The Rangers complete their Western Canada swing in Calgary tonight. After falling to the Oilers and Canucks, New York takes a major step up in class taking on the Flames. Following tonight's contest, the Blueshirts travel to Minnesota and face the Wild tomorrow.
Ranger Saver mentioned the
moribund power play in the other blog. Thanks for noting it. I had meant to include but forgot. Prior to Pavel Buchnevich's goal, the Rangers’ power play had been 0-21 in its previous seven games. In addition, during the game, during the 5-on-3, New York's inability to create open space and shooting lanes or just get the puck on net was embarrassing. The lack of elite talent following the deals of Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes is very apparent, especially Zucc's creative passing ability. In addition, the team finally drew penalties Wednesday, but before that, the Rangers got only one PP in two of those games, only two in two others.
The one saving grace has been the Brendan Lemieux, Brett Howden and Buchnevich unit. Each member of that trio scored a goal in the first two games of this four-game trip. That line should remain together, even though I would love to see Lemiuex or Buchnevich on the top line with Zib and Chris Kreider. As we have discussed before, New York has a major decision on whether to give Buch a long term contract or go with a shorter-term bridge deal.
Zib and Kreider, who was fined $5k for his elbow to Elias Pettersson, continue to struggle. The lack of a quality third member of that trio and coach David Quinn's decision to split up that duo hasn't resulted in an uplift of either's performance. With 12 games left, hopefully they each finish strong, rebounding from their current difficulties.
Three interesting numbers from the Rangers' pre-game notes below. Georgiev has played well, outperforming Henrik Lundqvist. If ADA can somehow put his maturity issues behind him, he appears to have the upside of a top-four blueliner. Kevin Shattenkirk has been better lately, but still not at the point where he warrants his contract. But maybe he is finally healthy and a strong close to the season could increase his trade value or provide slightly more comfort heading into the 2019-20 season. (graphical look at him being unlucky here)
Alexandar Georgiev has posted a 1.95 GAA and a .942 SV% (98 saves on 104 shots) over his last three appearances. He has allowed two goals or fewer in six of his last 10 appearances, posting a 4-3-3 record, along with a 2.46 GAA and a .925 SV% over the span
Tony DeAngelo has recorded an assist/point in 11 of his last 14 games (12 assists) and in 13 of his last 18 games (14 assists). DeAngelo's 14 assists since Feb. 4 are tied for the most among NHL defensemen over the span.
Kevin Shattenkirk has tallied an assist/point in six of his last nine games (six assists), and he has also recorded 10 assists/points in his last 14 games.
The Rangers are in on Jake Elmer, who per the below is not solely a product of playing with Dylan Cozens. New York could be in on Cozens in the draft, depending on where the ping pong balls land.
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