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Coyote Ugly win for NYR in AZ thx to Kakko, Panarin injured, vs. LV tonight |
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The Rangers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat Wednesday, scoring a pair of power play goals in the last six minutes of the game to eke out a 3-2 win over the Coyotes. New York played like a tired team, allowing Arizona to dictate the pace of play for a good portion of the contest. But a pair of Kappo Kaako tallies, including the game-winner with 2:18 remaining while on the man-advantage in place of the injured Artemi Panarin, led the Blueshirts to the win. New York wraps up their heavy workload with a game Friday versus Vegas, who defeated New Jersey 5-3 on Thursday/.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) Filip Chytil was a healthy scratch with Greg McKegg back in the lineup. Coach Gerard Gallant did not give a direct reason for the healthy scratch, calling it a coach's decision. Plus, in the post-game press conference, Gallant got pissy when asked why Chytil was scratched. What was he expecting to be asked, besides Panarin's status. We all have remarked that Chytil needed to be better but I don't think any of us expected him to be scratched, let alone for McKegg. If Panarin is out Friday, I would presume Chytil gets back in.
2) Panarin is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. If he does not play tonight, Panarin will have four additional days to rest with the Rangers next game Wednesday against Montreal. Then the holiday break hits and four more days off before Detroit on December 22. New York can be smart if need be and let panarin rest, presuming the injury is anything that requires a bit more rest.
3) Kakko - we have been waiting for a game like this for a while. Took advantage of Panarin's absence to skate on the first PP unit. Both goals scored down low. On the first, he went to the blue paint and tapped in a rebound on a delayed penalty. On the second, got into prime position, took a great feed by Chris Kreider, who notched three assists, bolstering the right side of his ledger, and beat Scott Wedgewood for the winner. If Panarin is out, look for him to stay on that PP unit.
The play was made by Adam Fox, recognizing that Arizona was overplaying Zib to present another shot from the left diot. Fox drew the D that way and then went across the line to Strome, who dished low to Kredier. CK2O passed across the low slot to Kakko for the winner. .
4) Keith Kinkaid - came up big when needed. Stopped 29 of 31 shots in the win. Likely the back up again against Vegas, as I think the team will give Igor Shesterkin a few more days given the upcoming break. Plus, we got the emojis back :)
5) Gassed - the team clearly was gassed. New York has played nine games in 15 days and six contests in nine days. You could see they were tired, but they dug deep to pull out the win. A Coyote Ugly win for sure, but you don't get style points. This doesn't mean we should ignore the issues or give them a full pass for how they played. But credit is due for them finding a way to leave Arizona with two points.
6) COVID - hoping I am wrong but the Rangers are prime for an outbreak or at least a few players missing a few games. New York played Tuesday in Colorado and the Avalanche are down five players to COVID-19 (Toews, Burakovsky, Compher, Kuemper, Makar) , the latter two having played against the Rangers. Arizona placed two players on the protocol list Thursday the day after the match vs. the Blueshirts. Not boding well potentially for the team to escape unscathed, but maybe they get lucky.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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