The Rangers rebounded from two subpar defensive efforts to defeat the Kings 4-1. Jonathan Quick was excellent between the pipes in beating his former team Sunday while the offense notched a pair of goals in the second third periods. New York takes on Toronto at home on Tuesday.
A few thoughts:
1) Quick: as pretty much every columnist, blogger and commentator has noted, Quick likely had this game circled on his calendar after he signed with the Rangers and the scheduled was announced. He was brilliant in net, flashing a quick glove and even quicker post to post coverage, resulting in several phenomenal saves. What I liked even more was his compete level between the pipes. When LA charged the net and made contact with Quick, he responded in kind, giving it almost as good as he got.
With Igor Shesterkin struggling and Quick now 8-0-1 and off a brilliant start, as he has a 2.20 GAA and .922 SV%, coach Peter Laviolette should go back to Quick against the Maple Leafs. After Tuesday’s game, the Rangers have two full days off before they face the Ducks at home. Let goaltending coach Benoit Allaire work with Igor to help get him right mentally as well as positionally and play Quick, who remains in a roll.
2)Special teams: New York allowed one power play goal in three short handed opportunities Sundays, but I thought the penalty kill looked fairly good. On the goal, the Rangers were too high at the blue line, allowing LA to get an odd man rush down low. Brendan Schneider tried to cover two players but Adrian Kempe made a great pass to Philip Danault for the goal.
Offensively, New York went 2-for-5 with the man-advantage while facing the second best penalty kill in the league. But it wasn’t just the goals, it was how good the power play looked. The first unit dominated possession time and were able to create open spaces and angles at will on almost all five PP chances. When Mika Zibanejad was in the penalty box serving his 10-minute misconduct infraction, Jonny Brodzinski replaced him on the top unit. He made a brilliant read, as to when to dart to the slot and beat Pheonix Copley for a huge goal.
3) Defensive structure: after several weak games in a row, New York was markedly improved last night. The Rangers limited odd-man rushes and made sure their own zone coverage was tightened up substantially. In addition, they played with a physical edge that was evident throughout the game.
The fourth line set the tone, matching up against LA’s first line. Jacob Trouba was on his game again, as he has been most of the year. You can say the same for a good portion of the blue line, who along with the forwards, helped limit the chances against.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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