Games like last night are tough to analyze. The Rangers lost to the Winnipeg Jets last night 4-1, despite outshooting them 51 to 21 and dominating a good portion of the play. The reasoning for that mainly lies with Connor Hellebuyck outplaying Igor Shesterkin, but let’s break down the good, the bad, and everything in between.
THAT’S GOOD
VINCENT TROCHECK
As I said, it’s difficult to assess the good and bad of this game. While it’s encouraging that the Rangers had fifty-one shots and were buzzing all night, to me, it wasn’t the offensive masterclass that the statistics might suggest. Yes, Hellebuyck was on his game, but keep in mind that a good portion of the shots were right at his pads or chest, and few, if any, were elevated enough to make him really have to flash the glove up high.
Still, one standout skater last night was Vincent Trocheck. Not only fighting hard for the lone goal but being an active pest and playmaker all night. This kind of all-around game has and will serve the Rangers well. They just need others to follow suit.
THAT’S BAD
THE IGOR DEFENSE
That label has several meanings, though I’m not here to defend Igor. For all the success the Rangers have had lately, their defense usually has significant breakdowns per game that lead to goals against. In addition, Igor Shesterkin has been struggling lately and does not seem to be up to his usual standards. That combination is not a formula the Rangers can afford to accept.
Again, last night, Igor let in a couple of goals he usually stops. Granted, the defense did him no favors on all the goals (and some saves he did make). Yet it isn’t a matter of us being spoiled by Igor’s Vezina season. There is legitimate visual and statistical evidence that Shesterkin has been slightly off lately.
Thankfully, both the lapses by the defense and Igor’s regression to just a “good” goalie have not hurt the team. On the contrary, we’ve thrived despite it. However, if this team wants to make any type of long run in the playoffs, the defense, and especially Igor, need to pick up their games significantly.
CAN I GO NOW?
- I don’t know how that crosscheck to Tyler Motte’s face only drew an interference call. He was almost decapitated, resulting in a mere two-minute offense. Thankfully he’s okay, and not that it mattered because …
- The Rangers had four power plays and nothing to show for it. That won’t cut it and was a major reason for the loss.
- I know opinions differ on this, but no game is more frustrating to me than the ones where you dominate in every facet, including a two-to-one shot ratio, and are losing on the scoreboard. These games drive me bonkers.
- Our next game is at Detroit on Thursday. A winnable game, although the Red Wings have been playing well lately, so undoubtedly another tough fight for the Rangers.
- Bonus points for anyone who can name the movie reference in the headline.
