First off I want to apologize for the lack of a Peepin' Foes on this one (and for Ottawa today) - an unfortunate case of food poisoning has been taking quite the toll on me. I managed to catch most of the match last night but due to obvious reasons, I will keep this short.
Despite putting 44 shots on goal, the Rangers rarely got good scoring opportunities and Ryan Miller was easily able to handle the barrage due to his his solid positioning. The Blueshirts didn't make him move laterally all that much and rarely tested the upper reaches of the net, allowing for a whole lotta easy stops for the former Michigan State Spartan. At times it seemed like they were aiming for that classic logo on his chest - speaking of which, how long until the Sabres ditch the Buffaslug entirely and go back to those classic jerseys full time?
But back to the game and the Ranger power play luckily didn't give up a single shorthanded goal, which is something we have to be thankful for nowadays. I mean, if this was a real special team, then we would be disappointed that they didn't score on either opportunity, but we have to take what we can get from these guys. On the other side of trhe coin, the Rangers weren't called for a single penalty. It isn't that they played a penalty-free game, but that the refs gave the teams some leeway and only called the blatantly obvious puck off the rink and a clear trip.
So all in all, despite a pretty dominating performance, the Rangers left Buffalo with a point. Something more than nothing ...
Some randomness:
*Paul Gaustad plays some old time hockey, I can appreciate that. *There is nothing about how Mexican't Scott Gomez plays that I can appreciate. He is boring and predictable and is far from a top flight center.
*Can I show my love for the Ranger fourth liners now? While you may disagree that they were the best Ranger line out there, but everyone could see their worth to the team. And not using Sjostrom in the shootout was a huge mistake by Tom Renney.
*I mean, I can understand that he felt obligated to give Chris Drury a shot in front of his old team, but this player's coach should feel obligated to win games.
*While the Ranger broadcasters were so very impressed with the way that the Ranger defense played after Michal Rozsival went down, Buffalo was essentially playing with five guys all game - Toni Lydman skated for a game-high 27:46. At one point it seemed like he was there to clear the puck out on every Ranger rush.
*Joe Micheletti ... listening to him almost made me as sick as the food poisoning.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Scott Gomez - no goals, no assists, nine shots (four that missed the net), 7-9 in the faceoff dot ... I have no idea why these "Professional Hockey Writers" selected him.
2-Derek Roy - one goal in regulation.
1-Ryan Miller - 43 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Miller - While I do think he wasn't particularly tested, some credit is due.
2-Paul Mara - Mara was the steadiest of the Ranger blueliners and he chipped in a goal (thank you Colton Orr). I guess that without Patrick Kaleta playing, it was easier for him to focus on actually playing.
1-Stephen Valiquette - Valley was cool as a cucumber and gave the Rangers with the steady goaltending that Henrik Lundqvist has been unable to provide of late.
"24-15-4: Analyzing the Rangers' Goal-Scoring Woes"
The New York Rangers have had a rollercoaster season marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating goal-scoring droughts. In this article, we will delve into the team's 24-15-4 record, explore the reasons behind their goal-scoring struggles, and look at potential solutions to bolster their offensive firepower.
I. The Rangers' Season So Far
The Rangers started the season with high expectations, with a roster boasting talent and depth. They displayed moments of excellence but have also faced challenges in maintaining a consistent winning streak.
II. The Goal-Scoring Drought
One of the primary concerns for the Rangers this season has been their inability to consistently find the back of the net. While they have generated numerous scoring opportunities, converting them into goals has been a struggle.
III. Goaltending Excellence
Despite the scoring woes, the Rangers have benefitted from exceptional goaltending. Henrik Lundqvist and Igor Shesterkin have been stalwarts between the pipes, often keeping the team in games with remarkable saves.
IV. Defensive Strength
The Rangers' defensive play has been solid, with contributions from veteran blueliners and emerging young talents. This defensive strength has helped keep games close and allowed the team to compete even during scoring slumps.
V. Power Play Struggles
The power play has been a source of frustration for the Rangers this season. Despite having talented players, the team has struggled to capitalize on the man advantage consistently.
VI. Balanced Scoring
While some star players have faced goal-scoring slumps, the Rangers have seen balanced scoring contributions from various lines and defensive pairs. This depth scoring has been a positive aspect of the season.
VII. Potential Solutions
Line Adjustments: Coach David Quinn might consider adjusting line combinations to spark chemistry and goal-scoring production.
Power Play Focus: Special teams play, especially the power play, should be a priority in practice to improve efficiency.
Shot Selection: Encouraging players to take high-quality shots and create traffic in front of the net can lead to more goals.
Player Confidence: Boosting the confidence of players who are experiencing goal-scoring droughts can help them break out of their slumps.
Trade Deadline: Exploring trade options to acquire a goal-scoring forward could provide an immediate boost.
Development: Continuously developing young talents and integrating them into the lineup can provide long-term solutions.
FAQs about the Rangers' Goal-Scoring Woes
Q1: Who are the top goal scorers for the Rangers this season?
A1: As of the current season, the Rangers' top goal scorers include Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad.
Q2: What has been the Rangers' power play efficiency this season?
A2: The Rangers' power play efficiency has been below league average, with a conversion rate hovering around 20%.
Q3: Are there any promising young players who could improve the team's goal-scoring in the future?
A3: Yes, the Rangers have several promising young forwards in their system, including Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko, who have the potential to become key goal scorers in the future.
The New York Rangers' 24-15-4 record reflects a season of ups and downs, with goal-scoring woes being a significant challenge. While the team has shown resilience and defensive strength, addressing their scoring inconsistencies will be crucial for sustained success. With potential solutions on the horizon, Rangers fans can remain hopeful that their team will find its scoring touch and continue to compete at a high level in the NHL.
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