The Rangers fell 4-2 to the Hurricanes on Tuesday in a battle for first place at MSG. New York carried play in the first while the second period was mostly even before Carolina won the third period and contest. With the loss, the Blueshirts drop four points behind the ‘Canes with eight games remaining. The two teams meet again April 26 also at MSG and New York is back in action tonight in Philly.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1)
Power play - I have written several times about the importance of the power play. Yesterday’s game was a strong indication of that. New York went 0-for-4 against the top penalty kill team in the league, not really looking good on any of those opportunities. In addition, the Rangers have now gone without a power-play goal in five of their last six games
Challenges with gaining the zone were evident again last night. Then, when they had possession and were able to set up, the puck movement was less than optimal. In games like Tuesday, failing on every chance, despite just how good Carolina is on the penalty kill, is a recipe for disaster. First, it gives the opponent momentum, second, it prevents the Garden from building on the atmosphere already in the housing, and last, obviously, is the lack of impact on the scoreboard.
2)
Game flow - New York had the better of the play in the first. In the second, the tide started to turn about midway through the frame. The third was pretty much owned by Carolina, who scored three times, each one coming in a different manner.
The first was a bank shot by Andrew Svechnikov from behind the goal line off Igor Shesterkin’s leg. Carolina’s second came on a defensive breakdown, allowing Seth Jarvis a breakaway on which he beat Igor. Unsure if it was a miscommunication between K’Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba or a poor read by each, leading to the chance. The third was a broken play and quick shot by Jordan Staal. Sebastian Aho potted the empty netter to clinch the win. The top line of Aho (one goal, two assists), Jarvis (goal, assist) and Svechnikov(goal, assist) combined for seven points.
Compared to the last game against Carolina, where New York won 2-0 thanks to Alexandar Georgiev but allowed 44 shots, this contest was way more even. The Rangers ended up out-shooting the Hurricanes, 30-25, while the high-danger scoring chances landed at 10 apiece, according to Natural Stat Trick. What we saw, which came as no surprise, is any let down on concentration or forecheck and Carolina will take advantage quickly.
3)
Chris Kreider notched his 50th of the season in his wheelhouse late to bring New York with a goal. Kreider is the fourth 50-goal scorer in Rangers' history, joining Jaromir Jagr (54 in 2005-06), Adam Graves (52 in 1993-94) and Vic Hadfield (50 in 1971-72). CK20 needs four goals his last eight games to tie Jagr for the most in a single-season in franchise history.
The quote post game is typical Kreider. From others, it would be viewed as self-serving and obsequious given the milestone he just hit. But for Kreider, it’s the norm and why he should be captain. The focus was on the team and the end goal not the mark he just hit.
Asked if he ever dreamed of reaching that milestone as a kid, Kreider appropriately responded, "I dreamed of raising the Stanley Cup."
"I loved watching the playoffs," he added. "I wanted to win a Stanley Cup. I think that's what we all dream of doing someday. That's the ultimate goal, and I know none of us in that room will be happy until we get there."
4)
Filip Chytil did not dress last night but is believed to be close. It’s possible that he plays tonight. If not, look for him Saturday against Detroit. When back, expect the Kid Line with Laf and Kakko to be reunited.
The most impressive Ranger to me last night was
Miller. Besides the tops, we saw his moves on a breakaway stoned by Frederik Andersen, who made 28 saves for the Hurricanes (48-18-8). Miller’s growth has been one of the great stories this year, especially given some of the mild concern surrounding him after his struggles last season.
A few stats from the post-game notes: Mika Zibanejad's assist on Miller's goal was his 75th point, tying his single-season career high (2019-20). … Andrew Copp had an assist on Kreider's goal to extend his point streak to five games (two goals, three assists).
5) With New York on a back-to-back, look for
Georgiev to play tonight. The Rangers are five points up on the Penguins with a game in hand and eight north on the Capitals who has a game in hand on the Rangers. Win tonight, and second place in the division is pretty much a lock.
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