assist in five games. Believe me, I know because I benched him for tonight in fantasy hockey. Watch him go off. Patrik Berglund also has four points. He’s never really fulfilled expectations but plays on the third line with Yakupov.

Robby Fabbri is off to a slow start with no goals and three assists. Yakupov’s former Oiler teammate Magnus Paajarvi was waived. He cleared and went down to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. He once was a first round pick of Edmonton going 10th overall in 2009. Funny. But McIlrath also went number 10 in 2010. They both were placed on waivers the same day and cleared. Odd.

St. Louis also has tough guy Ryan Reaves. He’s played in all nine games. Interestingly, the enforcer has no points and zero penalty minutes. He only averages 6:25 a night. Veteran Scottie Upshall also remains. He still possesses good speed and is capable of getting scoring chances. Just saying. Jori Lehtera has one assist in five games. He’ll center Schwartz and Tarasenko.

The Blues are a very good team. With Allen one of the game’s best young netminders entering play with four wins, a 1.83 goals-against-average and .923 save percentage, it should be interesting.

A couple of players are set for milestones. The Blues’ Bouwmeester is expected to play in his 1,000th career game. He’ll become the 17th active member to reach 1,000. Which got me thinking? Who are the other 16? I can only think of Jagr. Ryan McDonagh will play in his 400th game. He has a seven-game assist streak. Stepan needs one assist for 200. Nash is a hat trick away from 400.

Blues Lines:

Steen-Stastny-Perron

Schwartz-Lehtera-Tarasenko

Fabbri-Berglund-Yakupov

Jaskin-Brodziak-Reaves

Bouwmeester-Pietrangelo

Gunnarson-Shattenkirk

Edmundson-Parayko

Allen

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Grabner’s hat trick in win over Lightning latest impact on deeper Rangers

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Derek
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Michael Grabner beats Ben Bishop for his third career hat trick in a Rangers’ 6-1 win over the Lightning Sunday night. He’s tied for the team lead with five goals giving the Rangers more offensive balance this season. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy MSG Networks.

The one night where my family couldn’t attend a game I wouldn’t have minded seeing, the Rangers absolutely dominated the Lightning winning big by the count of 6-1 at MSG Sunday night. They were led by Michael Grabner, who recorded his third career hat trick. The other two came with the Islanders when he once scored over 30 goals as a rookie.

It was the third line featuring Grabner with Kevin Hayes (3 assists) and J.T. Miller (goal, two assists) that did most of the damage. Rick Nash also had a strong game recording his fourth goal and assist.

Jimmy Vesey continued to impress scoring his fifth of the season. The 23-year old Harvard grad is looking more and more like an early Calder candidate. He’ll get strong competition from Maple Leafs’ top overall pick Auston Matthews, his line mate William Nylander, Winnipeg second overall pick Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets’ 2015 first round pick Zach Werenski. The Flyers’ Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov also should be in the mix along with Leafs’ center Mitchell Marner.

Ryan McDonagh continued his brilliant play recording an assist for the seventh straight game. The longest such streak by a Ranger defenseman since Brian Leetch. The captain is back to the high level that saw him dominate during ’13-14 when he was at his best. It was during the 2014 playoffs that he took apart the team that drafted him in a six-game series win over Montreal with 11 points- helping lead the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1994. He finished the postseason with 17 points (4-13-17).

It is the play of the number one defenseman that will be crucial to the Rangers’ season. As he goes, so will they. He’s clearly the best player anchoring a blue line that still includes vets Dan Girardi and Marc Staal. Both of who have been better. Perhaps the time off helped as they have looked healthier.

However, it’s still not a team strength. We’ve seen Staal and partner Kevin Klein struggle at times. Girardi can still commit the awful turnover or get beaten by faster players. Nick Holden is turnover prone but remains a favorite of coach Alain Vigneault. He did pick up a primary assist on the second goal last night. But one wonders if Adam Clendening will see the ice soon? Hopefully, it doesn’t become another McIlrath situation.

Rookie Brady Skjei continues to develop well. He picked up an assist and was a plus-one in 24 shifts including 14:01 at even strength and received 2:01 on the power play. An area that the smooth skating defenseman could excel at given his instincts. He’s a good skater and defensively responsible enough to be tried on the man-advantage. Especially if Vigneault is going to bury Clendening, who was used on the point in five games.

Antti Raanta was strong in his second start. He finished with 31 saves, coming oh so close to the team’s first shutout. Coming home from a get together for a friend’s 30th birthday party which was fun, it sounded like Raanta made some good stops in a scoreless first period. If not for a late Steven Stamkos power play goal in which he got a fortunate bounce on a nice passing play from Nikita Kucherov, who played and Anton Stralman, Raanta gets the shutout.

When we got home, I was exhausted from work and the four hour get together. Justin put on the World Series. Our focus was on our buddy’s Cubs, who staved off elimination in a thrilling 3-2 win over the Indians. I gotta admit I’ve really been into it. It’s not every October that you get two teams who haven’t won in so long. The baseball has been compelling. Three of the five games have gone down to the wire. Seeing Aroldis Chapman get the final eight outs was pretty cool.

As we were watching, the Rangers erupted with a four goal barrage on Ben Bishop in the second. That included three goals in less than a three-minute span. Nash got his fourth from Holden. Then Grabner put in a Skjei rebound. Twenty-two seconds later, Vesey took a nice Nash backhand pass and beat Bishop with a wrist shot for a 3-0 lead. Miller would add a goal late in the period from Hayes and Girardi.

Grabner’s second came on a clean breakaway from Miller and McDonagh. He snapped one past Bishop. He completed the hat trick with 5:13 left from Hayes and Miller. That third line with Grabner, Hayes and Miller combined for four goals and five assists totaling nine points. The trio each went plus-four dominating the game. Yesterday, he spoke with MSG’s Amanda Borges on his big night:

When GM Jeff Gorton signed him during the summer, I liked the move. But wondered how many goals Grabner would score. His scoring had dramatically fallen off from his breakout ’10-11 with the Islanders when he put in a career best 34 goals with 52 points. He hit 20 the following season. His goal totals decreased to 16, 12 and 8 with the Islanders as his role dropped off. He went 9-9-18 with the Leafs in 80 contests last season. This year, he’s getting the chance to play with better line mates. It’s paid off so far. He enters Tuesday’s game against St. Louis with five goals and an assist in nine games.

It’s definitely nice to see Gorton’s additions contributing. Brandon Pirri has four goals while Vesey has five. Mike Zibanejad is 2-6-8 so far. I’m surprised he hasn’t finished more. He’s had a lot of chances. Figure him to get hot soon. Meanwhile, Miller continues to flourish on whatever line he plays with- quietly leading the team in scoring with nine points (3-6-9). The silly idea of trading him even it’s for D help would be a mistake. He’s too valuable and on a good contract. Only 23, he continues to improve.

When the season began, scoring was going to improve due to the depth. It’s come to fruition. The Rangers lead the NHL in offense averaging 3.89 goals-per-game. Offense is up so far with 11 teams averaging at least three goals each game. Boasting four balanced lines that can contribute offense has helped the Blueshirts get off to a 6-3-0 start. Their goal differential is plus-13 with 35 goals for and 22 goals against. The best in the Metropolitan Division.

While other teams have struggled offensively including the Caps, offense is the Rangers’ strength. As predicted, their speed, skill and skating exposed the Lightning, who played for the third time in four nights. Even with getting Kucherov back, they were severely outplayed.

The Rangers have the ability to do that to any opponent. The less time they spend in their zone, the better off they’ll be. They get the Blues again later. They lost 3-2 to their back up Carter “E.F.” Hutton. It’ll probably be Jake Allen this time. Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

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Game #9 Lightning versus Rangers Preview

Posted on October 30, 2016 by Derek

Tyler Johnson

Later tonight, the Lightning pay a visit to MSG against the Rangers. Tampa enters fresh off a 3-1 loss to the Devils in Newark. They fell behind 3-0 before Tyler Johnson broke Cory Schneider’s shutout. Backup Andrei Vasilevskiy took the loss in his third start.

The Bolts have plenty of firepower. Featuring captain Steven Stamkos who leads them in scoring with nine points (5-4-9), Johnson (2-2-4) , Alex Killorn (team high 6 goals), Nikita Kucherov (1-6-7), Ondrej Palat (1-3-4) Jonathan Drouin (2-3-5) and Valtteri Filppula (3-2-5), they are loaded up front.

However, Kucherov didn’t play last night due to an undisclosed injury sustained in a loss at Montreal Thursday. The talented Russian scorer likely won’t be available. So, that’s a break.

Old friend Brian Boyle returns. I’m sure the boo birds will be out since he did injure Ryan McDonagh in the past with a big hit that sent him flying into the boards. Tampa also has reliable checkers Cedric Paquette, J.T. Brown and Vladislav Namestnikov. Brayden Point is also someone to watch.

The blue line is anchored by the All-Star tandem of Victor Hedman (1-4-5) and Anton Stralman (3 assists). Jason Garrison and Andrej Sustr are in the top four. Braydon Coburn also remains along with Nikita Nesterov.

If there’s an area that can exploited, it’s Tampa’s D. Honestly, after Hedman and Stralman, they can be attacked. Coach Jon Cooper leans heavily on his top Swedish pair. The Rangers’ speed up front could be an issue for a team playing its third game in four nights and a back-to-back.

Ben Bishop gets the start. He’s always fared well against the Rangers. But he isn’t facing Henrik Lundqvist and is off to a slow start with three wins despite a 3.22 goals-against-average and .891 save percentage in five starts. He is a big goalie who can be moved side-to-side. They must obscure his view and make it hard for him to see the puck.

Antti Raanta finally gets his second start. It’s about time. Nothing against Lundqvist, who’s off to his usual slow start (4-3-0, 2.45 GAA, .901 save percentage). But Raanta has to play. He should’ve gotten the start at Carolina saving Lundqvist for tonight. Not that Hank was to blame. His defense was culpable on at least two goals with Kevin Klein and Marc Staal getting beat badly and Nick Holden and Jesper Fast screening him out on the winner. Dan Girardi battled Bryan Bickell in front. What were Holden and Fast doing?

Anyway, the Blueshirts look to get back on track against one of the favorites to come out of the East. Chris Kreider will miss his fourth straight game due to neck spasms. He could be ready Tuesday which would certainly be a nice boost given his hot start. His seven points (3-4-7) still are tied for second in team scoring. Hopefully, he won’t show too much rust when he returns.

A positive in the 3-2 loss the other night was the play of Pavel Buchnevich, who in his return picked up his second NHL point- assisting on Mats Zuccarello’s power play goal. The Russian rookie continues to look like he belongs. So, he’ll stay put with Mika Zibanejad and Zuccarello. When Kreider comes back, what happens? It’s a win win situation.

Scoring isn’t the problem. With much better depth thanks to Jimmy Vesey and Brandon Pirri, coach Alain Vigneault is able to roll four lines more easily. There’s a three-way tie for the team lead in goals with four each coming from Pirri, Vesey and Zuccarello. Zibanejad meanwhile leads in points with eight (2-6-8). Rick Nash is up to 3-2-5 since being put with Derek Stepan and J.T. Miller (2-4-6), who performs well with anyone. Stepan has five assists but is still without a goal. He can use one.

Kevin Hayes has looked better but still only has two goals and a helper to show for his improved skating. They need more production from him. Maybe it improves once Kreider returns, which means he gets another skill player. Either Miller or Zuccarello are likely candidates. Michael Grabner could then shift back down to the fourth line with Jesper Fast, who might stay with Hayes due to his defensive acumen. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing what Grabner could do due to his speed with say Hayes and Miller.

As for Oscar Lindberg, he barely plays. It’s like Vigneault is unwilling to trust him which is amazing considering his production was on par with Hayes last year. I don’t get it. Lindberg is a big body who is willing to go to the net and wins face-offs. He’s a perfect fourth line center capable of killing penalties. Yet only gets around 13-14 shifts all at even strength. It doesn’t make much sense.

The back end remains an issue. Holden has gotten progressively worse. He’s only serviceable on the penalty kill and he messed up on the game-winner Friday. His ice-time has been cut down. When exactly does Adam Clendening get back in? A much better skating D who plays the right side and can play power play. Hopefully, it doesn’t become another McIlrath.

Vigneault is a quality coach. So, it’s not about him not having success. But some of the situations he’s created are perplexing. He never had any use for McIlrath even though he showed to be capable in his rookie season. But that’s the coach, who prefers that fast moving puck possession style emphasizing quick transition leading to offense.

We’ll see how they respond tonight against a quality team.

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