Rangers Report 3

Good morning, boneheads!

I have a little time this morning, so I figured I’d write a new post. Just a few observations.

1. A win is a win. And a much needed one at that. But let’s not fool ourselves. Arizona is absolutely awful. Just dreadful. Starting with a goaltender who is not NHL ready, continuing with their defense. Luke Schenn, who would not be considered for #8 in NY played over 20 min. Clendenning ( remember him?) is top 6. And what happened to Hjalmarsson? He played a major role in Chicago. I’m sure the infantile chart boy in Arizona has it all written out perfectly in graphs. It may take another decade to project it into the ice. But what the rush?
2. Derek Stepan. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for most of the players who ever wore this jersey. Stepan is one of them. You could see how emotional he became during his tribute, and how much it meant to him to play in NY. But as far as his game last night. Woof! Lost the puck to Kreider and failed to cover him going to the net. 1-0. Finished with -3, along with his 1st line teammates.
3. Speaking of that goal. Zucc’s behind his back pass was a thing of beauty. That’s why he can be so frustrating because he disappears for stretches other times. Ditto Kreider. He was a force on the ice last night. Scored, won many battles, defended his teammate, and accepted a challenge. But why can’t he do it more often?
4. This team still has ways to go. They won’t win too many games against better opponents. Their transition game is still sluggish, puck support isn’t there, and they still resort to too many hope-for-the-best passes. Gap control? What’s that? All this leads to too many unnecessary giveaways, and a few breakaways, including 2 at the end of  period 1. Pavelec bailed them out.
5. Kevin Shattenkirk. He has to compensate for his defensive shortcomings by producing more offense, including on PP. He hasn’t done that lately. And PP regressed. I don’t expect him to improve much defensively, but if he doesn’t contribute more on the other side of the ice, this contract may become problematic. I don’t blame him for  taking a penalty that lead to a PP goal against. What he did was a right thing, imo. Defend your teammate, think later. Goes a long way.
6.  Pavelec was very solid last night. He was composed, well positioned, and made a few timely saves. Maybe working with goalie whisperer is starting to show? Or is it too early? Let’s not get carried away and pronounce him a starter just yet.
7. Fourth line won the game for them . Boo Nieves showed that he belongs. He was fast, won some battles. And how about that one handed pass that led to Grabner undressing Hill less than a minute after Duclair scored to restore a 2 goal lead? He still has ways to go. He lost a couple of important faceoffs ( to Derek Stepan no less). But finished with 3 points. What Nieves gives this line though is a totally different look. They have speed, skill, and some size. Whether this line can be effective going forward, and in the playoffs, remains to be seen. I just don’t think Buchnevich  should be playing 4th line minutes. PLAYOFFS ?  Did I just say playoffs? 🙂

My 3 stars: 4th line. In no particular order ( Hi, Wicky )