Penalty Declined: Igor Stops Penalty Shot, NYR Kill Two Minute 5-On-3 In Feisty 2-1 Win Over Arizona

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.
In this week's episode we discuss NYR's playoff hopes, Quick's extension, Kreider, etc.How to support us and our sponsors:Columbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITRThanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.
  1. 68 Down & We Needed This 1
  2. Dead at the Deadline
  3. Somebody Kaliyev Me Please
  4. 4 Nations Break
  5. Too Good to Tank, Too Bad to Rank

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Marc Panzer

NYR Fan living in Long Island

One thought on “Penalty Declined: Igor Stops Penalty Shot, NYR Kill Two Minute 5-On-3 In Feisty 2-1 Win Over Arizona”

  1. Thank you, I have just been searching for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the supply?

Leave a Reply

Adam Proteau

Catching up With Adam Proteau of The Hockey News

With the trade deadline behind us and teams pushing toward the Stanley Cup playoffs, I figured now was as good a time as ever to conduct an email interview with the great Adam Proteau of The Hockey News. Adam was kind enough to take time out of his busy writing schedule to give us his […]

Read More
Todd McLellan behind the bench

March Contiues to Be a Month That Sinks the Detroit Red Wings Playoff Hopes

March has been the part of the NHL schedule that has caused the Detroit Red Wings the most trouble in the past three seasons. In two of these three seasons, the Red Wings were led by former head coach Derek Lalonde. The Red Wings had a record of 3-11 in March of 2024 under Lalonde. […]

Read More
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes celebrates a first-period goal against the Minnesota Wild.

New Jersey Devils Take Down Wild in a Shootout to Sweep the Season Series

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in a shootout on Monday night at the Prudential Center, sweeping the home-and-home season series between the two. Looking to end a three-game winless streak at home, the Devils put together another 60-plus minute effort that earned them a resilient and well-deserved win over a team […]

Read More