The Rangers found a team worse than them, hanging a 9-2 defeat at UBS on the Islanders. With the victory, the Blueshirts staved off playoff elimination for one more day and swept the series series between the two teams, outscoring their LIRR rivals, 23-5 in four contests. Montreal plays Ottawa tonight and Toronto tomorrow and any point earned in either game locks in the second Wild Card spot for the Habs. The Rangers face the Hurricanes tomorrow and Panthers on Monday while the Canadiens take on the Blackhawks on Monday. Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) The prevailing thought and comment after the game was: where was this all season. Doing so fails to factor in the opponent and the blind squirrel and acorn theory. What it also does is anger the tar out of many of us who look back at all the points lost and thrown away and realize that despite the brutal season, New York should be even with or slightly ahead of Montrel down the stretch. Instead, the sword of Damocles and playoff death hangs over their collective heads just waiting to be released.
2) Igor Shesterkin was on his game, despite the Islanders hitting three posts. He made 44 saves in a solid victory, which should be a mild boost for his flailing confidence. Igor deserved this win and could start the last three games of the season, though he will finish shy of 30 victories for the first time when he plays a full season. This despite Shesterkin playing a career-best 59 contests.
3) Artemi Panarin and Brett Berard each notched a pair. Panarin is up to 37 goals and has a shot at 40 for the second straight season and second time of his career. He is one of the few that raised his game down the stretch. Panarin is on a three-game, five-point scoring streak (three goals, two assists), and he has 12 points, including six goals, and 24 shots in his last seven games. With 87 points in 77 games, this is the eighth straight season where he has put up better than a point-per-game.
Berard is at the other end of the spectrum, trying to land a full time spot. He has shown energy and the willingness and ability to dish and take hits, dishing out 52 in 34 games. Berard showed scoring talent at Hartford, but has just six in 34 contests, limited by his line placement. Berard is a perfect bottom-six player who should be in the lineup nearly every day next season.
4) Next year, the task gets no easier. The roster will likely be vastly changed. Coach probably as well. New Jersey will have Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton healthy, at least to start the season. Carolina just signed Alexander Nikishin, who should certainly help their back line. Each year takes on its own story and life, but the window on the current version of this team likely closed this year.
As a reminder, I am out of pocket beginning tonight through Monday evening.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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