The Blueshirts lost to Columbus tonight 3-1. Didn't get to see it, didn't get to hear it. Caught the highlight, scoured the numbers and kept up with twitter feeds so a few notes:
*Horrible soft goal given up by Hank - there is no defending that. But to hang him with the loss when the Rangers scored all of one goal against the Blue Jackets is ridiculous. They were essentially the same team that the Rangers racked up seven on last season and Mason had given up at least two goals in 14 of his 17 prior appearances this season. But the Rangers netted one. Just ... one.
*The Rangers were dominated in the faceoff dot (again), the Ranger power play went just 1-5 and Alex Frolov inexplicably received more than 15 minutes of ice time despite doing nothing to deserve it except whine to Russian media. You have to figure Torts was showcasing him for a trade and you have to wonder who in the hell would take him at this stage in his career. But someone took Kotalik so you never know.
*Nice of Mr. Softie the Backstabber to take a penalty to allow Columbus to tie the game just when the Rangers appeared to take control of the action. He was beat on a faceoff 28 seconds prior... and the Dubi promptly lost the faceoff on the penalty kill. The team ranked 25th in the league at the dot entering the night. Think Yanic Perreault is willing to come out of retirement to take a draw or two for us? And even more ridiculous, as Sather wanted a tough guy, had he grabbed Zenon Konopka instead of Boogey we would have one of the best faceoff guys in the league.
*Think it is a coincidence that the Rangers scored their lone power play goal when MDZ was not in the ice, despite the kid skating 4:29 with the man advantage?
*Who knew Rick Nash was still in the NHL?*I will be back in the States Sunday night so we will be back to regular wraps for the Caps.
*PHW Three Stars
3- Samuel Pahlsson - 18-3 record in faceoffs.
2- Steve Mason - 32 saves.
1- Rick Nash - two goals and one assist.
Your Three Stars
3-?
2-?
1-?
17-13-1: Rangers' Toothless Performance Against the Blue Jackets
The New York Rangers' 2021-2022 NHL season has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but perhaps one of the most concerning moments came during their recent matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. With a record of 17-13-1 at that point in the season, the Rangers faced a daunting challenge against the Blue Jackets, and their performance left fans and analysts with more questions than answers. In this article, we will delve into the details of that particular game, highlight the key issues, and discuss what the Rangers can learn from this disappointing loss.
The Columbus Challenge
Heading into the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Rangers were well aware of the challenges they would face. The Blue Jackets, a team known for their physicality and defensive style of play, have often proven to be a tough opponent for the Rangers. However, with the talent on the Rangers' roster, there was an expectation that they could overcome these obstacles and secure a victory.
A Lackluster Offense
One of the most glaring issues in the game against the Blue Jackets was the Rangers' inability to generate offense effectively. Despite having star players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider, the Rangers struggled to create high-quality scoring chances. The Blue Jackets' defense, led by goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, effectively shut down the Rangers' offensive efforts.
The power play, which had been a source of strength for the Rangers earlier in the season, failed to capitalize on opportunities. In fact, the Rangers went 0-for-4 on the power play during the game, squandering chances to gain an advantage.
Defensive Lapses
While the offense sputtered, the Rangers' defense also had its fair share of issues. Defensive lapses and turnovers in their own zone led to scoring opportunities for the Blue Jackets. These mistakes were capitalized upon, with the Blue Jackets netting three goals in the second period alone.
Igor Shesterkin, who had been stellar for the Rangers in previous games, also had a tough night. He allowed four goals on 24 shots, a subpar performance by his standards.
Physical Battle
The Blue Jackets' physical style of play seemed to rattle the Rangers. The game saw a number of scrums and confrontations, with the Rangers struggling to respond effectively. This physical battle further highlighted the need for the Rangers to add grit and toughness to their lineup, a concern that had been discussed earlier in the season.
Key Takeaways
While the loss to the Blue Jackets was undoubtedly disappointing, it serves as a valuable learning experience for the Rangers. Several key takeaways emerge from this game:
Offensive Depth: The Rangers need consistent offensive contributions beyond their top stars. Secondary scoring and power-play success are essential for long-term success.
Defensive Discipline: Defensive lapses must be addressed. The Rangers need to tighten up defensively and limit turnovers in their own zone.
Physicality: The game highlighted the need for physicality and grit in the lineup. Adding players who can provide a physical presence could help the Rangers compete against physically imposing teams like the Blue Jackets.
Resilience: The Rangers must demonstrate resilience and mental toughness, bouncing back from tough losses like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Rangers rebound from this loss and remain competitive in the season?
Yes, the Rangers have shown resilience throughout the season. Learning from this loss and making necessary adjustments will be key to their continued success.
Are there any trade rumors or roster changes expected in response to this loss?
While no specific trade rumors were confirmed at the time, the Rangers' management may consider roster changes to address some of the issues highlighted in this game.
What's the overall outlook for the Rangers this season?
The Rangers have the talent to compete at a high level. Their performance will depend on their ability to address weaknesses and maintain consistency.
The New York Rangers' 17-13-1 record took a hit with their disappointing loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The game exposed several areas of concern, from offensive struggles to defensive lapses and a lack of physicality. However, it's important to remember that every loss presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. The Rangers' ability to learn from this experience, make necessary adjustments, and maintain their competitive spirit will play a pivotal role in their quest for success in the remainder of the season.
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