Battle Of Hudson

Nashty: Rick Nash beats Kari Lehtonen on a breakaway in the first period.
Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports

After two periods, they were fortunate to be tied. The Rangers knew that. In the first period, Henrik Lundqvist made 23 saves. A career high for one period according to Elias Sports Bureau. They needed heroic goaltending to stay with a dangerous offensive opponent. In total, Lundqvist finished with 41 saves. He also set up Rick Nash’s first goal of the season with a brilliant outlet. Not known for his stickhandling, even that part of his game was sharp.

It might not have mattered if Chris Kreider and John Moore didn’t score 37 seconds apart to break a 1-1 tie early in the third. Offense had been hard to come by lately. In their last four games, the Rangers totaled only four. In a second intermission interview with John Giannone, Ryan McDonagh noted that they’d gotten into penalty trouble. They handed Dallas a ton of opportunities including Stephane Robidas’ power play goal which took a funny hop off McDonagh past a helpless Lundqvist. Despite playing a better period going even in shots (13-13), they needed a strong third to win a big game.

Kreider got the goal party started when he took a Derek Stepan feed in the neutral zone and wired a wrister past Kari Lehtonen. It erased a nine-game drought and had to feel good for a player who’s been doing everything. Dan Girardi added a helper off a Dallas turnover. With the excitement of Kreider’s goal still felt, Derick Brassard sent Moore flying into the Dallas zone. Like Kreider, he blasted one top shelf for his second to suddenly make it 3-1. Carl Hagelin started the play and earned an assist.

It proved to be huge because Alex Chiasson cut it to one when he took a Cody Eakin feed and beat Lundqvist with a twisted wrister. On the Stars’ second goal, Mike Del Zotto and Brassard got caught leading to an odd-man rush. It was Del Zotto’s first game after being a healthy scratch three straight. Joe Micheletti went out of his way to rip him. I guess he’s Alain Vigneault’s ear piece. Brassard made a mistake too. Come on.

Following Chiasson’s goal, Nash got a breakaway from the Dallas blueline leading to a penalty shot. He made a great move to the backhand but an athletic Lehtonen was able to make a fantastic leg save keeping it 3-2 with 11:21 left. It allowed the Stars to come at Lundqvist in waves. Jamie Benn had the best chance. The Stars’ captain entered the zone and toe dragged around three sliding Rangers and got a pretty good shot on Lundqvist, who squeezed his pads together to avert disaster. It was the biggest save of the game and allowed the team to get a much needed win against a good team.

Our D had plenty of breakdowns. But Hank stood tall earning his first Broadway Hat. He gave credit to the Stars for coming hard. But in the end, he made the difference. This was the type of game the Rangers desperately had to have from their goalie. He delivered a clutch performance allowing them to start the five-game road trip on the right foot. They next visit Nashville Saturday before headed to Tampa and Florida next week. Then conclude at Boston on Black Friday.

The win allowed them to get back to .500 (11-11-0) with 22 points. Currently, they’re third in the Metro. A point up on the Devils, who are playing the Kings now. With another win, the Flyers are suddenly up to fifth in the division with 20 points. The Canes lost and also have 20. The Blue Jackets and Islanders each have 19. It’s tightened up considerably. Every game matters.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-John Moore, NYR (2nd goal of season-points in his last 2 games)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (3rd goal of season ended 9-game drought-much needed)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (41 saves incl. career best 23 saves in 1st period)

Tuukka Time: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask was in the zone stopping 43 shots lifting them past the Rangers 2-1.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

There are moments when a goalie steals the show. Tuukka Rask was the story. His 43 saves upstaged the return of Rick Nash– allowing the Bruins to skate away with a 2-1 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. It was the caliber goaltending we’ve grown accustomed to from Henrik Lundqvist. He was good making 20 saves. However, Rask carried a tired Boston club to victory sending disappointed fans home.

In many aspects, it was a mirror image of last Spring. Even with the Bruins on their heels throughout, their goalie was superior while the Ranger offense sputtered. More and more, it’s become the norm even with a new coach. Make it three consecutive games they failed to score more than a goal. Since Alain Vigneault benched Mike Del Zotto, they’ve lost two of three and scored only twice. Another brilliant move was dressing Benoit Pouliot over J.T. Miller. Did he even play? Par for the course when it comes to this organization.

At least Nash was flying. He looked great taking 23 shifts (17:55) and registering five shots. He definitely didn’t show much rust skating well and getting dangerous scoring chances. He wasn’t alone. Chris Kreider was all over the ice getting four shots on Rask. That included a penalty shot on an early power play 6:16 into the contest. Unfortunately, he was stifled by Rask. That was how the entire game went. The Rangers played a strong first outshooting the Bruins 16-6. But had nothing to show for it.

The second was eerily similar. They continued to pepper Rask from every direction. It didn’t matter. In particular, he kept robbing Kreider. The agonizing thing about the game was his brilliance allowed the Bruins to steal two points. They took it thanks to a couple of miscues. The first was a turnover at the Boston blueline, leading to a three on two. With two of our players hustling back, they gave Shawn Thornton the angle against Lundqvist. It’s what you’re taught to do. Unfortunately, Thornton roofed one past Hank’s glove for the game’s first goal. I got into a debate with another Rangers follower on Twitter. He claimed it was a “perfect shot.” Perhaps. But it’s Shawn Thornton. It was one Hank should’ve had.

Some of our fans believe that the power play has improved. It definitely gets more looks but that doesn’t necessarily make it better. Given another chance following a David Krejci goalie interference, that great power play allowed a shorthanded goal to another playoff ghost. Ryan McDonagh lost control of the puck at the point allowing Greg Campbell to chip it to Daniel Paille for a mini-break. He had no trouble beating Lundqvist on a backhand deke. It was a back breaker. Sure. Derick Brassard responded immediately with a great wrist shot 1:01 later cutting the deficit in half. I called him and John Moore out. They responded. Maybe I should do that more.

The problem was that Paille shorthanded goal doomed them. Rask was red hot and had some luck thanks to a couple of goal posts. When a goalie’s hot and the team fails to score consistently, it puts even more pressure on Lundqvist to be perfect. He wasn’t. So, they dropped another crucial game in the standings and didn’t even earn one of those NHL specials because this team can’t force overtime against anyone. But Vigneault’s coaching. So, what’s the issue? I guess he really had to have Justin Falk in for 16 shifts (10:18) over a more skilled defenseman in Del Zotto. Nothing against Falk, who gave them energy with four hits and four blocked shots.

This is about a coach who doesn’t get it. Sitting our most gifted offensive D hurts more than helps. He continues to overuse McDonagh on the power play. I love McDonagh but he’s not a power play quarterback. I have no idea what Vigneault’s doing. He says he wants to create more offense from the blueline. Del Zotto is the only guy on the roster who’s had a 10-goal 41-point year. That was in ’11-12 under John Tortorella when the team advanced to the Conference Final. Are they ready to give up on him? My guess is as good as yours.

The most frustrating aspect of tonight was that the team competed hard. They gave max effort. They also didn’t back down from the Bruins’ goon tactics. Dan Girardi went back at Milan Lucic after getting plowed. Brian Boyle leveled Zdeno Chara following a hit. Mats Zuccarello went back at Chara, who was busy swinging his stick against our midget. Classy. Brad Marchand only received two minutes for cross checking Zuccarello. He knew exactly what he was doing. But because Zuccarello’s tough, he got two and the league will not discipline him. Sometimes, I can’t stand how poorly it’s run.

There was a lot to like despite the loss. How about Derek Dorsett beating Campbell? Boyle jawing with Thornton before a faceoff. Zuccarello not backing down because he’s got guts. That’s a big positive. They have to stick together. With a five-game road trip starting in Dallas Thursday, their character will get tested. When they finally return home for Tortorella’s Canucks at the end of the month, we’re going to find out a lot about them. What kind of team do they want to be?

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Rick Nash, NYR (5 SOG, 6 missed attempts-looked sharp)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (4 SOG, missed penalty shot-all over ice)

1st Star-Tuukka Rask, BOS (43 saves with many spectacular)

Lately, goals have been at a premium. Over the weekend, the Rangers scored only once gaining a split. Until that point, the offense had picked up once Carl Hagelin returned and Ryan Callahan got healthy. However, neither can be relied on consistently to finish. Even with Brad Richards’ resurgence plus improvements from Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello, the team still only possesses one legit threat. After missing 17 games due to a concussion, Rick Nash could be returning tomorrow night against the Bruins. It would be a welcome addition.

With Nash expected to return, Brandon Mashinter was sent down to Hartford. The Monster Mash added needed toughness in six games dropping the gloves twice. However, a lack of minutes led to consecutive healthy scratches Saturday and Sunday. The writing was on the wall. Even with Benoit Pouliot in Alain Vigneault’s doghouse, it was painfully obvious that he wasn’t going to be the odd man out. With Vigneault benching Hagelin for a stretch last night, he saw power play duty on the second unit. Hardly ideal for a guy who’s inconsistent shift to shift and has a penchant for bad penalties.

The question is who comes out. Personally, I’d like to see J.T. Miller stay in as he’s much more noticeable. Only 20, the second-year pro is prone to mistakes which explains why Vigneault has closely managed his ice-time. However, he can skate and brings energy. My guess is they’ll go the opposite direction and sit the kid out against a big, physical opponent. I have never agreed with that approach. Assuming Nash is back Tuesday, someone will come out.

Dominic Moore has been a welcome addition after returning. He wins faceoffs and is a dependable penalty killer. The coaching staff liked his assertive play enough to move him up to the second line yesterday. It almost worked but Moore’s goal with 2:44 left was correctly ruled by Toronto a kick. Everyone’s favorite Taylor Pyatt is starting to recover from a concussion. Once he does, Miller is ticketed to Hartford. Like it or not, that’s what the organization will do which is probably best for his development.

One of the issues facing Vigneault is what to do with Derick Brassard. A breath of fresh air after coming over from Columbus as part of the Marian Gaborik deal, he’s struggled with inconsistency which has plagued his career. That’s why the Blue Jackets gave up on him. I would’ve thought in a contract year, he’d play more inspired. Instead, Brassard has three goals and four assists at the quarter mark. That’s not gonna cut it. Vigneault at times has deployed him in a checking role with Brian Boyle and Derek Dorsett. It’s where he’s looked most effective. The trouble is he can’t produce with either.

Last year, John Tortorella correctly spread out our top three centers allowing Brassard more freedom. He even got to work with Nash. Maybe that’s what’s needed. I don’t see any reason to break up Kreider, Zuccarello and Derek Stepan. Maybe he slides Hagelin down to the third line with Brassard and Boyle allowing Dorsett to play with Moore and either Pouliot or Miller. Richards and Callahan are a good fit. Adding Nash’s scoring capabilities could work.

As far as the Justin Falk experiment, he’s been fine. But I still say Mike Del Zotto should be back in. They don’t get enough offense from the back end. It would be a mistake to give up on him. I guess we’ll have a better answer this week what their plans are.

Henrik Lundqvist can’t bare to look after Tyler Toffoli’s shot squeezes through.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

It’s a good thing I decided at the last minute not to go. Maybe deep down, I knew it was coming. The all to predictable 1-0 Ben Scrivens’ shutout. Losing to the Kings is acceptable because they’re better. Getting beat by a backup makes it unbearable. A night after blanking the Canadiens with their backup, the Rangers returned the favor putting the Garden to sleep.

Save me the “tired excuse.” Every team plays back to backs. The Devils play the most in the league and they’re a lot older. Simply stated, you can’t lose games on home ice and call yourselves a contender. After eight games at Dolan’s renovated arena, the Rangers are .500 (4-4-0). Lose against the Bruins Tuesday- the game I chose instead- and that’s unacceptable. With a big five-game road trip coming and then John Tortorella’s return at the end of the month. It’s a critical stretch.

Right now, the Rangers are .500. They’re 10-10-0 through 20 games. That is when you start to judge teams. Well, guess what. Alain Vigneault’s club is mediocre. They have spurts where they look great and others where they disappoint. Tonight was a step in the wrong direction.

Even without Jon Quick and Jeff Carter, the Kings had no trouble completing a sweep of the Islanders, Devils and Rangers. Despite handing them power play after power play, LA came out on top because they play the most dull style only Darryl Sutter could be proud of. Patient, diligent checking teams like the Kings and Devils give them trouble for those very reasons. They out-grind you. This was always going to be a difficult game.

The Rangers fired blanks on three power plays including a five-on-three during a pivotal second period. Despite some heroic play from Henrik Lundqvist (29 saves with many spectacular), they trailed 1-0 on rookie Tyler Toffoli’s turnaround shot that deflected off Anton Stralman’s skate. Both Lundqvist and Stralman’s reaction said plenty. They knew one goal could decide it.

Unfortunately, it did due to the coaching staff’s stubbornness. Their unwillingness to adapt on a mediocre power play that’s only converted three times in over 30 chances on home ice, killed their chances. Scott Arniel has gotten plenty of credit for a more creative look to the PP. However, you have to wonder why Chris Kreider isn’t on the top unit. What did he do wrong? For better or worse, they continue to roll out Brad Richards, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan and Mats Zuccarello. As a unit, they’ve had some good moments. But like any, it can get stale.

Against an aggressive physical penalty kill, you have to get net pressure. The Rangers had none. Callahan was too much on the perimeter. During the two-man advantage, the points didn’t move the puck down low quick enough allowing the Kings’ triangle to recover. Even when the refs handed them an early Christmas gift with a dubious delay of game which replays showed went off Kreider, it was the same boring set up. They didn’t make Scrivens work. He made 37 saves. Big deal. The breakdown of a tired top unit:

Richards 6:13

Callahan 5:18

Stepan 5:52

McDonagh 6:07

Zuccarello 5:38

That’s too much. Especially when it’s not working. The second unit consisted of Kreider, Derick Brassard, a split of Carl Hagelin/Benoit Pouliot, Marc Staal and John Moore. The problem is simply they come on with 50 seconds. It makes it harder to get things done. With Moore continuing to struggle and Staal hardly offensive, you’re telling me they couldn’t use Mike Del Zotto? I know he’s hardly been a consistent power play performer. But from an offensive standpoint, it couldn’t hurt. I don’t get Vigneault’s lack of faith in Stralman. He can play power play and give them a righty option. Instead, he just plays five on five.

Sometimes, you’re going to have games where you must score on the power play. The Ranger special teams failed to take advantage. Another game where they got no points. The Kings formed a maze around Scrivens and allowed him to see the shots. The only time he was beaten was when Dominic Moore tried to pull a fast one, kicking the puck in with under three minutes left. It was a nice try but video review confirmed it.

The Bruins visit in two days. That will be another tight checking affair. Bring plenty of gum.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ben Scrivens, LAK (37-save shutout-the latest backup turned star)

2nd Star-Tyler Toffoli, LAK (4th of season at 1:23 of 2nd-game-winner)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (29 saves incl. 11/11 in 3rd-wasted effort)

Rangers assistant coach Scott Arniel just confirmed that defenseman Justin Falk will be in the lineup again. It’ll be his second consecutive game which means Mike Del Zotto remains a healthy scratch.

Those are the last two tweets from the official NY Rangers Twitter feed. I don’t know what to make of the one on Del Zotto. Is this finally it for him? What if the team plays well and wins again? I still am against giving up on him. Del Zotto is offensively capable. It was only two years ago he put up 10 goals and 41 points at 21. It’s too soon to throw in the towel. Again, what value does he have?