The Rangers earned a point but left one in the table in their 3-2 overtime loss to the Avalanche. Up 2-1 late, New York surrendered the tying tally with 1:13 remaining to Artturi Lehkonen who potted a rebound off a shot that Igor Shesterkin likely should have gobbled up. In overtime, the Blueshirts were unable to cash in in a 4-on-3 power play and breakaway by Mika Zibanejad, then allowed the game-winning marker by Devon Toews with 36.7 seconds left. The Rangers close their three-game road trip in Utah on Thursday.
Game recap:
Rangers lines vs. Avalanche:
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Zibanejad-Smith
Kreider-Chytil-Kaliyev
Edström-Carrick-Rempe
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Borgen
Vaakanainen-Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
Scratches: Vesey, Jones, Brodzinski
A few thoughts:
1) Fourth line magic - with the rest of the lineup struggling to score, the fourth line came up big again. Sam Carrick continued his recent offensive outburst, notching a shorthanded goal - which changed the entire momentum of the game - and an assist on Adam Edstrom’s goal. Edstrom has now scored in back to back contests and has established himself in the lineup. Matt Remoe played under control, displaying a strong forecheck during the 6:50 he was in the ice.
2) Flip Chytil and Chris Kreider - both players returned from injury and showed some rust. I thought Chytil looked better than Kreider, which isn’t that surprising as he only missed two games. Kreider skated on the third line with Chytil and Arthur Kaliyev, who had yet to impress me. In addition, he was not deployed on the first unit power play, though he was surprisingly utilized on the 4-on-3 in overtime to try and create a screen in front.
3) The top-six is scuffling. Artemi Panarin looks to have hit a goal scoring wall. Vincent Trocheck was brilliant yesterday in everything but hitting the net with his shots. Alexis Lafreniere has several prime chances and was unable to convert. His offensive game has gone south.
The Zib line had some looks, including a prime chances by Reilly Smith that went awry. Mika had another solid game. I was surprised he went to the forehand to try and beat Mackenzie Blackwood high, even though that is the book on Blackwood. Zibanejad’s best move is the forehand to backhand, which might have been a better choice.
4) Pace of the game - the first five minutes was like a track meet. Playing Colorado that way is not a recipe for success. Igor came up big early or the Rangers might have been down 3-0 or more. Carrick’s goal changed the entire tone and tenor of the contest. After that tally, the Rangers mainly clamped down defensively and made key blocked shots, including ones by Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller that likely saved goals.
Shesterkin played well but he should have made the save and limited the rebound on the initial shot by Mikko Rantanen that resulted in the tying goal. He had little chance on the Toews game winner. He guessed high and the shot went low through the five hole as he went post to post. But this was a game that New York could have and should have won.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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