While not at the level of their opening night win against the Sabres, the NY Rangers shook off a frustrating loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets to defeat the pesky Arizona Coyotes 2-1 in their home opener at Madison Square Garden.
It was a deceptively wild game, so let’s get into what went right (best friends connect!), what went wrong (shoot the puck!), and everything in between (really, ref?).
THAT’S GOOD!
IGOR
In all fairness, he SHOULD have had the one goal he gave up. His glove was there, and he would probably say the same. However, he was stellar when he needed to be, obviously highlighted by his stone-cold stop of Jason Zucker on the pivotal penalty shot at the end of 3rd that preserved the lead.
Moreover, the guy is an elite long-range passer (someone tell the ref) and a wonderfully hot-tempered star who is never afraid to mix it up, as evidenced by the end-of-game melee. Technically, I don’t want my star goalie in the middle of a fracas like that, but it’s still fun to watch, and the heart and fire I want to see out of this whole club.
PENALTY KILL
What can you say? Yes, they allowed the lone goal in the 2nd by Keller (though it probably should have been stopped), but the PK came up HUGE when it needed to kill off a ridiculous (more on this later) 5-on-3 for two minutes. They benefitted somewhat from the penalty being spread out over an intermission, but still, it was a textbook way to handle an almost impossible, undermanned situation. A great combination of aggressiveness, blocks, and intelligence. This sequence defined the game, along with Igor’s penalty shot stop.
CHRIS KREIDER
Man, I love this version of Chris Kreider. Full disclosure: he’s been a favorite of mine through most of this era. Yet, ironically, this reborn version provides a spark that is the complete dynamo we all envisioned when he broke on the scene (successfully, mind you) out of Boston College. He still has high-level speed, and when you mix that with the intelligence and symbiotic relationship with Mika Zibanejad, it’s magic to watch.
That goal was perfect, and all props to Mika as well, completely pulling the goalie and defender to him with a deke, leaving CK open for the put-in. You could even say that Mika was the driver of this goal even though he “just” got the assist, but Kreider, with four goals in three games, has been a catalyst for this team. Yes, more so on special teams, but when he’s humming like this, he’s a weapon in all facets.
THAT’S BAD
2ND PERIOD
Hoping these bad second periods don’t become an epidemic again. After a brutal second stanza against Columbus on Saturday night, the Rangers put forth another lackadaisical effort against Arizona. It wasn’t so much allowing the goal, as deflating as that was. It was the fact that they only registered FOUR shots for the period, including not getting their first one till about twelve minutes in. And they needed a power play to do it.
It’s still frustrating that a team with this much talent can lose its offensive structure and mindset in-game. Yes, it’s partially the other team making adjustments, but it’s no excuse for complete ineptitude.
CAN I GO NOW?
- Let’s talk about the refs and that ridiculous sequence at the end of the 2nd period. It’s one thing to get in the way and interfere with a potential breakaway by Panarin (at the very least, a clean snipe from him.). But then you call an EXTRA unsportsmanlike penalty at the other end to create a 5-on-3? That takes some nerve and is very, very shady. In all sports, as referees, yes, you’re calling rules out of a book, but you also have to have some discretion. Take the rules and adapt them to the situation you’re in. I’m not asking for a makeup call, but you DIRECTLY affected a pivotal scoring chance in the game. Realize that a player might be frustrated in the moment that you hurt his team and then call a penalty only seconds later. You can’t interfere like that and then compound it by calling a cheap penalty because your feelings were hurt. Embarrassing.
- I thought the defense overall played well. Arizona is a much-improved team, and while they controlled play for long stretches, the NYR’s defense settled down and smothered most high-danger chances.
- I’m glad Trocheck got that tip. Thought he was scuffling a bit at the start of the season, so good to get him on the scoresheet. That being said, it was really the work of Panarin, who is playing scintillating hockey right now. Let’s hope this bald version stays around all season.
- Kakko was active as well and picked up his first assist. It’s only a matter of time for Chytil, who looks engaged but just slightly off with timing. A run by him is coming.
- I love everything that Cuylle brings to the team.
- I don’t know the exact number, but I think they handed out 192 penalty minutes from that scrum (Unintentional Rhyme Alert) at the end of the game. I love the fire of this team (Igor included). Trouba is not the perfect player, but there is no questioning his heart and what he brings to this team. He’s a fine captain but not the only leader. Kreider, of course, but the beating pulse of this team is Lindgren. We’re not the same without him. He’s emerged as a fan favorite for every reason you can name.
- I know Brancy was here last year, but holy cow, that anthem was fantastic.
- The next game is Thursday night, with Nashville coming into the Garden.
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