Graves’ hustle saves tying goal in determined Devils’ 2-1 win over Rangers, Playoff hockey on display in Newark

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Derek

It went to the New Jersey side of the Hudson. The fourth and final meeting between closs rivals was won in the trenches by a more determined bunch of Devils, who hung on for a 2-1 win over the Rangers before 16,669 at The Prudential Center in Newark.

In what amounted to playoff hockey, the Devils were the better team than the Rangers. Playing for the first time in nearly three months, the Hudson rivals battled for 60 minutes. When the final horn sounded, it was the Devils who came out victorious to take a crucial two points.

The difference was the first period. Using their game-breaking speed, the Devils were the aggressor early and often. Following a close call in which a turnover nearly saw Mika Zibanejad set up Vladimir Tarasenko, who was strong throughout, the Devils responded by swarming the net of Igor Shesterkin. He was under siege.

A face-off win from Erik Haula led directly to the checking pivot driving to the Rangers net and tipping in a Dougie Hamilton shot for his 10th at 5:17. On the play, he fell down. Filip Chytil got lost in coverage, leaving Ben Harpur to deal with both Jesper Boqvist and Haula. Haula was able to redirect the Hamilton pass for the game’s first goal. Jonas Siegenthaler added a secondary helper.

Following a Vitek Vanecek stop on Tyler Motte on a rare forechecking shift in the offensive zone, it was the Devils who continued an onslaught of chances due to stronger puck possession. Jack Hughes would get denied on a shot by Shesterkin.

After some hitting from both sides, Shesterkin had to contend with chances from Dawson Mercer and Nico Hischier to keep it a one-goal game. On the next shift, a Jesper Bratt backhand went wide, followed by a long Hamilton shot right on Shesterkin, who got a stoppage.

The action was fast and furious. There weren’t many whistles for a majority of the period. The quick pace favored the Devils, who were able to force some turnovers in the neutral zone. The Rangers had little to no sustained pressure.

Vanecek would stop Patrick Kane from a  distance. But it was the more aggressive Devils who continued to push for another goal. A Kaapo Kakko turnover led to Hughes getting a great chance. However, a quick reaching Shesterkin got across to rob him of a sure goal. That was his best save.

Off some more pressure by the Devils, K’Andre Miller got called for taking down Bratt. He was sent off for tripping with over four minutes left in the period.

After not being able to connect right away, the Devils worked a smart passing play to go up by two when Timo Meier buried a Hughes feed in the slot for his first goal in four games. Using Braden Schneider in a two-on-one, Meier passed to Hughes, who passed the puck back for a quick Meier one-timer that beat Shesterkin high for a power play goal with 2:57 remaining.

Vincent Trocheck drew the first of two minor penalties on Haula when he was taken down. Adam Fox came very close to beating Vanecek on a breakaway. Moving in on the Devils starter, he had a backhand go over the top as he collided with Vanecek to stop play. Ryan Graves got away with a trip, which could’ve meant a five-on-three.

Instead, the Devils were able to kill off the remainder of the Haula minor. Vanecek made a save on Panarin. Shesterkin actually had to make two on shorthanded bids from Mercer and Yegor Sharangovich.

The uneven start proved costly. At least the Rangers remembered to show for the last two periods. It took a while for them to gain traction. They needed a couple of key saves from Shesterkin before finally awakening from their malaise. These slow starts remain a problem. If they do face the Devils in the first round, that must change. It can’t only be rely on Shesterkin to bail them out.

As the game moved on, both Mikkola and Miller looked to activate whenever possible. Mikkola played a more aggressive game. Jumping into the rush more than he usually does, he had three shots on goal. He also was physical, finishing checks, and getting involved during scrums. Miller often skated pucks out and carried them in transition in search of offense. He also made some strong defensive recoveries.

A long point shot from Jacob Trouba caught the goalpost. That close to pulling within one. Trouba seeked out a few hits when the opportunity presented itself. The Devils did a good job keeping their heads up.

On an effective shift from the top line, Panarin had a shot denied by Vanecek, who was quite good when called upon. He made 24 saves on 25 shots to earn the game’s Third Star.

With Trouba off for interference on Hischier, the best save Shesterkin made on the power play came when he got a piece of a tough Hughes shot. The Devils’ leading scorer also missed on a tip-in.

Following the successful kill, it was again Trocheck who duped Haula into taking an iffy tripping minor to put the Rangers on the power play.

After a stoppage, a critical mistake by the Devils on the penalty kill allowed Chris Kreider to pull the Rangers within one with 6:36 left. On a clearing attempt from Graves, Sharangovich was unable to chip the puck out. Instead, the sloppy turnover led directly to Mika Zibanejad, feeding Kreider in front for an easy put away at 13:24.

It was his 33rd goal of the season. For Kreider, it also was career goal number 262. That put him in a tie with Vic Hadfield for fifth on the all-time franchise goal scoring list. Next up is Hall Of Famer Andy Bathgate. He’s fourth all-time with 272 goals. Kreider should tie and pass him next season.

With the game very tight, each side created chances. On one end, Shesterkin made a tough save on an Ondrej Palat tip-in. On the other side, Vanecek denied a Panarin backhand in tight. Then, Shesterkin stood tall to stop Hischier.

It was a good game. Once the Rangers found their skating legs, it was even. Something Gerard Gallant mentioned during the postgame. He again repeated himself about the slow start. But he liked the remaining two periods.

There also were some scrums. Something you’d expect with the stakes so high. The teams got shots in, but cooler heads prevailed. It was fought hard.

Vanecek made a good save on a Filip Chytil chance late in the period. His line wasn’t as noticeable. They were a little better in the second period. But they didn’t forecheck enough to create the chances we’ve seen. Part of that was how the Devils defended. They also attacked when they could.

The third was hotly contested. The Devils did a solid job limiting the Rangers to the outside. It wasn’t easy to get inside. Especially when Graves and Marino were out.

Shesterkin made some key saves on Tatar and Hamilton. On the opposite end, Vanecek stood tall on Tarasenko, who was arguably the best Rangers skater. He was around the puck a lot. If they drew even, I thought he would be involved.

That didn’t prevent Vanecek from making stops on Kane and then taking away a goal from Trocheck, who thought he had one in front. Vanecek made 10 saves in the period.

Shesterkin had to deal with a tricky attempt from McLeod, whose high offering gave him trouble. However, he stuck with it.

With time winding down, some Devil pressure by the Hischier line led to a long Graves’ shot hitting the outside of the far goalpost. It looked like it was headed in.

With Shesterkin on the bench for an extra attacker, Fox had a tough wrist shot blockered away by Vanecek. With over a minute left, Kreider was stopped twice.

On what looked like the potential tying goal, a loose puck bounced right to Tarasenko in front. It would’ve been a tap in. Instead, Graves dove and blocked the shot and cleared the puck away. It was a game saver.

Panarin got a great opportunity with less than 30 seconds remaining. However, his slap shot missed the intended target. He waited too long and missed short side high.

Astonishingly, the Blueshirts got one final shot. Following an icing, Trocheck beat Haula on a face-off. Alexis Lafreniere was able to step into a last second shot that went wide as the buzzer sounded. It was too tough an angle. Had it hit the net, it would’ve counted.

The Devils earned the win by beating the Rangers in the kind of game you’ll see when the playoffs start in two and a half weeks. The question is, where will they be. Combined with the Hurricanes losing to the Red Wings 3-2, they trail first place by a point. Carolina has a game in hand.

For the Rangers, it was a missed opportunity. This game didn’t hurt them too much. They remain locked into third, trailing the Devils by four. However, it wasn’t their best game. They need to start faster.

There’s no time to dwell on it. The Rangers now visit the Sabres tonight. Devon Levi makes his NHL debut. Win and the pressure is back on the teams ahead of them. It’ll likely be Jaroslav Halak.

Posted in Battle Of Hudson, Column, Devils, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Key Battle of Hudson showdown a possible first round preview, Chytil rewarded with contract extension

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Derek

When the puck drops on Thursday night at The Prudential Center in Newark, it’ll be a showdown between the close Hudson rivals. Indeed, the Battle of Hudson could be a possible first round preview tomorrow.

It’ll be the fourth and final regular season meeting between the Rangers and Devils. With each team having eight games remaining on the schedule, second place could come down to who plays better.

Although they’re limping towards the finish line with only two wins over the last eight games (2-4-2), including a dismal 5-1 loss at the Islanders on Monday night, the Devils have 100 points. Two more than the Rangers, who will enter with a 7-1-0 mark over the past eight games, including recent wins over the Panthers and Blue Jackets.

The bitter rivals are going in opposite directions. However, none of that matters when they do battle on the ice. In the previous three meetings, the Devils took five of six points. Their only defeat coming in overtime on Dec. 12 at Madison Square Garden. The Devils rallied from a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 in overtime on Jan. 7.

That was a long time ago. Much has changed for both teams, who each clinched the playoffs earlier this week. The Devils when the Rangers defeated the Panthers earlier last Sunday night. They also won 5-3 over the Senators that same night to at least celebrate their first postseason since 2017-18.

The Rangers clinched when both Florida and Buffalo lost on Monday. They then went out and scored the first three goals in a two and a half minute span during a 6-2 home triumph over the Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. It was their third straight win, which gave them 98 points. Two behind the Devils for second in the Metropolitan Division.

The goals came from Filip Chytil, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Patrick Kane, who recently picked up his 450th career goal in a comeback win over the Panthers. He’s starting to get comfortable while playing with Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider. Kane hasn’t been shy about speaking to the media about things the team can do better. They went from up three to only ahead by one due to a lapse that allowed Kirill Marchenko and Johnny Gaudreau to score in the second half of the first period.

Playing again without Ryan Lindgren, the Blueshirts weren’t perfect against the offensive minded Jackets. A last place team in contention for the Connor Bedard lottery, they don’t play any defense. That makes it hard for whoever is in goal. In Tuesday night’s case, journeyman Michael Hutchinson. The well traveled veteran can make the tough saves but has trouble with the stoppable shots such as Kane and later Artemi Panarin going short side.

In regards to how he felt his team played, coach Gerard Gallant indicated that he liked the last two periods. The first was way too wide open, with Columbus immediately testing Igor Shesterkin. Good thing last year’s Vezina winner is back in form. He finished with 28 saves on 30 shots to earn the game’s First Star. He deserved it. That’s how dangerous the pesky Jackets are.

What they lack in overall team structure, they can make up for in offensive skill. Gaudreau is still a superb player who should improve the team eventually. Wait until the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery. If they win it over the Sharks, Ducks, and Blackhawks, they’ll get a franchise player in Bedard. He only scored 71 goals with 72 assists for a total of 143 points for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL).

If they don’t get Bedard, University Of Michigan star Adam Fantilli is a possibility as a consolation prize. Columbus boasts promising young D prospects David Jiricek and Stanislav Svozil, who could help stabilize a shaky blue line that’s been without anchor Zach Werenski. Kent Johnson is a former Wolverine who’s had a good second half in his first season. Marchenko got his 20th goal versus the Blueshirts.

Even without oft-injured Patrik Laine, the Blue Jackets certainly tested the Rangers. If they’d changed sides, Shesterkin probably would’ve had Columbus on top. Having that steady goaltending matters. It can be the difference between winning and losing. When the defense takes chances, Shesterkin is the last line of defense. He’s tied with former teammate Alexander Georgiev for second in wins (34) this season.

Eventually, the Rangers played better hockey to pull away. Able to spend more time in the Columbus end thanks to strong work from the Kid Line of Chytil, Alexis Lafreniere, and Kaapo Kakko, they got a crucial power play goal from Panarin late in the second period. It doesn’t happen without a strong move by a more confident Lafreniere to draw a penalty on Hunter McNown.

Goals from Mika Zibanejad (team best 38th for point 81) and Vincent Trocheck (empty netter) in the third salted it away. So, a game that once was 3-2 became 6-2 for the final score.

With things falling into place, there’s a realistic chance they can pass the Devils in the standings. What happens later tonight could help determine who finishes in second place. That’s assuming neither team catches the Hurricanes for first. They have 103 points with nine games left. Carolina visits Detroit tonight.

For the Rangers to pass the Devils, a win in regulation would move them into second. Each enters the pivotal game tied in regulation wins with 34. The first tiebreaker. A Rangers regulation victory would vault them past the Devils despite having the same amount of points. They’d be up to 35 wins in regulation.

For the Jersey side, they’ve had some struggles. The 5-1 loss to the Islanders, who again won 2-1 over the Capitals last night in a shootout to increase their lead for the first wildcard, was alarming. For two periods, the Devils didn’t skate or play with any purpose. They let the Islanders carry the play.

With the exception of an Erik Haula shorthanded goal that tied the game, they were outskated and out-worked by the more desperate Islanders. Attacking a vulnerable defense, eventually, the Long Island hosts used a Kyle Palmieri goal to take the lead for good. It was a play where the former Devil skated around the net without any resistance and whistled a backhand past Vitek Vanecek.

There was a lot of puck watching. It was an awful shift by the Devils, who were out-shot 17-8 in the second period. They were outplayed by a wide margin.

At least they decided to give an honest effort in a more competitive third. But the defensive minded Islanders kept most of the scoring chances to the outside. That allowed Vezina candidate Ilya Sorokin to see the shots and make the stops. He made 14 of his 30 saves in the third.

It would be Palmieri again who took advantage of a careless Ondrej Palat turnover to make it 3-1. Bo Horvat and Zach Parise added empty netters.

If there’s a cause for concern, it’s the Devils’ inability to create as much offense against tight checking opponents. Jack Hughes was bottled up on Monday night. A 40-goal scorer for the first time in his career, he finished with four shots and a minus-three in over 22 minutes. He got one good opportunity when he made a strong move to the net but was denied by Sorokin.

Sorokin’s best save came on Dawson Mercer during a delayed penalty. His backhand rebound seemed ticketed for the back of the net. But Sorokin somehow stuck his left pad out at the last split second to keep the Islanders in front. They then killed off an ineffective Devils power play early in the third.

The Devils haven’t played in three days. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond to the challenge later. With the Rangers right on their heels, it’s a good test. They’ve used their speed and skill well to take two of the previous three meetings. In particular, Hughes has had his way. He’s scored four goals and added an assist for five points.

Do things change versus a much improved rival that’s added Tarasenko, Kane, and Niko Mikkola? The Rangers finally have established lines. Gallant has found the right mix. Tarasenko has good chemistry with Zibanejad and Panarin, who’s playing his best hockey. Trocheck works best with Kane and Kreider, with all three Americans playing a unique combination of straightedge and play-making.

However, the key to their postseason aspirations remains the play of Chytil, Lafreniere, and Kakko. It’s that cohesive third unit that can combine their unique skill, speed, and grit to create problems for teams on the forecheck. They have found their rhythm. With Chytil scoring again and both Kakko and Lafreniere winning board battles, they’re the line to watch.

In a nice reward for a career best season that now includes 22 goals with 20 assists for 42 points, the Rangers announced a contract extension for the 23-year old Chytil yesterday. He received a four-year deal worth an average cap hit of $4.4 million. The contract will take him to his age 27 season in 2026-27.

Having a legit checking line helps. Prior to the key additions of Tarasenko and Kane to round out the top six, Gallant didn’t really have what he wanted. Now, he can roll four lines thanks to the hard-working trio of Barclay Goodrow, Jimmy Vesey, and Tyler Motte. All three are strong on the wall and double as penalty killers.

Having that balance is a big key to success. The Rangers boast their most effective fourth line since 2013-14. That was the last time they appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals. It was mostly comprised of Brian Boyle, Dominic Moore, and Derek Dorsett. However, Daniel Carcillo played a key role in helping them get past the Flyers in the first round. Everyone remembers the Boyle goal in Game Six versus Pittsburgh. Then his great feed to set up Moore for the series clincher against Montreal in the Eastern Conference Final.

The best part of the current checking line is that they can all contribute. Gallant hasn’t been hesitant to have them out to protect a one-goal lead. They’re a grinding line who plays the right way.

The Devils are still trying to figure out the best place for Timo Meier. Acquires from San Jose, the 26-year-old, has struggled offensively. Part of the problem is he’s playing out of position. Due to both Jesper Bratt and Mercer, who are right wings on the top two lines, coach Lindy Ruff has been playing the proven goalscorer on the left side.

It hasn’t clicked yet. He only has four goals with two helpers for six points in his first 13 games as a Devil. Hardly the production they expect. In fact, Meier is minus-four over the last three games. He’s shooting the puck. They’re not going in.

Ruff has tried Meier with Hughes mostly. But he has also tweaked his lines to see what he’s capable of with two-way center Nico Hischier. It might be a better way to go. Both are from Switzerland. Ruff still has time to decide where Meier will fit best.

The play of Hughes, Hischier, and Bratt, along with the improvement of former first round pick Mercer, have provided the Devils with plenty of scoring punch. They’ve also gotten a good year out of veteran Tomas Tatar, who Ruff prefers to use as a complement. He can stick the checking Haula anywhere in the top nine. A strong face-off guy, he wins 54.7 percent.

Face-offs aren’t an issue. Hischier is 53.6 percent, and Mike McLeod is 61.0 percent. Due to Hughes’ struggles in the dot, they often have Haula take draws. Ruff has even used McLeod to win key face-offs to start overtime before changing.

The biggest question is if Vanecek can be the guy in goal. He had a good first half but has struggled recently. He’s never played this many games (47) in the league. Something Hasan alluded to in previous posts. With Mackenzie Blackwood back, they optioned Akira Schmid back to the AHL. He’s been good in his rookie year.

If you’re looking for an edge between the close Hudson rivals, it’s that the Rangers boast the reliable Shesterkin in the net. He’s the clear number one, having carried the team to the Conference Finals last season. Vanecek is unproven. So is Blackwood. It’ll be interesting to see what develops for the playoffs in New Jersey.

Each team boasts a stud defenseman. Adam Fox’s exploits are well documented. The former Norris winner is counted on to play in every situation and log big minutes while running the power play. His 11 goals, 56 assists, and 67 points pace all Rangers’ defensemen. He’s best working with Lindgren, who they’re resting to make sure he’s ready for the playoffs.

Dougie Hamilton has had a big bounce back year. Fully healthy, he’s paced the Devils on the back end with 19 goals, 49 helpers, and 68 points. All career bests. His eight power play goals are tied with both Hughes and Bratt for the team lead. Hamilton’s seven game-winners rank second on the team behind Hischier (9).

Unlike Fox, who acts more like a playmaker than goalscorer, Hamilton shoots to score. He possesses a top heavy shot that’s deadly accurate. He’s hit double digits in goals eight of his eleven seasons.

While the Devils lean on the tandem of Ryan Graves and John Marino for the key match-ups, the Rangers mostly go with K’Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba. Miller has been inconsistent in his end, frequently getting caught out of position. Not a natural defenseman, his tendency to look for offense can make that pair adventurous. Trouba is the classic physical D who can make an impact with his heavy hitting and blocked shots. He’s really led by example in his first year as captain.

The Devils are hoping Jonas Siegenthaler can rebound. He was pretty reliable in the first half, but his play slipped. He’s a key piece to that back end. Ruff has shown more confidence in using Kevin Bahl lately. His play has improved. He could play over Brendan Smith on the third pair with Damon Severson.

When fully healthy, the Rangers can shift Mikkola to the third pair with Braden Schneider, who isn’t shy about finishing checks. He’s a young defenseman who’s still trying to find consistency. He has good instincts. Ben Harpur has filled in admirably on the third pair when Mikkola has moved up to play with Fox. He plays with an edge.

In many ways, this feels like a prelude to a first round series. On Opening Day for baseball, tonight’s match-up should be exciting. Expect it to deliver.

Posted in Battle Of Hudson, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Devils clinch playoff berth, celebrate at the Rock with win over Ottawa

Posted on March 26, 2023 by hasan4978

Clinching playoff berths was never a big deal to the Devils (or their fans) of the 1990’s and 2000’s, the standard of excellence had become such that the season usually started in April for all intents and purposes. Since 2012 however, there’s only been one playoff appearance for the Devils – the 2017-18 blip on the radar, which was immediately followed by another four seasons of going backwards into rebuild 2.0. Even early this season it seemed like we were in for more of the same…of all people, it was Lindy Ruff who reminded me of the ugly 0-2 start at his presser last night, which now seems like a distant memory.

It’s a measure of how fast the standard has risen back here that last night wasn’t even an occasion for me to revel in, especially since there’ve been plenty of those already this season as our rise back to prominence has skyrocketed. The thirteen-game winning streak, the home OT comeback against the Rangers which ended our late fall and early winter swoon and the Carolina win two weeks ago that briefly tied us for the division lead, just to name a few. This whole season hasn’t just had ‘first in a decade’ moments, it’s been first in multiple decade moments, or even franchise history both from team and individual standpoints. Another one of the latter took place last night when Dougie Hamilton’s tie-breaking goal in the third period gave him the franchise record for goals by a defenseman in a season.

We all know what lies ahead in April, or at least the first step of it seems obvious at this point after two subpar weeks losing five of six before last night’s game (albeit two of them were shootout losses) put us back behind the Canes by two points with them having two games in hand. I still don’t remember how to describe games in hand from the other side of it – games out of hand? Maybe I’ll just go with that…we have two games out of hand with the Canes. Anyway, assuming they play to their winning percentage with the games in hand we’d be more like five points back than two with nine games left before our next postseason journey begins – hopefully one of many more over the next decade! Today isn’t the day to harp on the fact that it’s looking far more likely to be a first-round series against the Rangers than it did two weeks ago when we caught the Canes, there’ll be plenty of time to hype that series up, assuming it comes to pass.

Ironically, it was the rival Rangers who officially put the x next to our name by beating the Panthers, with their game concluding around the time of our first intermission last night. So last night wasn’t exactly the same type of adrenaline rush that the 2018 clincher was, in the next to last game of the season when we just got over the line after a March surge kept us barely in front of a streaking Panthers team. That team needed a win to clinch, we celebrated our clinch with a win. Even the players themselves were (hearteningly?) subdued after last night’s clinch. Last night, and the playoff celebration is more about the fans right now than the team. Amazingly enough only four players on this team were even here in 2018, and none of them were here throughout all of the losing the way the fans have been.

In addition, Nico and Bratt were just rookies that year. Severson and Wood are really the only Devil players you could characterize as ‘long-suffering’, and even Wood only had one full season in the league before 2017-18. Clearly though, they all (and everyone else on the roster) deserve a pat on the back and more for turning the mentality of the franchise and the fanbase around in just one season, after some very long years where you couldn’t even see a light at the end of the tunnel. Especially when they all bore the brunt of the negativity early on, as the fans’ frustrations with the last decade all but boiled over.

This whole season after the first two games has had a bit of a surreal feeling to it, a ‘holy **** did we just do that?!’ vibe towards games, milestones and records. Even something trivial like being the second fastest team in franchise history to reach 100 points in a season (last night clinched that, too) makes you appreciate just how surreal this season has been. Obviously, we have shootout points and 3-on-3 OT’s to pad the point total but still, 19 regulation losses in 73 games is impressive – no matter what metric you’re using for the wins and OTL points.

I wouldn’t call last night a celebration for me as much as a time of reflection on the season itself, hence why I’m not even going to recap last week’s games. I wasn’t even at the Rock last night, though I probably would have gone if it was a true win and in situation. Possibly clinching in the first intermission (like we did last night) just didn’t have the same ring to it as the 2018 clincher did, although at least the Devils capped it off the right way.

It would have been even more of an odd emotional feeling if they’d lost after the clinch. What came to mind was more the call of whoever the Met announcer was in 1986 – Steve Zabrisky I think? – who stated ‘the inevitable has finally become a reality’ in regard to the Mets clinching a division they eventually won by 21.5 games. Clinching has felt inevitable for at least two months, since the Devils shook off their December doldrums. Not any less meaningful, to be sure but as the coach himself said last night, the job is far from done.

Today isn’t the day for Devils fans to sweat the what ifs of what’s ahead. If that inevitable becomes a reality (i.e. the Devil-Ranger showdown seemingly on the cards for months), the stakes will be as high as possible for a first-round series on both sides. Maybe it’s just as well we’re enduring a chill March now if Armageddon is almost upon us. Don’t get me wrong, it’d be nice if the team starts to play better before that point. They didn’t exactly go into the clinch on a high this week, with an even game against a surprisingly tough Wild team ending in a shootout loss on Tuesday followed by an early blistering in Buffalo on Friday when Akira Schmid gave up three goals in the first eleven minutes, leading to Vitek Vanecek playing the bulk of that game. Using both goalies gave the Devils an excuse to draw Mackenzie Blackwood back in last night after his latest stint on the injured list. At least Vanecek has played better in his last few appearances, starting with the game in Tampa last Sunday.

I can’t even worry about the minutiae of how they work out the goalie rotation over the last nine games, not to mention the lineup decisions including an odd decision to go with eleven forwards last night because the coach felt – probably correctly – they needed Brendan Smith against a team capable of physical play (and if you have a Thachuk you’re capable of dirty play, as well). To nobody’s surprise it was Brady Thachuk who took a run at Yegor Sharangovich, earning a response from Miles Wood. To everyone’s surprise – or not, if you know NHL officiating – Wood somehow got the instigator penalty despite the fact Thachuk had his gloves off even a fraction before Wood did and clearly knew it was coming. Apparently, the refs ruled that since Wood made a beeline for the player coming off the bench that was enough to justify an instigator, oh brother.

For some reason, all the YouTube videos of the fight are ‘age-restricted’ lol so I’m just posting the coach’s quote on the fight in this space instead:

Fortunately, that myopic decision to tag Wood with an instigator didn’t really cost us last night. Neither did Blackwood’s – ahem – rust which turned a 3-1 game into a 3-3 struggle before Dougie’s goal and Tomas Tatar’s empty-netter sealed it in the third, giving the Devils and fans a deserved capper on the clinch. We didn’t even get to 100 points in 2017-18 though we were just shy, and this year’s team got there with nine games to spare. There’s still a chance for some franchise records, including a realistic shot at the all-time record for points in a season (both team and individual).

From a team standpoint, six wins or twelve points in their last nine games would be enough to pass the 2000-01 Devils for the all-time high. In the individual points chase, Jack Hughes scored his 40th goal last night and has 86 points with nine games left, ten shy of Patrik Elias’s 96, as well as eight shy of Brian Gionta’s goals record. Clearly the points record is more realistic at this point, but you never know if Jack goes on another heater. Hamilton set the franchise record for goals by a defenseman, and still has an outside shot at Scott Stevens’ record for points in a season, needing ten over his last nine games to tie and eleven to break it. Our road dominance has led to all kinds of firsts and records there from a team standpoint.

There’ll be plenty of time and reflection to celebrate those accomplishments that do happen or have already happened, clearly as the coach and players know the season now is about what happens in April. As I said above, last night was more about a celebration for us than them. At least they responded to the energy in the building with a big final two periods last night after the clinch was official. Now, the next three weeks are about fine-tuning for the playoffs, managing workloads and keeping guys sharp. I’d say the division is a secondary concern at this point, especially likely being further back than the two-point deficit suggests.

Not to mention even if we somehow surge to the top (which would deserve its own celebration), it will just get us a playoff series with a hot Florida team who played well against us this year, or a pesky Isles team who can drag any series through the mud. Forget picking your matchups, just be in the best position to win by then. Arguably this week is one more ‘playoff rehearsal’ going up against the Isles tomorrow and the Rangers at the Rock on Thursday. With the Isles needing the game for their playoff push and the Rangers looking to jockey for home-ice in the first round, there’ll still be emotion in those two games clearly.

After that, there’s the danger for a potential lull down the stretch – especially in the final four games. Following our Battle of the Hudson week, we play a Bedard contender in Chicago on Saturday, followed by two more games against playoff bubble teams at Winnipeg next Sunday, then the Penguins the following Tuesday which should keep us on our toes. In the last week of the regular season we play Columbus at home followed by a trip to Boston who will likely just be fine-tuning for the playoffs by then having long since clinched the top seed, then the home finale against the Sabres before a road tilt at Washington, both of whom should be out of the playoff mix by then.

With only one more back-to-back, at least schedule compression won’t be the issue it arguably was the last couple of weeks, although it’ll make it more interesting to see how the goalie games get split up with Blackwood nominally healthy at the moment. It’ll also be interesting to see just how much emphasis they put on the chase for individual records and marks, especially if the division is out of play by the last week. We’re not used to having both in the same season, hah – usually either it’s one or the other at best.

Not even sure how to end this other than buckle up for the next ride, Devils fans!

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Shesterkin’s key save turned the game around for Rangers in comeback win over Hurricanes

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Derek

In the playoffs, sometimes it comes down to the goalie. When they came back to defeat the Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division Final last year, Igor Shesterkin was a big reason why.

A Vezina winner last season, he ultimately proved to be the difference in leading the Rangers to victories in Games Six and Seven of the hardly fought second round series. While Antti Raanta finally cracked in those games, Shesterkin delivered when it mattered the most.

During Thursday night’s game in Raleigh, he again reminded the Caniacs why he’s one of the game’s best goalies. Having played much better lately, Shesterkin helped keep his team in the rematch between the budding rivals.

After the Canes played an outstanding third period by getting three past Shesterkin in a come from behind 3-2 win at MSG on Tuesday night, they got off to a fast start in the second game of a home and home series.

The hitting was fast and furious between both sides. Carolina tried to use physicality to their advantage. They finished every check. The Rangers didn’t back down. A Jimmy Vesey hit on Jack Drury was part of the fun. Brent Burns caught Filip Chytil with a hard check.

Drury cross-checked Tyler Motte to take a penalty halfway through the first period. Only eleven seconds later, Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal was nabbed for a delay of game penalty. That gave the lifeless Blueshirts a long five-on-three. For 1:49, they had the chance to convert on the power play.

Instead, shots either went off the goalpost (Zibanejad) or missed wide. Even with coach Gerard Gallant opting to load up his top unit again with a five-man unit that featured Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Patrick Kane, Chris Kreider and Adam Fox, they couldn’t take advantage.

Frederik Andersen also came up with a few key saves to keep the game scoreless. The most frustrating part was seeing a loaded power play get quality looks but fail to connect. You had Fox try a hard pass for Kane that he couldn’t gather in. Kane then fired wide. So did Panarin on a frustrating two-man advantage.

Following a successful kill of an Alexis Lafreniere minor penalty, a good lead pass from Martin Necas sent Sebastian Aho into the Rangers zone. With the defense backing in, Aho made a nice toe drag before firing home his 31st to give the Hurricanes the lead at 16:47.

On the play, both Fox and Jacob Trouba were too far back. The forwards didn’t make it hard for Aho, who had easy access to come in and pick his spot. If there’s a glaring issue, it’s the Rangers continuing the trend of backing up. That makes it easier for opponents to score off the rush. It’s something that’ll need to be corrected before the playoffs start in April.

The Hurricanes played a strong first period, using their speed to get in on the forecheck and possess the puck. They held a big territorial edge in play. Not shockingly, they out-shot the Rangers 13-3.

Shesterkin made a dozen saves with many coming during the first part of the period. He was sharp throughout. He would finish the game with 29 saves en route to winning his 33rd game in game number 52. Aside from the loss he had on Tuesday to these Canes, Shesterkin has won six of his last seven starts. Over that stretch, he’s posted a 1.84 GAA and .942 save percentage.

After they killed off a holding minor on Zibanejad that carried over into the second period, Shesterkin made a couple of more saves, including denying a Staal deflection. At that point, shots favored the Canes by a 15-3 margin.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi had Chytil lined up at center ice for a big hit. Good thing Chytil saw it and protected himself. He still got accidentally clipped by the skate of Kotkaniemi. Play was stopped for a potential injury. Fortunately, it wasn’t top bad. Chytil was able to stay in the game. He didn’t miss a shift.

The first good sign of the period was a strong drive from Vladimir Tarasenko, where he bulled his way to the net, forcing Andersen into a tough save on a backhand. He went around Burns, who took him down for a holding penalty.

But the power play didn’t get much done. Vincent Trocheck was stopped by Andersen, who’d later knock him down when the former Hurricane was standing in front. Part of what makes Trocheck a good player. The second unit featured him with Chytil, Lafreniere, Tarasenko, and Trouba.

With his team still not up to speed, Shesterkin took matters into his own hands. After stopping Drury moments earlier, he got over to rob Jesse Puljujarvi of a sure goal on a good feed from Derek Stepan. It was a pass across for a quick one-timer. But Shesterkin made the key save to prevent the Hurricanes from going up by two.

That clutch save finally woke the Rangers up. Shesterkin’s brilliance energized his teammates. Following Andersen denying a Chytil chance, Tarasenko made a good drop pass for Zibanejad, which led to him finding Panarin wide open for the tying goal at 10:33. The goal was the fourth for Panarin in four games. He’s up to 24. He has nine points over the last half dozen games. It’s 13 (5-8-13) over the past nine.

Right after Panarin tied the game, Shesterkin denied a Drury bid to keep it at 1-1. He would also make a good save on Stefan Noesen when the Canes were on a power play due to K’Andre Miller going off for hooking Necas. He made 12 more saves in the second.

Late in the period, a nice rush from Niko Mikkola nearly led to Panarin getting his second. However, Andersen made two nice saves, including a second one on a tricky backhand to keep the game tied.

Mikkola continues to be a key defenseman for the Rangers. He was included in the Tarasenko deal with the Blues. With Ryan Lindgren back out of the lineup, Mikkola stepped up by playing on the first pair with Fox. He logged 19:37 in 24 shifts with three hits and a plus-one rating.

That trade is looking better and better. Tarasenko has played more of a two-way game since settling in on Zibanejad’s right side. He’s also been willing to finish checks and absorb hits. It’s been his overall play that’s stood out. So far, he’s been a better player than Kane, who’s been hit or miss. They got him for the postseason. I’m sure he’ll be ready to go.

When the second period concluded, the Rangers had eight shots. They played much better following that momentum turning Shesterkin save on Puljujarvi. Overall, the Canes still led in shots, 25 to 11.

By the time the third period began, it felt like a different game. Thanks to the goaltending of Shesterkin, the Rangers weathered the storm. In this case, it was a hurricane. Their fans are loud in PNC Arena. But the Rangers had their own contingent who live in the area as well.

It had a similar feel to some of the games they’ve won against Carolina. The Rangers seem very comfortable playing in that building. We saw it when they easily took the deciding Game Seven last year. It showed in a third period eruption that was highlighted by Panarin’s first four-goal game on Feb. 11. A game that went from 2-1 Hurricanes to 6-2, Rangers.

Following a miss by Jesper Fast, Panarin had a tip-in go wide. Aho also missed his own tip-in afterward. This all happened in the first 75 seconds.

Trocheck came close to breaking the tie. Following a face-off, he had his shot hit the goalpost and stay out. That close to burning his former team.

Finally, on a play in transition started by Zibanejad up to Panarin, he found Fox in the slot for a shot that beat Andersen to give the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead at 4:01. It was a perfect read by Panarin. Fox scored his first goal in 25 games since Jan. 23.

Although he doesn’t always shoot to score, Fox has a six-game point streak with a goal and five assists. He’s up to 65 points (11-54-65) in 72 games. Last year, he had 74 points (11-63-74) in 78 games.

Both Kakko and Lafreniere had great opportunities to extend the lead. First, Kakko tried a wrap-around that Andersen denied. On another shift, Lafreniere was in on the Hurricanes goalie but had his backhand stopped. Andersen made the key saves to keep his team afloat in the third.

Unlike the previous two periods, there weren’t a lot of shots. The Rangers defended much better. Once they got the lead, they did a good job protecting it. Whether it was continuing to forecheck or blocking shots, they didn’t give up much.

Carolina could only muster five shots. None that seriously threatened Shesterkin. They lifted Andersen for an extra attacker with 100 seconds left. It didn’t matter.

That’s how well the Rangers played. Gallant trusted his checking forwards with Barclay Goodrow, Motte, and Vesey out for most of the final couple of shifts. Zibanejad was also used. Trocheck took the final draw as the Rangers earned their third victory in four games to win the season series.

Shesterkin was the biggest reason they won. He held them in there. That allowed the Rangers to find their game. Once they did, it was their skill players who were in on the two goals. They out-skilled the Canes, who definitely showed their biggest weakness without injured forwards Max Pacioretty and Andrei Svechnikov.

The Canes still sit atop the Metro with 100 points. They have a dozen games left. Two more than the Rangers, who have 94 with 10 games remaining. They are third, trailing the Devils for second by four. They’re in action later tonight against the Sabres.

With every save a more confident Shesterkin makes, the better the Rangers’ chances are. He’s still the x-factor. The Hurricanes’ storm was put out by Igor.

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Lindgren’s return can’t prevent third period disappointment in playoff style loss to determined Hurricanes

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Derek

Before opening face-off at MSG, the Rangers got good news. After missing 11 games, Ryan Lindgren finally returned from the upper-body injury he suffered on a T.J. Oshie hit against the Capitals.

The glue of the defense was back. Similar to old hat Dan Girardi, the prideful man from Minnesota wearing double fives on the back of his jersey received a warm welcome from excited fans. They know what Lindgren brings. As I’ve echoed before in this space, he provides the nuts and bolts. Whatever the team needs, he’ll do.

It had been almost a month since he last played. Everyone understands how valuable he is to the team with championship aspirations. Even though they’ve been winning games, it hasn’t always gone smoothly. However, Ben Harpur deserves a kudos for how he handled the extra minutes while Lindgren was out. He’s a solid extra defenseman with character and grit.

On what was an emotional night due to the sudden passing of Knicks legend Willis Reed, the Rangers held a moment of silence for the Captain. There isn’t a greater Knick in terms of impact. The flashbacks of him coming out of the locker room to thunderous cheers for Game Seven against Wilt Chamberlain and the Lakers is fondly remembered by all. All he had to do was make his first two jump shots to lead the Knicks to the franchise’s first NBA title.

As sad a day as it was for New York sports, Reed will always be fondly remembered. MSG made sure to have the right touch during last night’s game by showing clips of the all-time great. Number 19 hangs from the rafters in the Garden.

When we watch Lindgren during each shift, he brings the grit and hustle to the ice. It’s the pride and passion that he plays with that’s made him a fan favorite. He sure makes a difference while teamed up with Adam Fox. The anchor of the blue line clearly struggled without his running mate. With 11 games left, it’s a good chance for the key tandem to get back in sync.

In what was a fast-moving playoff style game between two rivals, Lindgren was called for a dubious holding minor late in the second period. In fact, it was former teammate Jesper Fast who grabbed a hold of Lindgren to pull him in to draw the call. Fans held their breath as Lindgren went down on the play. He struggled to get up and went back to the locker room.

At the time, the Rangers were leading 1-0 thanks to a Tyler Motte goal that came with three minutes left in a tightly contested first period. On a face-off inside the Carolina zone, Jimmy Vesey intercepted a Brady Skjei pass down low. He then got the puck over to Barclay Goodrow, who found Motte open for an easy finish in front at 17:00.

That opening period was well played by both sides. It was clean hockey without any penalties. Initially, the Canes got some good looks on Igor Shesterkin, who continued his recent improvement. He made nine saves in the first while counterpart Frederik Andersen stopped 11 of 12 shots.

The Hurricanes knew the importance of this game. Having lost the first two to the Blueshirts in the season series, a regulation loss would’ve put their hold on first place in jeopardy. They entered play with 98 points. One up on the Devils and six ahead of the Rangers with a home and home series.

Carolina isn’t as high scoring a team as the Blueshirts, who exploded for six goals in a lopsided 7-0 rout of the Predators on Sunday night. The game was over quickly. K’Andre Miller highlighted the victory by becoming the first Ranger to record four points (2-2-4) in a first period since former captain Kelly Kisio. Filip Chytil also snapped his scoring drought with his 20th goal in the blowout.

The Hurricanes lost two of their biggest threats for the remainder of the season. Max Pacioretty (torn Achilles) and Andrei Svechnikov (knee) are big blows for a team that doesn’t have many consistent scorers. They’ll have to do it by committee.

A puck possession team under coach Rod Brind’Amour, they’ll rely on captain Sebastian Aho to lead the way along with Martin Necas. They’ve gotten a good season out of Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The checking center has been contributing lately and is starting to resemble the player they thought they were signing away from Montreal.

Their blue line has balance. Jaccob Slavin remains the shutdown defenseman who pairs up with veteran Brent Burns. He still can get it done offensively. The second pair is similar with Brett Pesce proving steady play while Skjei looks for offense. His 15 goals are a career high that paces the back end. Burns has a dozen while leading the defense with 41 assists and 53 points. They added Shayne Gostisbehere for power play help. An area he excels at. Chatfield has provided solid depth on the third pair.

If one were to look at the Hurricanes compared to the Rangers, you’d probably place a blue checkmark next to the offense, power play, and goaltending. There’s no question they have more firepower. Adding Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane to a core that features Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and Vincent Trocheck makes them formidable.

Even with their recent struggles, the older Kid Line are capable of contributing. So, too are the best checking line they’ve had since Brian Boyle, Dominic Moore, and either Derek Dorsett or Daniel Carcillo were making key contributions on the 2013-14 team during the postseason.

Shesterkin is an obvious edge over the respectable Andersen in net. Of course, that doesn’t always mean what you think. Even all-time greats have been outplayed in the playoffs. But I know who I’m rolling with in the Metro Division. Although Islanders fans can make a strong case for Ilya Sorokin. He’s been the better netminder this season.

So, what happened during Tuesday night’s 3-2 home loss? The Rangers wilted in a disappointing third period. Having been outplayed by a wide margin during a second period that favored the Canes, who had the puck in the Rangers zone for long stretches, they couldn’t quite put Carolina away.

Even with the remainder of a second power play followed by another man-advantage in which Fast tripped up Shesterkin from behind outside his crease, the Rangers’ special teams got nothing accomplished.

Instead, it was the highly rated Hurricanes’ penalty kill that gave them fits by standing up at the blue line. They got sticks on pucks and made key clears, forcing the Rangers to reset. Even the much improved balanced power play units couldn’t make a dent. They never got much setup time. Andersen didn’t have to work too hard.

Consider that it was the Canes who out-shot the Blueshirts 15-5 in the second. It wasn’t so much a case of it being high quality. Most of the shots were ones you’d expect Shesterkin to stop. The Rangers still did a good enough job defending the net front. But there definitely was too much time spent in their end.

For a while, it looked like they’d protect the one-goal lead. Shesterkin remained locked in. His best save came when he made an aggressive glove denial on Noesen. But the Canes kept coming.

Eventually, a mishap from Chris Kreider cost Shesterkin the shutout. On a transition play where Jack Drury and Derek Stepan combined to move the puck up for Chatfield, he got a step on Kreider and whipped a high rising shot from the right circle past Shesterkin to tie the score at 9:49.

What happened next nobody could’ve predicted. Before you could settle in, Fox moved the puck across for a Lindgren shot that banked off a Carolina player right to Kaapo Kakko. He made no mistake burying the gift past Andersen to restore a one-goal lead just 31 seconds later. It ended an 11-game drought. Lucky goal number 13 put the Rangers back in front.

However, there was even more chaos. Before the public address announcer, Joe Tolleson could announce the Kakko goal, back came the Hurricanes. It was some hard work from their second line that tied the game only 18 seconds later.

Off some sustained pressure from Jordan Staal and Fast behind the Rangers’ net, Miller made the mistake of going to the corner where Zibanejad had his man. That allowed Fast to center across for an easy Noesen finish for his 11th at 10:38. Jacob Trouba had to go occupy Fast on the other side. So, neither defenseman was in front on the play. But it was Miller’s responsibility to stay home. That caused the goal.

For all the accolades he receives for his skating and improvement offensively with a career best 38 points, Miller remains an enigma defensively. Too often, he gets caught up ice or is caught out of position, leading to goals against. His defense has been tough to watch over the past month. Trouba has to do too much.

It’s not cohesive. That explains why Gerard Gallant opted to move Niko Mikkola up to the second pair while shifting Miller down with Braden Schneider for the remainder of the game.

Even on a night, Lindgren was able to return for the third period to the relief of many. The issues that plague the defense were there to be seen. Miller has played his way off a long-term contract. More fans are noticing his miscues. He is skilled. However, his defense has to get better. If not, it’s hard to see what’s a loaded roster getting through the Eastern Conference.

If I’m the coach, I would keep Mikkola with Trouba for the rematch at Carolina tomorrow night. Let Miller work with Schneider where there’s less pressure. Of course, Brind’Amour can dictate the match-ups due to having the last change. Knowing Gallant, he’ll probably go right back to Miller and Trouba.

At this point in his young career, Miller should have a better idea of when to stay home and when to go. This isn’t only on the player. It’s also about the system. Is enough coaching being done? Why does he continue to make the same mistakes without any discipline? If it were anyone else, they would’ve sat.

In the final part of the game, the Canes were more desperate. There was urgency to their game. On a night they blanketed the Rangers’ top six, it wad Carolina, who found the game-winner.

With under three minutes remaining, Kotkaniemi moved the puck up for Burns. As the Rangers were scrambling for position, including Kreider, Burns burned them with a good pass across for a Teravainen goal that came with 2:33 left in regulation.

On the play, it wasn’t about the positioning of Fox or Lindgren. But rather where Kreider was standing on the deciding goal. He got caught puck watching. Stuck in no man’s land, he wasn’t in the right position as Teravainen redirected Burns’ feed. On two scoring plays, Kreider got caught in the wrong position. He’s usually better than that. He knew it, too.

The Rangers were unable to find the equalizer. This was the Canes’ period. They came back from a 1-0 deficit to outscore the Rangers 3-1. That allowed them to earn a big win to hit the century mark in points. Combined with the Devils getting a point in a buzzer beater by Wild forward Matt Boldy in overtime, Carolina now leads the division by two points with 13 games left.

Instead of potentially winning in regulation and cutting the deficit to four for first place, the Rangers are now eight behind the Hurricanes. They trail the Devils by six for second. Each team has 11 left, including a pivotal game on March 30 at The Prudential Center.

Sometimes, that’s how it goes. It’s one loss. There’s no reason to panic. They are going to wind up in the top three of the Metro Division. The Islanders routed the Maple Leafs to move up to 82 points. They’re first in the wildcard. Combined with Florida losing to the Flyers, they are three up on the Panthers and four on the skidding Penguins.

As for the Blueshirts, they’ll get back to work. You can’t win them all. One more intriguing match with the Canes in Raleigh. Then, 10 more games on the schedule. There’s still some work to be done.

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Devils’ tough Florida week ends on a high note

Posted on March 20, 2023 by hasan4978

After last Sunday’s big win over Carolina got the Devils a share of the division lead, there was always going to be the potential for a reality check this week when the NHL – in its infinite wisdom – decided to give the Devils their entire season series with Tampa Bay in one six-day stretch. Oh and by the way, we’re also giving you another game down in Sunrise against a team in a life and death playoff battle in the middle of that six-day stretch as well.

In the end the results of this week were mixed, to put it succinctly. Great if your only goal out of the week was to have all your top players stay healthy and not embarrass yourselves in a de facto mini-playoff series with a veteran Lightning team, lousy if your goal was to keep pace with the Hurricanes and wound the pesky Panthers’ playoff hopes while we were at it.

Sure, the Devils are still only a point back of Carolina after a 1-2-1 week overall but now the Canes have two games in hand following an emotional win in Winnipeg in the wake of talented winger Andrei Svechnikov’s season-ending knee injury, and a dramatic comeback against the Flyers after scoring the tying goal with .3 left in regulation and winning in the first half-minute of OT. That thirty-second shift from zero points to two in Philly could prove decisive in the division race.

Of course, that’s ultimately a secondary concern to the Devils’ own performance and injury report. Let’s get the bad of this week out of the way first – Saturday night in Sunrise was clearly one of the worst games this team’s played all year, especially on the road. Perhaps we were looking at this game as a nuisance in the middle of our three-game mini-series with Tampa, or more likely we just struggled to find the same gear with a team that needed the game more. Plus let’s face it, we’ve struggled with the Panthers all year long – albeit the other two games we played with them were just before Christmas when we were struggling in general during December.

If it wasn’t for Akira Schmid’s spectacular 37-save performance, the Devils wouldn’t have even had a shot on Saturday, much less a 2-0 lead in the third period before the roof fell in with three quick Panther goals in the span of two and a half minutes of the third. That three-goal outburst basically decided the game, albeit a game we never really deserved to be winning in the first place. Hopefully we won’t be seeing the Panthers again anytime soon (especially with their old-school penchant of playing physically dirty hockey), although it remains a distinct possibility if we do win the division they could be a team we play in the first round. At the moment, it seems like a three-horse race between them, the Islanders and the struggling Penguins for the two wild card spots.

At the moment, the Panthers game was a sideshow to what was more a Tampa week, with back-to-back matchups at the Rock on Tuesday and Thursday before concluding a two-game Florida swing with another matchup against the Lightning in Tampa last night. I would say Tuesday was a letdown after the adrenaline-induced win over the Hurricanes on Sunday except the Devils actually started pretty well in the first period, with Damon Severson getting the first goal and Ryan Graves doubling the Devils’ lead…until a dubious offside challenge overturned the goal, and seemingly the momentum of the game.

Maybe it would have been a different story Tuesday if Vitek Vanecek hadn’t followed his brilliant return to form on Sunday with another dud of a game, allowing multiple stoppable goals as the Lightning surged past the Devils with a shorthanded goal to tie the game in the first, then three goals in the second period culminating in a last-second tally from Nikita Kucherov.

From there, Tampa did to us what we did to the Canes last Sunday in the third period, put a three-goal lead to bed (worst lead in hockey my fanny, Maven!). Our regulation loss coupled with the Hurricanes’ win in Winnipeg put them back in front, basically washing away Sunday’s game in the span of 48 hours. As much as I wanted to believe Vanecek’s game last Sunday was a sign he’d gotten out of his slump, Tuesday seemed further confirmation that Vanecek – who’d recently passed his career high in games started – has been running out of gas down the stretch, a real concern in terms of who’s going to play in the playoffs and who should play.

In the near term with the four games in six nights, I had little doubt Schmid would play two of the next three regardless of Vitek’s game on Tuesday. Sure enough, it was Schmid in the pipes for the Thursday and Saturday games (a la last week) to give Vitek another long-ish break between starts. Schmid answered the bell in both games, as he has just about every time he’s been called upon this season. As good as Schmid was on Thursday though, the Devils started the game on the back heel when Ross Colton scored after barely a minute, and had to come from behind three separate times to tie the Lightning.

Perhaps most encouragingly, Thursday’s game seemed to be a breakout of sorts for Timo Meier, who’d been a fish out of water in part because for some reason the staff played him on his off wing. Putting him back on the right side Thursday was all the impetus he needed to have a two-goal night, including a late tying goal on the power play

For all intents and purposes, the game was an honorable draw that the Lightning got the extra point in after the skills competition. If anything, the Devils outplayed Tampa on Thursday but Andrei Vasilevsky was again a difference-maker for his team, making thirty-two saves in the game itself and another pair in the shootout. Still, three straight winless games this week including the Panther no-show on Saturday provided quite the backdrop for Sunday’s finale in Tampa.

If Saturday was one of our worst games of the season, Sunday was one of the best all things considered. Unfortunately, for the first part of the game it looked like December again, as goals from Kucherov and Alex Killorn gave Tampa a 2-0 lead against the run of play. Unlike Tuesday though, a shaky start from Vanecek didn’t shake the Devils, and Jesper Bratt responded with a goal just nine seconds after Killorn’s marker – putting the Devils back within one. For Bratt, that goal could well have been a spark considering his long personal slump (seven goals and one assist in his last eighteen games). Sure enough, Bratt followed that goal with another less than three minutes later to tie the game, and that goal was his 30th of the season – a personal first for the talented winger.

Less than three minutes after Bratt’s goal, captain Nico Hischier joined the party with his 30th goal of the season – also a personal first – giving the Devils an improbable lead less than six minutes after falling behind by two. It was the complete inverse of the third period in Sunrise the previous night, with us turning the two-goal lead on its head with three quick ones. Guess things really do even out over a long season.

From there the Devils mostly maintained control of the game, and even extended their lead in the third period from an unlikely source…recent callup (and ex-Lightning prospect) Nolan Foote scoring his first of the season. Foote was only in the lineup because of injuries to Miles Wood and Curtis Lazar, but he made his case for getting a longer look going forward even before the revenge goal in the third period.

Other than being forced to kill off a late third-period penalty, there was surprisingly little drama left in the game (despite being on the back end of a four-in-six, though so was Tampa) and Bratt sealed it with the empty-netter for a hat trick. At least he had some fun with it after, in what would look like a photoshop if I didn’t know better and see this on the TV when it happened:

Can’t say there’s much to complain about overall from the Lightning series. Three points out of six where we more or less outplayed them the last two games. Not that it’ll mean anything come playoffs, even the 2017-18 Devils went three-for-three against Tampa in the regular season before reality set in once the teams met in April. Still, you like to see them meet any challenge head on whether it’s in April or before it, and if last week was tough for us, the next few games will be a challenge for the Hurricanes as well, with two games against their nemesis the Rangers, followed by playing Toronto, Boston and Tampa.

Not that it’s easy for us, with a home game against the Wild on Tuesday followed by a back-to-back at Buffalo and home against Ottawa this weekend before the final two Battle of the Hudson games in the regular season with the Isles and Rangers next week. Of course winning a division isn’t supposed to be easy, as much as we made it look so in our heyday.

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Pieces falling into place for surging Blueshirts

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Derek

This past week was a good one for the Rangers. They took seven out of eight points against a pair of division rivals.

In doing so, they pulled within five points of the second place, Devils who lost 4-2 yesterday. There’s still a chance to grab home ice in the first round. Even though I’m not emphasizing it as much due to how competitive the playoffs are, it’s a possibility. There are 13 games left in the regular season, including a potential four-point game at the Devils on March 30.

Home ice isn’t what it once was. We’ve seen teams go into enemy territory and win a deciding Game Seven. If the Battle Of Hudson happens in the first round, I don’t think it matters who gets the extra game. When it comes down to rivalries in which both teams are very evenly matched, anything can happen. So, I won’t be referencing it as much until things are settled.

While that’s still to be determined, including whether either Hudson rival can chase down the Hurricanes for first in the Metro Division, the most important aspect is that the Rangers are starting to gel. It isn’t easy when you add key pieces. Even if it’s the likes of Patrick Kane, who came after they acquired Vladimir Tarasenko to upgrade the top six.

The Blueshirts didn’t play lights out following the Kane acquisition. There was an adjustment period for both Showtime and former Blues star Tarasenko. Gerard Gallant searched for the right combination by trying both right wings on different lines. Eventually, he’s settled on Tarasenko flanking Mika Zibanejad with Artemi Panarin on the first line. Kane is fitting in with Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider on the second line.

Gallant also realized that throwing all of your eggs in one basket was counterproductive on the power play. Now, you have Kane with Panarin, Trocheck, Adam Fox, and Alexis Lafreniere on one unit. It’s Zibanejad, Kreider, Tarasenko, Jacob Trouba, and Filip Chytil on the second unit. Sometimes, Fox and Trouba will switch depending upon who Gallant starts the power play with. He has two top units. It’s a good problem to have. They’re having success. It won’t be easy for opponents.

Were the Rangers perfect in going 3-0-1 against the Penguins three times with the Capitals sandwiched in the middle of the miniseries? Of course not. There’s no such thing as a perfect game. Even Saturday night’s 6-0 shutout over the Pens was a bit misleading.

Coming off a 4-2 win over Pittsburgh in which Sidney Crosby nearly tied it late before Chris Kreider, who got the game-winner parked in front, added the empty netter for his 30th goal, the Blueshirts didn’t have a great start last night. In fact, it was the Pens who played more desperate. They are fighting just to make the playoffs with the Panthers hot on their heels. It showed during an intense first period.

Playing again without key defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who missed his ninth straight game, the Rangers again went with Niko Mikkola playing alongside Adam Fox, who continues to struggle at even strength. He hasn’t found it as easy without dependable partner Lindgren, who provides the nuts and bolts.

Mikkola has been an important player since coming over from St. Louis with Tarasenko. While he isn’t the best skater, he’s provided crucial minutes that have been needed. Occasionally, he’ll take a penalty. He isn’t a top pair player. He’s done alright out of necessity. Once Lindgren returns, the Rangers should have a better blue line that has more balance. It isn’t great, but it will be more capable.

Even without Lindgren, they’re winning games. There have been some shaky moments where the defense let an opponent hang around. The Caps were able to make things interesting without Alexander Ovechkin by grinding their way within one during a strong third period this past Tuesday. But Jimmy Vesey scored into an open net to end a long, scoring drought in a 5-3 win that Gallant described as Harlem Globetrotters style hockey.

It was an accurate description. I prefer how they played on Thursday. It was a hard fought game that saw a ton of hitting. The Penguins came back twice from one-goal deficits to tie the score.

You had Tyler Motte involved both physically and offensively. His accidental elbow ended Jeff Petry’s night. Seeking retribution, the Pens targeted the grinding forward. Just after he released the puck, Pierre-Oliver Joseph delivered a borderline hit that sent Motte down. It was shoulder to chest, but a little high. There was some elbow. Motte was cut on the play and left for repairs. He returned.

Much has been made of the top six. But with the third line slumping due to both Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko unable to score over a considerable stretch, the checking line has received additional ice time. Why not. The cohesive unit of Barclay Goodrow, Vesey, and Motte has chemistry. They get pucks in deep and forecheck effectively. It’s a line Gallant trusts to help protect a lead late. He had them on when Vesey got his 10th against the Caps.

It was kind of nice to see Motte return and score a goal that put the Blueshirts back in front 2-1. A great response to Rickard Rakell tying the game following a misplay from Ben Harpur behind the net. Who else but Crosby set him up. Motte’s goal was poetic. He took advantage of a Joseph giveaway to beat Tristan Jarry late in the second period.

The Pens came out hard in the third period. Knowing the importance of that game, they really pushed with a strong attack. It would eventually lead to Jake Guentzel putting away a Crosby feed to get even. He stole the puck behind the net from K’Andre Miller, whose reverse was poorly timed. Guentzel was wide open for his 30th.

With the game hanging in the balance, it was a strong shift from the Trocheck line that led to Kreider rebounding home his 29th. Both Trocheck and Fox set it up. Simply put, it was the kind of play we’ve seen over and over where Kreider makes his living. Adam Graves was similar. The difference is Kreider is more skilled. The appreciation for what he provides is increasing. As he marches towards the top five on the all-time franchise goal scoring list, he deserves all the accolades.

After Crosby was nearly able to steer in a rebound with Jarry pulled, Mika Zibanejad and Trocheck combined to set up Kreider for the big empty netter to seal the victory. That made it two consecutive seasons where Kreider scored 30 goals or more. As we know, he hit a career high 52 in 2021-22. While he won’t come close to matching that number, he continues to prove how vital he is. Even in a year where he only has six power play goals, he’s still finding ways to score at even strength (21) and shorthanded with his four pacing the team.

The biggest positive has been the improved play from Igor Shesterkin. It hasn’t been easy to follow up on one of the best seasons in modern history that earned him a Vezina. In truth, the defense hasn’t been as good. That hasn’t helped.

However, everyone knows the importance of Shesterkin to the Rangers’ chances. After Jaroslav Halak played another good game last Sunday in what amounted to a frustrating 3-2 overtime loss in Pittsburgh, Shesterkin returned to the net for the last three games.

After making 28 saves in a win over the Capitals, he was even better on Thursday by finishing with 30 saves on 32 shots. His play is finally picking up at the right time. As I mentioned earlier in this post, the score of Saturday night’s game on ABC was misleading. That’s because Shesterkin had to come up with a lot of big saves on high-quality chances.

In the first period, it was Shesterkin who made the difference. In between Zibanejad getting his team-leading 36th from Jacob Trouba and Miller, he stoned the Pens at every turn. That included a sprawling save on a point blank chance. He also denied Evgeni Malkin with plenty of traffic in front.

That’s how the game would go for the Pens, who came unraveled following an undisciplined penalty by Malkin for boarding Braden Schneider. A sequence that saw Harpur come to his partner’s aid, which led to four minutes for Malkin and two for Harpur, still saw the Rangers on a late power play. On a Fox pass across, Artemi Panarin beat Jarry short side with just over 10 seconds left to put the Rangers up by two. They made Malkin pay for his foolish penalty.

The Rangers exploded in the second period for four goals. Three came over a 4:45 span. On a great play in transition started by Miller, Zibanejad slid the puck across for a wicked Tarasenko one-timer that blew past Jarry to make it 3-0. It was exactly the kind of heavy shot Tarasenko possesses. Jarry couldn’t stop it.

On another rush where the Pens defense looked lost, Trocheck got the puck up for Kane. With two players converging on him, he sent a perfect backhand pass directly on the tape of Kreider’s stick for an easy finish that gave him number 31. The lead was up to four.

With the Pens reeling, Mike Sullivan lifted Jarry for Casey DeSmith. It didn’t matter. Trouba rudely greeted DeSmith by surprising him with a seeing eye shot from a sharp angle that banked off his mask for what amounted to a bad goal. He’s now up to eight goals. The cohesive duo of Tarasenko and Zibanejad picked up the assists on the play.

The Penguins didn’t quit. They were able to create some scoring chances. But Shesterkin wasn’t having it. He continued to make superb stops. Looking more like the goalie who dominated last season, there’s no question that this is the best Shesterkin has played. He’s tracking the puck better and in the right position. He’s also been more aggressive, making some excellent poke checks to deny players.

Before the period was over, a unique combination saw Chytil out with Kane and Panarin for a shift. That was helpful for Chytil, who picked up a secondary assist on another superb Kane feed that Panarin finished for his second of the game. He’s now up to 22 goals. The same amount he had last year in 75 games. Panarin is heating up at the right time.

Shesterkin made a strong denial on Josh Archibald. He also stopped Drew O’Connor. It didn’t matter who it was in a Penguins jersey. He was on his game.

Although the Rangers were out-shot 33-24, Shesterkin stopped all 33 shots to earn the shutout. It was only his second of the season. The last came way back on Nov. 1 when he made 19 saves to blank the Flyers. It’s safe to say this was by far a better shutout than that one much earlier in the season. He earned it.

It’s now been eight games since Kane was brought in to play on Broadway. You can tell that he’s finally getting more comfortable. It took Tarasenko some time to adjust. He looks like a perfect match with Zibanejad. Their chemistry is undeniable. Tarasenko is up to 13 points (5-8-13) in 18 games.

Kane has three goals and four assists for seven points in eight games. He looks more comfortable playing with Trocheck and Kreider, who he knows is the finisher on the line. Listening to his postgame interview last night, you can tell that he understands the game. He is very good at breaking down scoring plays. He’s not the greatest American player for nothing.

Like any contending team that added key players, it’s taken time. Now that both Tarasenko and Kane have gotten acclimated with Gallant figuring out where they fit best, there’s a lot to be positive about. The Rangers have two dangerous lines that can strike at any moment. Pick your poison.

If the Kid Line, which is still being used around the league, can get it going, look out. Lafreniere has been playing with confidence for a while. He’s carved out a net front role on the power play featuring Kane, Panarin, Trocheck, and either Fox or Trouba. He continues to be very active during shifts. If he was playing with better talent, there’s no doubt he’d have more goals and assists.

It’s time for Chytil and Kakko to get into gear. When I’m sarcastically asked if they’ll score another goal, that’s not good. Chytil has been snake bit. He just needs some puck luck. Kakko is still noticeable on the cycle where his puck possession game remains a strength. But his lack of confidence in shooting the puck remains an issue. There’s still time to figure it out.

With the Rangers hosting the Predators later tonight, they look to keep it going. They’re three-for-three so far on the current five-game home stand that wraps up with a pivotal game on Tuesday against the Hurricanes. They’ll then visit Raleigh this Thursday to conclude a big home and home series against a team they’ve owned. That will go a long way to determining if the Blueshirts can move up in the standings.

Carolina leads the division with 98 points. They have 14 games remaining. The Devils are second with 95. They’ll be in action later facing the Lightning for a third time in less than a week at Tampa. They’ve dropped the first two, including one in a shootout that featured an exciting three-on-three overtime.

The Rangers sit third with 90. In addition to making up ground on the Devils if they want home ice, they’ll need to catch their rival in regulation wins. That’s the first tiebreaker. The Devils have 32 compared to 30 for the Rangers. Until the last three games (all wins), they’d needed extras four times, including in wins over the Flyers, Canadiens, and Sabres. That could play a role in where they finish.

Honestly, I don’t care where they wind up. It’s more about how they’re playing. Eventually, Lindgren will return to help stabilize a shaky blue line that still backs in too much and gives up dangerous chances. That’s the one area that must improve this spring.

It’s more important to stay healthy. So, if Lindgren must miss a 10th game in a row, so be it. You want all of your key players ready to go when the playoffs start.

The NHL version of March Madness continues. There are games every other day. It’s a race to the finish for those bubble teams like the Pens who are trying to get in. With the Panthers hot on their heels, it doesn’t look promising. I don’t think Pittsburgh is a playoff team. Nothing they showed in the recent games leads me to believe it. It very well could be no postseason for Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang. That hasn’t happened since Crosby was a rookie.

I have the Islanders in. They continue to win without Mat Barzal thanks to the strong goaltending of Vezina candidate Ilya Sorokin. Even with Bo Horvat in a scoring slump, others have stepped up with Brock Nelson continuing to prove he’s one of the game’s most underrated players. They have 31 regulation wins compared to only 25 for the Pens. The Islanders have 80 points with just 11 games left. So, they’ll need to continue to win down the stretch.

The Panthers are up to 77, trailing the slumping Pens by a point. Each team has 13 left. But it’s the Cats who have 30 regulation wins to lead the tiebreaker. Both are back in action tomorrow.

It’s definitely nice not to have to worry about qualifying for the postseason. We know the Rangers can finish anywhere from first to third. We’ll see if they can keep it going tonight.

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Devils’ big win over Canes a good start to the stretch drive push

Posted on March 14, 2023 by hasan4978

Lately I’ve disdained the daily recaps towards more of a week in review approach, especially as it’s become obvious that the Devils will be in the postseason anyway. However, with the importance of Sunday’s game, that deserved a little bit of a standalone review (albeit belatedly). Of course, the Devils’ 3-0 win at the Rock didn’t exactly clinch the division – and there’s still plenty of time to go with sixteen games left starting with Florida week, a brutal gauntlet of four games in six nights – three against Tampa and one against a surging Panther team that needs every point in its own playoff push.

Still, it’s hard to look at anything that lays ahead and think the Devils can’t hack it when they’ve passed just about every challenge in front of them this season with flying colors, Sunday’s division showdown being the latest example. An old Lou Lamoriello axiom (and I doubt he’s the only one who believes in it) is that your best players need to be your best players, and to a degree that was the case on Sunday – Jack Hughes got the first star with three points, Jesper Bratt had the second star with two goals, and Vitek Vanecek had the third star with a sterling 32-save shutout.

Even if (somewhat controversially) Vanecek only got the third star, to me the game was as much about goaltending as anything else. After two straight games off Vanecek returned to form with a bang, making a ton of key saves throughout the game, including the point-blank chance above on Sebastian Aho. On the other hand, Canes rookie Pyotr Kochetkov has had a fine season, but perhaps the moment was too big for him on Sunday – allowing two five-hole goals in the first period and trying to play the puck in the second period with Hughes bearing down to comic results:

Unironically yes…if you’re a Devils fan anyway. When the order of the three stars is your main complaint on the night, things are going well. At least as far as the Devils are concerned, I was a little annoyed before the game when I checked Twitter and saw Rutgers got snubbed out of the NCAA Tournament entirely – bleh. I was half expecting the Aaron Rodgers ‘decision’ to break while I was at the arena as well, but that didn’t exactly happen.

Back to the Devils, we can pay lip service about taking nothing for granted until the postseason berth is officially clinched (and there’ll be a deserved celebration when that does happen), but let’s be honest – this last month of the regular season is basically about keeping the Devils’ game at a high level, avoiding injuries and working people in and out of the lineup. Even Devils players are embracing the idea that this stretch drive is a test run for what’s to come:

The good news is most of the players here haven’t really been a part of that era of failure. Sure Hughes has taken his lumps until this year, but this is only his fourth season after all. And while Nico Hischier’s been here for more of the stink, he also was a big part of our only playoff berth in the last decade as an 18-year old rookie. Still, a lot of this roster hasn’t really been through a stretch drive or playoff hockey either – which is where vets like Marino, Dougie Hamilton, Ondrej Palat and a few others come in. Not to mention the head coach in Lindy Ruff, who’s been through too many playoff runs to count.

What is becoming obvious is that this organization will have to make a decision on how much to pursue winning the division down the stretch, now that it’s a realistic possibility. Especially with the unfortunate news out of Carolina that talented forward Andrei Svechnikov is out indefinitely with a knee injury, rumored to be a torn ACL – that would certainly end his season if it was the case. Even before the Svechnikov news broke, it’s hard to gauge how interested the Canes were in winning the division anyway. After all, they won the division the last couple years as well but didn’t get out of the second round of the playoffs either time.

Conversely, with a full month left to go in the regular season you don’t want to take your foot off the gas either. Especially with a schedule of games that can make you pay, although who knows what the Lightning’s motivation is right now after some desultory games lately? Hard to blame them considering they’re pretty much trapped into their playoff matchup already, with both them and the Leafs still double digit points behind of the colossus in Boston, and double-digit points ahead of Florida for a top three division seed.

After months of thinking the same fate befell us – i.e. being locked into playing the Rangers – the Devils’ sustained excellence the last two months (20-4-3 in their last twenty-seven games) finally saw them catch a Hurricanes team who’d managed to stay in front pretty much since early December. It’ll be interesting to see how much a young team pushes for the banner of a regular-season division title. As someone who’s seen a bunch of them, I don’t really care about that particular banner but I can’t blame the players if they did…it’d be a nice capper for a rags-to-riches season that sped the Devils past the world of the playoff bubble right into Stanley Cup contender mode.

What helps with the potential for stretchtime blues as the playoff clinch gets nearer, is that guys will have spots to compete for – starting in goal, although The Vitek took a big step toward reestablishing his crease on Sunday. Seeing how effective he was after a few days off should at least encourage spelling him with Akira Schmid more down the stretch, to give Vanecek a full tank of gas heading into what hopefully can be a long playoff run.

On defense, young Kevin Bahl and vet Brendan Smith are jockeying for the last defensive spot, at least until Luke Hughes arrives after his college season. And it’s not even a question he’s coming, since the Devils themselves have indicated he’ll be here once Michigan’s season is over. What kind of a role he’ll have and get the opportunity to earn is still a bit of a question mark, especially if the other defensemen are playing well. Down the stretch against the D did what it needed to do against the Hurricanes, locking down the game after getting their three-goal lead in the middle of the second period. It’ll be harder to do that in the playoffs when you don’t have a team coming in on a back-to-back (granted the Devils were on one themselves), but still good practice for when they’ll need to do so later on.

Up front, there’s the matter of assembling parts on the top lines and making roster decisions on the back lines. After the trade for Timo Meier, third-year forward Yegor Sharangovich has been relegated to the bench. Even newest acquisition Curtis Lazar hasn’t cracked the lineup yet, perhaps a victim of the team’s latest surge and not wanting to change a winning lineup. Still, I wouldn’t put the other guys’ roles in stone. Although Miles Wood seems to be an untouchable in terms of being scratched, if ever a game was going to do it Sunday should have – given he touched the puck as he was going to the bench in the first period, causing a delay of game penalty, then had a foolish turnover that led to a glorious slot chance in the third period for Carolina.

I’m sure also some lineup decisions will be couched in the name of resting guys for the playoffs, when in fact it’s a convenient excuse to give other guys a look. Whatever the case, it’s a nice problem to have and beats the alternative of the last few years of force-feeding younger players into big roles because the games don’t matter anyway.

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Successful weekend for Rangers didn’t come without some level of concern

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Derek

How do you measure success? If you’re supposed to be a serious playoff contender like the Rangers are, you expect to play a more consistent brand of hockey. Instead, there are still more questions than answers after a successful weekend that saw them earn three of a possible four points at Buffalo and Pittsburgh.

For sure, any team will take that when they’re on the road. A place that’s been kind to the Rangers, who are still searching for the steady play down the stretch that would bode well when the postseason arrives in mid-April.

No one would argue with picking up five of eight points during a four-game road trip. Especially following a 4-2 defeat to the league best Bruins. If you include the 3-2 overtime win at Philadelphia on March 1, that’s a good 3-1-1 record in the five games they’ve played away from home this month.

After looking less than impressive in defeating the Canadiens and Sabres in extras with the latter 2-1 overtime win due mostly to the brilliance of Igor Shesterkin (32 saves), they again needed extra time against the Penguins on Sunday.

A bad offensive zone penalty from Artemi Panarin for tripping up Evgeni Malkin led to both him and Sidney Crosby combining to set up Kris Letang on the power play for the overtime winner past a frustrated Jaroslav Halak. Before he left the ice at PPG Paints Arena, the veteran backup slammed his equipment in disappointment over the loss. It wasn’t his fault.

Right now, it has more to do with how the team is playing. If not for Shesterkin denying Dylan Cozens and making several crucial stops against a Sabres team without Alex Tuch, they don’t even get a point. At least they made it difficult on the dangerous Tage Thompson. A four-on-three power play goal from Panarin shouldn’t be required to win in Buffalo. But that’s what they needed.

Playing for a second consecutive day, the Rangers were far from their best facing the rival Pens for the first of three big divisional match-ups over the next week. They can thank the fourth line for keeping them afloat in an otherwise lackluster first period that saw the Penguins in control due to some very undisciplined penalties.

Malkin and Crosby were able to set up Rickard Rakell on a five-on-three for the game’s first goal just over six minutes in. For some reason, the Blueshirts weren’t ready at the beginning. They were penalized three times, including twice over a 46-second span. Vincent Trocheck high-sticked Jason Zucker and Mika Zibanejad did the same thing to Rakell while on the penalty kill.

That can’t happen. The loss of discipline allowed the Pens to grab an early one-goal lead in what amounted to an important game. They’re battling for playoff position with the Islanders. By earning the victory yesterday, they moved two points up on the idle Isles for first in the wildcard. They’re up to 78 points. Six behind the Rangers for third in the Metro Division. Both teams have 16 games remaining, including a rare two at MSG this week over a three-day period.

While the top three lines struggled to establish themselves, it was that aforementioned fourth line that made a key contribution in an uneven first period. The trio of Barclay Goodrow, Jimmy Vesey, and Tyler Motte, who returned on Saturday, play a straightforward game. On a strong shift deep in the Pens zone, Vesey came out and attempted to stuff in the puck. Following his second attempt, it rebounded out to Goodrow, who scored his 11th to draw the Rangers even.

The checking line isn’t always going to supply offense. Vesey had been ice cold lately. He went 11 games without a point before his aggressive drive to the net allowed Goodrow to get his first goal in seven games. Motte picked up his second point (both assists) since returning to the Rangers following a trade with Ottawa. The trio provided coach Gerard Gallant with an honest effort when he again tweaked his top three lines in a desperate attempt to find offense.

“We haven’t played well,” Gallant candidly said after altering the top nine, which resulted in a more inspired third period that led to Chris Kreider tying the game with his 28th goal on a controversial play where Vincent Trocheck knocked down Malkin from behind. Kreider was able to pull away and beat Tristan Jarry to move past Camille Henry for sixth all-time in Rangers’ franchise history in goals with number 257.

“We admit to that. We’re still winning hockey games, too. Tonight, we still got a point against a real good team over there, and we’re battling hard. So. We got to be better. We know that. I think everyone in that room knows it.”

Earlier in the game, Kreider had what looked like a gimme on the power play. An Adam Fox pass across to Mika Zibanejad, and the top center quickly moved it down low for a wide open Kreider at the doorstep. But he shot the puck right back into Jarry. That miss prevented the Rangers from tying the game.

At the time, they again were trailing. On a blind reverse by Fox behind his net that never had a chance for Vladimir Tarasenko, Brian Dumoulin made a good pinch. He then moved the puck up top for a long Zucker one-timer that took a favorable bounce off Zibanejad’s skate past Halak for a 2-1 Pens lead only 1:21 into the second period.

It was a poor decision by Fox. He should’ve just moved it forward where there were teammates. The Pens had players in the area, too. But if you’re going to make such a reverse, you have to know that the player is there. Tarasenko had no chance to get over on that play. Dumoulin made a smart pinch, and Zucker stayed hot by getting his seventh goal in six games.

Even though they were only down by a goal, it felt like more. That was due to the lack of chemistry from the top three lines. Gallant, who tried Patrick Kane with the slumping Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere, would soon put the top nine into a blender. Desperate to find a spark, he moved Panarin up with Zibanejad and Tarasenko. Kreider was dropped to the second line with Trocheck and the invisible Kaapo Kakko. Chytil played with Lafreniere and Kane.

It was only the fourth line that remained intact. Coincidentally, that trio of Vesey, Goodrow, and Motte continued to have effective shifts at even strength. They were strong on the forecheck and created some more chances that Jarry had to stop. A credit to the style they play. That North/South mentality is what is played when things tighten up. That’s been severely lacking since Chris Drury added Tarasenko and then Kane. They’re supremely skilled types who were acquired to add scoring.

While the Penguins continued to get good opportunities on a spotty defense, Halak made the timely saves to keep the Rangers within striking distance. He was superb making 32 saves on 35 shots. That goaltending got the Blueshirts a point to keep them six up on the Pens for third place in the division.

The Pens finally took a couple of penalties. On their first power play, after Kane passed up a wide open shot in the right circle for a low percentage pass that led to a Pittsburgh clear, out came the Rangers second unit. It’s still perplexing to see both Zibanejad, who leads the team with 19 power play goals, and Kreider on PP2. They were out with Tarasenko, Chytil, and Fox, who played for the entire two minutes.

It was that first unit second unit that generated all the chances. After a Jarry stop on Tarasenko, he turned aside a tough low Fox point shot. Then came two misdirection feeds for Kreider where he went wide. He wasn’t done.

Sensing that his team needed a lift, Trouba laid a clean hit into Alex Nylander in the neutral zone. He had just let go of the puck as the Rangers captain closed in and finished the check, leading to chaos.

As usual, there was a response. Immediately, Malkin went after Trouba along with Zucker, who got in his face. Malkin cross-checked Trouba to get the only penalty. That gave the Rangers a second straight power play.

On the five-on-four, they came very close to tying it. Following another key save by Jarry to deny Tarasenko, who came to life in the second period, he responded to a Marcus Pettersson cross-check from behind on Chytil with a good clean hit on Pettersson into the boards. This was the most physically engaged he’s been. He also led the Rangers with six shots on goal. I liked how he played.

Following that sequence, then came the close call where Fox moved the puck for Zibanejad. Instead of shooting, he went down low for Kreider, who looked to have an easy goal. Instead, he sent his backhand right back into Jarry, who covered up for a stoppage.

Afterward, as he searched for a rebound, Kreider was decked from behind by Pettersson. He delivered a cross-check. It looked like he’d get the only penalty. But Kreider retaliated late to draw a roughing minor. Both went off, keeping the Blueshirts on the five-on-four.

The remainder of the power play was frustrating. All set up in the left circle, Panarin fired way wide. Following a miss from Lafreniere, who remained on the top unit, Jarry was able to get a stoppage.

As the period wound down, there was more hitting. Once Trouba delivered his hit on Nylander, the game changed. The intensity ratcheted up. Both old Patrick Division rivals didn’t pass up a chance to finish a check. It was a physical battle. In fact, the Rangers and Penguins combined for 89 hits (45-44 Pens). Braden Schneider led the Rangers with eight while Kris Letang paced the Pens with six.

It wasn’t a bad reintroduction to a classic rivalry that saw these teams go seven in a hotly contested first round won by the Rangers last year. It’s exciting that they’ll see each other this Thursday and Saturday at The Garden. Before those crucial games, each plays on Tuesday. The Rangers host the Capitals while the Penguins take on the Canadiens.

In the third period, Gallant decided to mix and match. Already having moved Kreider to the second line with Trocheck, he eventually slid Kakko back down to the third line with Chytil and Lafreniere. Kane played mostly with Trocheck and Kreider. That left Panarin up with Zibanejad and Tarasenko.

It was their best period. Playing more aggressively, they out-shot the Penguins 12-8. Both Panarin and Tarasenko tested Jarry early. Kreider laid a good hit on Pettersson. His best hit came earlier in the game. He was very active throughout.

Halak had to make stops on Zucker (8 shots) twice, including from in tight when he got open. He was the Pens’ best player.

On another effective shift by the checking line, Motte got a shot on Jarry. Due to how well they played, Gallant rewarded them with more shifts. That’s how it should be when the stars aren’t pulling their weight.

A good offensive shift by the new second line led to some good chances. Kane and Trocheck were stopped by Jarry. Kane also missed over the top on a backhand. It’s a good bet that Turk will keep that line intact for tomorrow night. He usually will see if the line tweaks can have a carryover effect.

With the physicality continuing throughout the period, the Rangers got a break that led to the tying goal. On a play in the neutral zone, Trocheck nailed Malkin from behind. As play continued, he moved the puck across for Kreider, who came in and beat Jarry to tie the game with 10:51 remaining.

Not only was it a big goal. But it allowed Kreider to move past Camille Henry into sole possession of sixth place on the Rangers’ all-time franchise goal scoring list. He’s up to 257 goals all as a Broadway Blueshirt. Next up is Vic Hadfield (262). With 16 games left in the regular season, Kreider needs five goals to tie Hadfield and six to pass him for fifth.

As the game remained tied late in regulation, Nylander was able to get a great opportunity. With less than a minute to go, he got a good shot on Halak that he made a clutch stop on to get the Rangers a point.

It came against the Zibanejad line with Trouba and K’Andre Miller. Since returning from his suspension, Miller has really struggled. He’s constantly been caught up ice on bad pinches and frequently out of position. That’s led to some goals against, including Jeff Skinner scoring the only Buffalo goal on Saturday. He was over on Trouba’s side instead of where he should’ve been.

This has been going on for a while. As skilled as he is with a career high 31 points, Miller takes an awful lot of risks. At some point, either Gallant or Gord Murphy has to get in his ear about making better decisions with and without the puck. How many times is he going to get beat by an attacking player due to taking the wrong angle? They need him to be much better.

As has been the case lately, another game went to overtime. Thank God there wasn’t a shootout. This time, it was Panarin, who made the mistake of tripping up Malkin in the offensive zone. All because Malkin took him off the puck. While the replay showed it wasn’t as bad as it looked, it was still a lazy penalty. His specialty.

Following a timeout by Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, out came Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Jeff Carter, who took the face-off before Jake Guentzel replaced him.

Once they got set up against the Rangers’ trio of Goodrow, Trouba, and Niko Mikkola, who was very effective, while paired up with Fox, it was obvious where the puck would go. Letang moved the puck over to Crosby, who passed it over to Malkin. He then made a soft feed to Letang up top for a good one-timer that beat Halak glove side with Guentzel in front at 1:38.

That ended the game. As good as the penalty kill is, having to kill off a four-on-three is a bit more difficult. It’s one less player for each team. I think that favors the attacking team. They don’t have to overthink it by making the extra pass. Your three penalty killers really have to be good. In this case, they couldn’t prevent the Letang shot, which was perfect.

As they left the ice, Halak showed his frustration. I don’t blame him. As Gallant said following the game, the team isn’t playing well. They’re at least getting points and probably didn’t deserve to win either game at Montreal and Buffalo. But they benefited from the shootout and a Rasmus Dahlin penalty that led to Panarin’s OT winner.

For most of the season, Gallant has struggled to find the right combos. Adding both Tarasenko and Kane hasn’t helped. While they’ll help the offense, it’s thrown things out of wack. It’s almost as if there’s too much skill and not enough sandpaper.

Drury basically reversed course with these two moves. It better work, or there’s going to be a lot of egg on their faces. With third place looking like the best they can do, the Rangers won’t have home ice. The Devils and Hurricanes are 10 points up. Technically, Carolina remains in first despite yesterday’s 3-0 loss to the Devils due to having one extra game left.

Ryan Lindgren was once again held out over the weekend. He’s now missed seven games with that arm injury. They can pretend it isn’t one by terming it upper-body. But we know the truth. It was exposed on the T.J. Oshie hit. If he doesn’t return tomorrow or later this week, Lindgren can become eligible for LTIR. Once he’s missed 10 games, that frees up space for the Rangers to recall players from Hartford. We’ll see where things go.

There’s no doubt that Lindgren makes a big difference defensively. Playing minus his partner in crime, Fox has had a dip in his play. He’s making more mistakes than we’re used to seeing.

Mikkola has become a key player. He had arguably his best game since coming over with Tarasenko from St. Louis. He’s not the fastest skater but often makes up for it by being in the right position. He is also good at blocking shots. Drury was wise to get him in that deal.

Without Lindgren, Ben Harpur continues to play with Schneider on the third pair. A serviceable defenseman who’s best suited as an extra, he’s a no frills player who will take the body. They’ve managed him well. As long as Lindgren is back at 100 percent when the games count, that’s all that matters.

At the moment, there’s concern due to how the team is playing. Even being down Lindgren, they should have better structure. This has been an issue most of the year. It was masked by that seven-game winning streak they had last month where they were simply outscoring opponents. The astonishing part is that it came prior to Kane joining.

Too often, both goalies are being left to contest with high danger chances on rushes and odd man breaks. There’s been too much easy access. The East/West style being played results in turnovers that fuel the transition. When both Panarin and Kane defer, instead of shooting the puck, it creates problems. That’s why they’ve been separated except on the power play.

Even there, we’ve seen opponents score two shorthanded goals due to mistakes. That must be shored up. Limiting the giveaways and playing more aggressively would certainly help the cause.

I’m in the camp that wants to see Gallant give Kreider, Zibanejad, and Kane a look. I think that could work. I prefer Panarin with Trocheck and Tarasenko. However, Tarasenko has been finding some chemistry with Zibanejad. They’ll remain together.

Kakko remains a disappointment. Although he’s shown improvement with better puck possession and posted career highs in goals (12), assists (20), and points (32), he’s still inconsistent. Three goals in the calendar year aren’t enough production.

It’s Year Four. Kakko still doesn’t shoot the puck enough and is too hesitant. At this point, he should be more instinctive. He waits too long to shoot when he’s set up. Nobody would argue his puck possession style that leads to sustained pressure. But something is missing. If he doesn’t improve sooner than later, he’ll get passed by Brennan Othmann. He could become the odd man out.

The Rangers now play five games in a row at MSG. It begins tomorrow night with the Caps visiting. Then, there’s the two-game miniseries versus the Pens on Thursday and Saturday. That’s followed up by the Predators on Sunday, Mar. 19. It concludes with the first of a home and home series against the Hurricanes on 3/21 and 3/23.

This will be an interesting stretch. It’s a chance for the Rangers to get right. Something that needs to happen as they enter the home stretch.

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Devils’ dream season continues with first-place showdown at the Rock

Posted on March 12, 2023 by hasan4978

After continuing their road dominance this week with wins in Arizona, Washington and Montreal, the Devils will return home to the Rock tonight to a playoff atmosphere for at least the team’s second biggest regular season home game in a decade (the other being when they clinched their one and only playoff berth since 2012 against the Leafs in 2018). Yes, it’s obvious the Devils are going to the postseason and seeding doesn’t matter once you’re there, but there’s still a certain mystique involved when you use the term ‘battle for first place’ in mid-March.

Although part of me is still agnostic toward winning the division – after all, I’ve seen plenty of seasons where top-seeded Devil teams lost in the first round – part of me also wants to avoid the potential annoyance of a Devils-Rangers first-round war and the consternation of worrying how many Ranger fans crash the party at the Rock. Then again, maybe this team would be better served if the Rock was MSG 2.0 given their insane 25-4-4 record away from the Prudential Center this year. Even the mighty Boston Bruins (who have an insane 105 points in 64 games, and actually clinched a playoff spot yesterday) are ‘only’ 23-6-2 away from TD Garden.

This kind of road dominance is unreal – I can only compare it to the 2011 Giants, who went 10-1 on the road and 11-1 away from the Meadowlands, including their second Super Bowl win over the Patriots in four years. It’s hard to compare a sport where you play a max of 20 games to one where you play over 80 before the playoffs start though. Even the Devils’ 1995 and 2000 playoff runs – where they went a combined 20-3 on the road – wasn’t encapsulating an entire season’s worth of games. If you look back at those years, the Devils actually had an under .500 record on the road in 1995’s shortened season (8-14-2) and had more losses than wins in 1999-2000 as well, albeit slightly over NHL .500 (17-15-5-4). It’s just that they turned it on in crunch time away from the Meadowlands in both seasons, culminating in a dramatic double-OT Cup clincher in 2000 at Dallas, home of the then-defending champs.

Even those were veteran teams though, for a young team to be turning it on like this again and again in opposition buildings is mystifying, inexplicable even. It’s a measure of how good this season has been that the Devils are actually on pace to have their best regular season in franchise history, a mark previously held by the loaded 2000-01 defending champions who had 48 wins and 111 points – and they arguably should have had even more since they got off to a sub-optimal start in their first twenty games with the joint holdouts of Jason Arnott and Scott Niedermayer before turning it in gear after both players re-joined the fold. Also the Devils are shooting for individual records, with Jack Hughes still having a chance to set team marks for goals and points in a season while Dougie Hamilton only needs one more goal to set a franchise mark for most goals by a defenseman.

In many ways I actually compare this season more to 1993-94 than 2000-01 though, for it was that season where the long Lou Lamoriello-era run of success was really born. 1987-88’s playoff push was more or less like the modern-day version of 2017-18, an unexpected out of nowhere surge that thrilled the fanbase but didn’t lead to sustained success in the next few years after that, back then it was really 1993-94 where the Devils first established themselves as a force in the making with an unexpected 106-point season. They continued to surprise the establishment in the playoffs with nail-biting series wins over the Sabres (in seven games) and the Bruins (in six games, after going behind 0-2) before the Ranger classic, where they came up just short but set the foundation for a team that won three Cups in the nine years after that.

Where I compare this season to 1993-94 isn’t just based in where the organization was in its history but in a similar season arc – an unexpected battle for first place against a talented, veteran group still searching for playoff success (then the Rangers, this year Carolina). Even the Devils’ increasing question mark over who’s going to start in goal for the playoffs is reminiscent of 1994 with a veteran leading the way at the start of the season in Chris Terreri, eventually getting overtaken by a 21-year old rookie named Brodeur who few expected stardom from. This time around, Vitek Vanecek is in the role of Terreri, the guy who carried the mail early but is perhaps getting overtaken by a rookie making unexpected contributions late in the season. It’s too much to even expect a fifth-rounder like Akira Schmid to have half the career of Marty to this point, but you can’t exactly do better than he has in his eleven starts and fourteen games so far with an 8-4-1 record, a 1.91 GAA and .927 save percentage.

Those were highlights from Schmid’s first NHL win, a relief appearance against Ottawa after Vanecek left with a minor injury. He won his first four starts this year, before losing his next three and being sent down due to Mackenzie Blackwood’s return off of IR. Blackwood going back on IR gave Schmid a second chance and he’s more than made the most of it with a shutout of the Flyers, a critical relief appearance in Colorado when Vanecek was leaking goals and back-to-back wins against the Caps and Habs over the previous three days.

Although Vanecek is likely getting tonight’s critical start – and deservedly so given his 27-7-3 record and all he did to stabilize the goaltending position early on – he might be on a shorter leash now, considering his own declining play and Schmid’s ascension. While you couldn’t really find fault with the goals Vanecek gave up against the Leafs (as they played spoiler again at the Rock for Timo Meier’s home debut), his previous four starts were concerning enough with sixteen goals allowed, a lot of them of the stoppable variety. Including the Toronto game, he’s allowed twenty goals in his last five starts and has never had this kind of workload in a season before, AHL or NHL.

For a team about to set a franchise record for points, the concern in goal is a real one since none of these guys exactly have a proven track record. Then again, the franchise as a whole hasn’t had a track record of success in recent years. This is new territory for a lot of key players, but this is where you rely on vets like Hamilton, Ondrej Palat, Tomas Tatar and the suddenly surging Erik Haula to help steer the kids through the challenges of meaningful hockey in March and playoff hockey after it. Not to mention a veteran coach like Lindy Ruff, who’s been a part of many playoffs and seen it all in the NHL – except a Cup win of his own. It would be a heartwarming story if this organization could get a hockey lifer like Lindy a title, though his own future in the organization is still a bit up in the air given his lame-duck contract status. At least he, and the team have managed to flip the narrative from early October on its head – from Fire Lindy and boos during the home opener to Sorry, Lindy and sold-out crowds all over the map reveling in this year’s return to relevance in the NHL.

Only time will tell if this season is indeed a trend-setter for the next era of Devil dominance like 1993-94 was. There’s no reason not to believe it should be, considering the talent on the roster and the ages of key players like Hughes and fellow franchise #1 overall pick Nico Hischier. Not to mention a masterclass by GM Tom Fitzgerald in building a team that in a normal season would get him a well-deserved executive of the year award. But with the Bruins having a record-breaking season in the East, and the second-year Seattle Kraken going on their own surprising surge in the West there’ll be some competition for both that and the Jack Adams award (best coach of the year).

Pretty much the only thing we know for sure is that tonight will indeed be a rocking sellout crowd. I wasn’t even that upset that I had to miss going to Tuesday’s game against the Leafs, which I also figured would be amped due to the home debut of the newest marquee acquisition, since I rationalized it knowing we’d have bigger games coming up anyway that I would be at. One of them being tonight. Not that tonight’s game will ultimately decide the division though it could make the difference. Still a long way to go even if the Devils should get the regulation win needed to tie them in the standings, given that three of the next four games are against Tampa in what I jokingly kid is a playoff mini-series, albeit one interrupted by a game in Florida.

However the standings end up, as one of the ill-fated marketing slogans of the last few years put it…it’s time to eNJoy the ride.

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