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Rangers-Islanders, a look back at weekend and forward, Othmann up |
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Rangers-Islanders. Not much more has to be said. Even when nothing is at stake, the game has meaning. Add in the fact that both teams are fighting to remain playoff relevant, and you have added intrigue to the match up.
The Islanders come in having lost three in a row, blunting the hot streak they were on prior to the 4 Nations Face-off break. The Rangers split their two games post break, getting blown out 8-2 by the Sabres, then flat out stealing a 5-3 victory over the Penguins. UBS Arena denizens are 25-24-7 while those that reside at MSG are 28-25-4, two points shy of the second Wild Card spot. Every game matters, one against their main rivals, at least for an extended period of time, matters even more.
The Blueshirts were brutal Saturday night. They were embarrassed on the ice. Sunday, I am not sure if they played much better. The difference was that Igor Shesterkin, pulled against Buffalo, was on his game and then some. As Vince Mercogliano wrote, Shesterkin finished with 36 saves, including 19 during a second period that featured 10 high-danger scoring chances for Pittsburgh, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Those numbers don’t even tell the full story. Shots were 25-5 at one point. New York was pinned in their own for stretches at a time. We were playing they would just be able to get the puck out with shots for not even a consideration. Defensively, once again they were brutal, as passes that didn’t connect and horrific own zone coverage were on full display again. Facing a weak Pittsburgh team, even with the return of Evgeni Malkin, the Rangers looked to have a locked steel door at the blueline preventing them from getting out.
Shesterkin in their own end and JT Miller offensively ended up just being enough. Plus, Will Borgen saved the win, diving into the paint to thwart a Kevin Hayes shot with just under a minute to go and Igor at the other side of the crease. The penalty kill was 3-for-3 in the victory.
Miller tallied twice, including an empty netter to clinch the win. Will Cuylle added a PPG, Jimmy Vesey scored his 100th career goal to tie the game at 3 and Adam Fox tallied the game-winner, squashing some of the criticism levied at him for one game. To score four goals given the number of shots they had for the game is almost miraculous. Take the win but each player to a man knew they were fortunate and have to be a lot better to notch victories in the future.
Chris Kreider was a late scratch with an upper body injury. The likelihood is that this is related to the back issues that have plagued him all year. Arthur Kaliyev drew into the lineup in his spot while Vesey moved up in the lineup. Witt Kreider questionable tonight, Brennan Othmann was recalled Monday.
While his promotion is viewed as a hedge in case Kreider is out, maybe - as Mercogliano and others have suggested - it’s time to try a youth movement. This team lacks energy and snark. Miller brings the latter, while Matt Rempe - who was called for a brutally bad penalty by the officials after a clean shoulder to shoulder check on Matt Grzelcyk - certainly contributes both. But he has a target on his back and is not an offensive threat.
Mercogliano wrote that the 22-year-old Othmann has netted nine goals in his last 13 games, with a quick left-handed release and knack for the net that could aid the Rangers’ secondary scoring efforts. And while Othmann isn’t as strong of a skater as Brett Berard, he’s bigger and plays with the edge this lineup is longing for. It’s time to find out if those skills translate to the highest level.
The duo have questions defensively. Berard certainly struggled in that regard in his stint earlier in the year. He was the worst on the team in terms of high-danger scoring chances allowed while was on the ice. The hope is that he has improved on his time in the minors. With Othmann, part of the goal for him in the AHL was to focus on his two way play. There is only one way to see if either has made strides in Hartford - that’s by receiving ice time. New York is still in playoff contention, so a move in this direction might not come until after the March 7 trading deadline, especially if Reilly Smith or Vesey is moved.
Due to their spot in the standings, the focus will likely be on that playoff possibility. But Berard and Othmann need to receive time to bring energy, but almost as important, garner needed experience. If the performances this past weekend don’t convince GM Chris Drury and coach Peter Laviolette that something is lacking while on the ice, nothing will. Neither player will fix the defensive woes, and I am not sure right now what would, other than a complete change of the system and some personnel/combinations on the back line, they can provide a boost that is highly needed.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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