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Rangers fall 3-2 in a shootout to Red Wings |
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The Rangers were unable to extend their win streak to four, falling 3-2 in a shootout to the Red Wings. In a contest that was wide open, both teams had several good chances throughout but each goalie - Igor Shesterkin and Thomas Greiss. who kills the Rangers - were each on their game. New York at least earned a point but left the fanbase and themselves wanting more. New York is off until taking on Ottawa at 5pm Sunday.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) The game - as Steve Valiquette noted, likely not the type of contest you will see in the playoffs, but entertaining nonetheless. New York did generate chances throughout, maybe not all high-quality until the midway part of the second period, but were active. Alexis Lafreniere continues to show he should remain on the top line, as he has gotten progressively better since being moved up. Finishing, however, was clearly a challenge again with only two goals scored, one at even strength with the second by Mika Zibanejad from his happy spot, left face-off dot on the power play. Lengthening the lineup, which has been an item discussed almost ad nauseam, ad infinitum, would aid in that regard, largely on uplifting the scoring talent on the third line.
2) K'Andre Miller built on the progress he has made recently last night. Great read of the situation and space afforded him on the wrap around goal. More impressive to me later on was his pass to the slot in a similar situation, recognizing who was open without forcing the play.
As Larry Brooks noted in his column, Miller needs to see ice time in all situations to build on the growth we have seen lately. Miller, paired next to Jacob Trouba, sees copious ice time at even strength. With Patrik Nemeth out, he is being used on the penalty kill and also late in games, which should accelerate the experience spectrum.
3) Shesterkin was brilliant again. He seems to be improving game in and game out. Solid in the shootout as well, he gave the team more than a chance to win in the contest. Plus, Igor showed his offensive and puck handling side of the game that brings aspects other goalies lack in his save and breakout pass to spring Artemi Panarin on a breakaway in overtime.
Coach Gerald Gallant has been riding Shesterkin, but I would not be shocked if Alexandar Georgiev gets the nod Sunday, even though the team had two weeks off before the Boston game. First, because he wants to try and keep Georgiev fresh. Second, to make sure Shesterkin gets sufficient rest, which seems odd with the two weeks off. But he is coming off back-to-back shootout games that could influence Gallant's decision.
4) Marc Staal did receive the appropriate tribute. Airing it on TV while it happened might have been smart. But that clearly was not the case yesterday.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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