This past week the New York Rangers took on three teams that are potential playoff teams. But, unfortunately, they only came away with one win. Does this mean that the Rangers won’t go far into the playoffs? Not necessarily. Their goaltending is on point with Igor Shesterkin, and their defense is much better than at the start of the season.
The issue with the Rangers this past week and other previous games are with the forwards. There appeared to be no issues with scoring in the Washington Capitals game. The Rangers were playing a complete game for one. However, the games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks were a different story.
The Rangers couldn’t buy a goal, even if they were being given away for free. At least they could get two against Vancouver, but it was a little too late to make much of a difference. That being said, the Ranger team that played the latter part of the third in that game should have made an appearance in the first and never let their foot off the gas.
With the trade deadline looming on the horizon, will the front office find the missing piece to the Rangers puzzle?
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Other News
The Rangers have agreed to terms with Jonny Brodzinski, with a two-year contract extension. He currently leads the Hartford Wolf Pack in goals and points and is second in assists. He’s played five games for the Rangers this season, recording three shots.
New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals
February 24, 2022
Madison Square Garden
W 4-1
1st Period
12:57-Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere & Zachary Jones
2nd Period
18:48-Alexis Lafreniere & Ryan Lindgren
3rd Period
06:57-Chris Kreider, Adam Fox & Mika Zibanejad
11:09-Barclay Goodrow, Kevin Rooney & Ryan Reaves
18:58-Alex Ovechkin & Evgeny Kuznetsov
Everyone waited with bated breath to see if anything would go down with Tom Wilson. But alas…nothing. In lieu of that, the Rangers took it to the Capitals, giving them a beatdown like a kid finally fighting back against the bully. There was no need for Shesterkin to steal the game. His teammates played a great game, and he was able to turn away 36 shots.
There was a skirmish or two, but for the most part, the Rangers were in control the entire game. It looked like a genuine 60-minute effort from the boys in blue, which is what head coach Gerard Gallant is looking for.
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins
February 26, 2022
PPG Paints Arena
L 1-0
1st Period
No Scoring
2nd Period
No Scoring
3rd Period
05:09-Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust & Sidney Crosby
Their first matchup of the season felt more like a playoff game. If the playoffs were to begin now, these two would be meeting up in the first round, and it is easy to see it would be a great show. However, it could only be described as chirpy, as kerfuffles broke out a lot in this game. Everyone was feeling it.
Although Tristan Jarry has had his difficulties in net this season, he and Shesterkin put on a show for the crowd. However, the real show was seeing how the refs yet again let the Penguins get away with things. The Penguins scored on a power play, but it was a highly questionable call on Lindgren against Crosby.
Shesterkin did his best to give his team the chance to win, but in the end, the Rangers were unable to capitalize on any scoring chances.
New York Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks
February 27, 2022
Madison Square Garden
L 5-2
1st Period
03:12-Tanner Pearson & J.T. Miller
19:21-Tyler Myers, J.T. Miller & Matthew Highmore
2nd Period
06:06-Juho Lammikko & Luke Schenn
15:16-Matthew Highmore, Oliver Ekman-Larsson & Tyler Myers
3rd Period
09:53-Alexis Lafreniere & Mika Zibanejad
14:03-Ryan Strome, Artemi Panarin & Adam Fox
17:51-Elias Pettersson & Thatcher Demko
The Rangers came into the game strong. However, they were thwarted by Demko. He looked like he was putting on a goaltender clinic, keeping the rangers off the board. New York didn’t do themselves any favors, with mistakes and turnovers. Also, another thing the Rangers weren’t able to do was capitalize on three power-play opportunities Vancouver gave them.
A rusty Georgiev didn’t help the situation either. It had been a month since he’d started in net, and it showed. Although, his teammates weren’t much help at all until the third period. By then, like it was in the game against Pittsburgh, it was too little too late.
What We Learned This Week
If the Rangers make the playoffs, they will have a difficult road. As it stands right now, if the playoffs were to start today, they would play the Penguins. While it would make an interesting series, it would be a long, long road if the Rangers played like they did this past week against them. New York is still plagued by inconsistency, but now it appears to have spread to the power play. Gallant needs to clear out whatever has infected his team and get them back on track.
For now, New York is back in third place in the Metropolitan, three points behind Pittsburg and six points ahead of the Capitals. The Rangers need to do whatever it takes to win games, otherwise, they might be holding on to a playoff spot for dear life.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
