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Rangers ride solid overall play from blue line to 4-1 win over the Ducks |
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Saturday night saw a match up between two heavily depleted squads as the Rangers faced the Ducks in Anaheim. Strong defensive work and a dominant third period propelled New York to a 4-1 victory. Ryan Lindgren notched a pair of goals while Jarred Tinordi - yes, you are reading that correctly - had the game-winner. The Blueshirts continue their five-game road trip and western swing, taking on the Kings on Monday.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) Lineup -both teams were without several players. Anaheim had five players in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol, including No. 1 goalie John Gibson, Ryan Getzlaf and Hampus Lindholm, but welcomed back Trevor Zegras from his COVID related absence last night. For the Rangers, the tweet below lists who was out. As a result of those absences, Tim Gettinger and Jonny Brodzinski were recalled from the taxi squad and in the lineup. To replace both, the Rangers recalled Anthony Greco and Lauri Pajuniemi to the taxi squad.
With Panarin, Hunt, Gauthier and Reaves out, this was the lineup. I thought the newly constituted fourth line acquitted themselves nicely last night. The trio played about 10 minutes each, but their presence was evident throughout the game with Morgan Barron notching the first point of his NHL career. If Panarin can go, I actually would sit Greg McKegg and leave that line intact.
Filip Chytil was more aggressive than I have seen him in a while. The forwards, save for Mika Zibanejad, who scored for the seventh time in eight games aided by a tremendous forecheck by that line, didn't do much. But the defense stepped up to score three goals, picking up the slack for the upfront 12 skaters. Lindgren had the first two-goal game of his career. anyone still think he should be traded? :). Tinordi, aided by a great screen in front by Gettinger, gave New York the lead in the third period.
Kreider - Zib - Kakko
Laf - Strome - Goodrow
McKegg - Rooney - Chytil
Gettinger - Barron - Brodzinski
Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Tinordi - Nils
Georgiev
2) Defense: Coach Gerard Gallant opted to sit Zac Jones, who was sent down to the taxi squad after Thursday's game. Jones was on ice for 14 shots against, while Libor Hájek was on for 15, helping make the decision to sit both somewhat easier. The Rangers generated only two shots of their own with them in the game, though I think most of us put that on Hajek not Jones. But the duo were consistently pinned in their own zone, failing to execute clean breakouts, which is a reflection of each, even if weighted more heavily to Hajek.
In explaining the Tinordi inclusion in the lineup over Jones, Gallant highlighted his and Nils' inexperience, along with noting that "size matters" for Jones and Lundkvist, who are both under 6-feet tall and weigh 187 pounds or less. In addition, Gallant's preference is to complement such offensive-minded defensemen with a partner who will stay at home and protect the back end. Add all those components together and you see why Tinordi and Nils played together yesterday. Personally, I would rather play the more talented duo together believing they will figure it out, but Gallant has a differing view.
Yesterday, the pairings worked. Other than a mishit by K'Andre Miller on a clearing attempt that led to the one goal against, the Rangers were excellent in the neutral and own zone. Anaheim was held to 14 shots on goal, including three in the last 22:18, two of which were put on net in the third. Alexandar Georgiev, who should be back between the pipes Monday as Igor is likely not yet ready to return, as solid when called upon.
3) Power play: the Rangers went 0-for-5 on the man advantage and I am not worried one bit. Facing the third best team on the penalty kill, New York dominated puck possession during the power plays. They had several solid to Grade A chances, which is what I look for when evaluating the play.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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