The Rangers parlayed a strong defensive effort into a 3-2 win over the Bruins. For the second straight game, New York rallied from a deficit entering the third period to pick up the victory. Vincent Trocheck tied the game just as a power play expired while Chirs Kreider put on the jets to convert a shorthanded opportunity for the game-winner. The Blueshirts meet the Penguins at home Friday and Blue Jackets on the road Saturday. After the matchup against Columbus, the team goes dark for two weeks while the tourney is played.
A few thoughts:
1) Defense: Boston was limited to just 17 shots, only four of which were high danger. The Rangers were very good in the third period but that shouldn't limit what they did the first two periods. Both Bruins' goals were a little fluky, but they came due to a strong forecheck, as the Blueshirts were on their heels at times in their own zone, resulting in the changes. Overall, though, New York was good defensively.
Zac Jones acquitted himself nicely in his first game after 18 contests in the press box. He was pinned deep early in the game and got better as the contest wore on, finishing with 13:32 of ice time, Urho Vaakanainen sat due to illness and Jones more than ably stepped in for him. You wonder if Jones will start again tomorrow.
2) Chemistry: the top line is establishing chemistry. Aretmi Panarin-JT Miller-Mika Zibanejad have hit the ground running initially, lending hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg. New York's first goal came off a forecheck by Miller, who caused the rushed clearing attempt that Panarin buried in the net.
Small sample size exists, but as Arthur Stale noted:In 35 minutes with Panarin-Miller-Zibanejad on the ice at five-on-five, Natural Stat Trick data says the Rangers have:
• 53.97 percent of shot attempts (34-29)
• 57.58 percent of shots (19-14)
• 65.95 percent of expected goals
• Three goals for with two against
The Glimmer Twins, though, had the moment of the game. With the score tied at 2 and the Rangers shorthanded, Zib and Kreider created the winning tally. A good defensive play in their own zone sprung Zib. Kreider burst through the neutral zone like he was shot out of a cannon, hit 24 mph. Zibanejad waited slightly and created an angle for the pass, which was deflected by Charlie McAvoy but Kreider was able to take the puck off his skates to his stick and beat Joonas Korpisalo. The expression of relief between the two was palpable as they created the moment of the game.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»