When the NY Rangers hired Peter Laviolette in the offseason, despite his pedigree, there were questions about whether this move would have the desired positive impact on this team. The early returns on that question are a resounding YES, as the Rangers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in OT to complete a historic 5-0 road trip.
The game itself was a grind, and perhaps the Rangers easily could have lost it (maybe should have), but that’s a testament to Laviolette and the resilient identity he’s trying to restore to this team.
Let’s take a look at the good (Mika’s back!), the bad (phantom calls), and everything in between (Mama, we’re coming.home.)
THAT’S GOOD!
RESILIENCE
Resilience was an adjective I used (overused?) way too many times two seasons ago, but it was apt. The version of that team adopted a never-say-die attitude that stood true all season. It didn’t matter if they were down three goals heading into the third period or facing a seemingly challenging penalty kill; more times often than not, they came through. It was an identity sorely missing from last year’s squad, so it’s super encouraging that it is part of the DNA that Laviolette has instilled.
The Rangers found themselves down late in the third period, mainly due to their sloppiness in congruence with the Jets’ clamp-down style. While the whole game had that non-aesthetically pleasing feel, the game was trending toward the trip, ending on a sour note.
However, after one power play that never got going, the Rangers were afforded another chance, and this time, they cashed in. Even within, there was resilience. Chris Kreider made a beautiful no-look backpass to Mika on the side of the net, who one-timed it only to be stifled by an excellent save by Hellebuyck. They regrouped, though, and tied the game as Fox fired a shot from the point, and Chris Kreider sent a patented tip from his office past the Jets netminder to tie the game at two.
Unfortunately, just being happy to leave this game with a point was then in danger, as the refs made a HORRENDOUS (see below) phantom call on Ryan Lindgren with 18 seconds left in regulation. Yet again, though, the Rangers withstood that with their fantastic penalty kill (fighting off a 4×3 for most of it in OT) to settle the game down to what seemed like the inevitable shootout. Yet, this was a night of having to see it to believe it, as part-time wizard Artemi Panarin came on the ice with time running down, skated in, and found Mika for a one-timer that he lasered past Hellebuyck for a 3-2 victory and a perfect road trip.
This is only game nine, and there will be lulls, but this win felt a little more defining than just the two points in the win column. Time will tell if it’s sustainable.
MIKA’S BACK?
It sure looks like it. Rangers fans have come to accept two things about Zibanejad. He has the best flow on the team, and he’s extremely streaky. But when he gets going, watch out! I can’t remember another player that when he’s cold, you can actually see him gripping his stick. Shots are inaccurate; he’s unsure of himself, sticks break on the ice, etc.
However, once he gets going, it’s magic. Two goals in two games now, and he seems to be getting more relaxed out there. The Rangers still have done a good portion of their damage on their scintillating power play where Mika thrives, but his return to form can hopefully wake their even-strength offense out of their doldrums.
BREAD NEVER LEFT
I’m just going to keep him in this section, hopefully forever. He’s giving bald guys a great name (thanks, Artemi), but it’s more than that. You hear about players in the offseason all the time saying they are recommitting, but sometimes it’s just cliche talk. But you can see a tangible drive by Panarin. He’ll never become a mindless sniper, yet he’s definitely simplified his game, and it was all on display last night. He drove to the net on his first goal and had assists on the last two goals. When he’s cooking, you see his name all over the scoresheet. Kreider has been a monster on the power play, but Panarin has carried this team offensively through the first nine games.
THAT’S BAD
TRIPPING ON GHOSTS
Oof, that would have been a brutal way to lose last night. It’s one thing to make a bad call (one could say the Rangers were a benefit of a no-call the game prior), but how do you make that call from the other side of the ice with the net obstructing you?
Lindgren gets called for a trip where he didn’t even touch the Jets’ player. It could have been potentially devastating, but it became a testament to the Rangers that they overcame it and won. It actually makes the victory that much sweeter and more significant.
GOTTA FINISH
I’m not going to go into a rant on Laf and Kakko, but they both missed breakaways badly on opposite ends of the first period. These are the types of examples of wanting to see more from these high draft picks. You can use the excuses of youth, lack of power-play time, etc. However, these instances are just asking for pure talent and finding a way to finish. When you get opportunities like that, especially in a tight game, you must at least hit the net or post. You can’t miss that wildly and not expect people to remain skeptical about your potential. Kakko especially makes a sweet move, fooled Hellebuyck, but shanked the backhand.
At some point, playing hard isn’t enough; we need to see consistent production if you’re going to live in the top six.
CAN I GO NOW?
- Congrats to Wheeler on an emotional night. We’re still waiting, though, for him to prove he still has his game left. A terrible turnover led to their first goal at the end of the period. He needs to be better.
- Don’t look now, but K’Andre is starting to rack up the points. A 50-point season is not out of the question.
- The most eye-opening and encouraging aspect of this start continues to be the new defensive identity. I don’t even think last night was our best effort in that regard, but it still appears to be a consistent foundation for us, and that’s very exciting.
- The next game for your first-place Rangers is at home (Home? What’s that?) in a big early tilt with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night.
