The Rangers for the second straight game - albeit 12 days apart - lost a third period lead, surrendering three goals in the final frame to fall 4-3 to the Panthers. New York's struggles versus "elite" teams continued Wednesday and the loss highlighted the need for a top-six winger and improved third line. The Blueshirts go from the frying pan to the fire when they take on the Lightning tomorrow.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1)
Record you have to beat whoever is on your schedule, but the team's performance against upper tier teams has to be viewed as mildly concerning. In addition, losing third period leads in back-to-back games creates agita for the fanbase and slightly erodes the confidence in this team. I think we all believe the record is somewhat driven by smoke and mirrors and the more performances like the last two contests, the more that viewpoint gains credence.
#NYR lose 4-3, first regulation loss when leading after two periods (10-1-3).
#NYR now 0-5-1 in their last six against teams currently in a playoff position.
After tonight, here's how the #NYR's record really looks: Against playoff teams: 3-8-2 Against lottery teams: 16-0-2
2) Third line production: The following was written by Arthur Staple in the Athletic today: "Lafreniere is 2-1-3 in his past 16 games, Chytil is 1-2-3 in his past 12 (which includes a healthy scratch in Arizona two weeks ago) and Gauthier is 1-0-1 in his past 11."
This lack of production is completely unacceptable and creates too big of a burden on the top-six. Today in practice, Dryden Hunt is still on the second line with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome. Hunt has two assists in his last 10 games. While he brings a physical presence, he is not a scoring option. Gauthier has shown he can generate chances, but as we have seen too often, he cannot finish.
Despite that, I could see coach Gerard Gallant trying Gauthier on the second line. But it may be time to see what Laf can do on his off side on that line. If that fails, maybe give Lauri Pajuniemi a try or Morgan Barron a shot on the third line. But, what's clear is that GM Chris Drury will need to utilize some if not all of the almost $10 mil in cap space the team has this season and add a top-six winger and third line center. One option that many hoped would be available was Reilly Smith. The news that Max Pacioretty has just undergone wrist surgery and will be out long-term likely means that Vegas won't have to clear cap space to activate Jack Eichel when he is ready to return. This probably takes Smith off the trade market, presuming he was available.
3)
Artemi Panarin/Mika Zibanejad any concerns about Breadman have been answered resoundingly with those questions no longer a focus. The between the legs move around Aaron Ekblad for the goal, the pickpocket steal and then pass to Zib for the goal, the two dishes to Ryan Strome for prime scoring chances and the last assist, which was nothing special but gave him a three point evening.
Zib has scored in three straight. You can see he has more jump and is driving play while creating chances. He has yet to fully put it together but he is getting closer.
4)
Igor Shesterkin As Staple wrote, "got a good look at Carter Verhaeghe’s go-ahead goal in the third, because you haven’t seen one like this beat Shesterkin at all this season." That tally gave Florida a 3-2 lead they never relinquished. The puck might have deflected off Adam Fox's stick, changing direction slightly, but a shot that has to be stopped. Overall, a decent game in his first action in weeks, but that shot is the one Shesterkin - who celebrates his birthday today - wants back.
5)
Libor Hajek was not horrific, but the drop from Ryan Lindren, as expected, was dramatic. Gallant didn’t want to disturb his other two intact defense pairs so Hajek slotted in with Fox, which was the case today in practice. Hajek is pretty much persona non grata with Rangers' fans, similar to Brett Howden, and rightly so to an extent. But regardless of how he plays, we won't warm to him or give him the benefit of the doubt.
Nils Lundkvist was better last night and has looked more like what we hoped we were getting given the hype. Still a major work-in-progress and pairing with Patrik Nemeth isn't helpful. I would try Nils or Nemeth with Fox if keeping Trouba and Miller together. Zac Jones is on the trip and dressing him against the Lightning would be a tall task, but maybe that's the way to go.
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