|
Complete team effort, Laf-Chytil-Blais show chemistry, in 3-1 win over Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
The Rangers won their third straight on the road, 3-1 over the Predators. Thursday, it was a complete team effort. I thought the second through fourth lines were the squad's best, even though the top line hit at least two posts and a crossbar. Igor Shesterkin was tested, but nowhere near at the level he was Monday in the victory over Toronto.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) Alexis Lafreniere-Filip Chytil-Sammy Blais - put together in practice yesterday, the newly created trio were the team's best line, as seen in the game score tweet below. As Steve Valiquette said, Blais was the motor, Chytil the scorer and Laf the passer. The trio factored into both even strength goals and were solid throughout the contest, showing tremendous chemistry.
Blais has an affinity for contact, seen in his play, both on the giving and receiving end. But he showed even better skill than I realized he had on the two goals. The second, where he toe dragged around one Predator and created space for the dish and goal by Laf. The first was even better, as he was under pressure, yet was able to make a royal road pass in the neutral zone to Chytil, who used the space to motor into the O-zone and beat Juuse Saros on the backhand. Blais deserves credit for his play, and with Ryan Strome out at least one more game, this line should remain intact Saturday versus Ottawa. I take the heat for suggesting he was not the right fit for that spot.
2) Bottom-six - a workmanlike effort. As coach Gerard Gallant said, a gritty effort. Unsure I agree with the assessment this was their toughest game, but New York had to grind out the win. The bottom-six's forecheck was evident throughout, as they cycled like crazy and when they lost the puck, whoever was on the ice busted their rear end to hunt it down and force a turnover or quick pass. Good for Barclay Goodrow to get his first, even if into the empty net, as he deserved to score.
3) Panarin-Zib-Kreider - while they had a solid game, I thought they were the least effective of the four lines. That says a lot, as they hit a pair of posts and I believe a crossbar. This means that the other nine, almost to a man, were very good. Look for this lineup to be what we see - barring any late news - to be who we see Thursday.
4) Shesterkin - has stopped 99 of the 102 shots he faced the last three games. Overall, 3-0-1 with a 1.47 GAA and .953 SV% so far this season. Calm in the net, no wasted movements. solid rebound control, knows when to come out and challenge or lay back deep in the crease. Eventually going to score an empty net goal. Should be between the pipes again Saturday.
5) Special teams - a tale of two stories. The penalty kill went 3-for-3 again and is 9-for-9 the past three games. Mixing in new personnel, including Patrick Nemeth, the units look to have settled in nicely. As Vally said on the broadcast, the power play is the last grouping that is worked on in camp and will take the longest to find their stride. Right now, it's pretty ugly, including the ability to gain the zone with possession. But there is too much talent for them not to succeed.
One option, and this may be crazy, is to split up Zib and Panarin, as they each like operating from the same spot. Switching one to their off side hurts both of them. Now, they will likely figure it out. But it is food for thought.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»