NFT: NYRangers Experts: why can't the rangers hold on to a lead?

I couldn't tell you the exact reason - but this has definitely been an issue that pre-dates Quinn. The series against Ottawa comes to mind.

There was a time where the Rangers were virtually unbeatable if they entered the 3rd period with a lead - but those days are long gone. We no longer have the same shut down blue line we used to have.

We have the same issue, perhaps it is just more pronounced when your team does it.

Overall, he has been very good. Real bounce back year. But 36 year old legs tire more easily

Plus, Rangers lose their aggressiveness and start trying to protect

I think those two things together are responsible. That and some unlucky bounces

they are going to blow it.

Lousy defensemen, aging goalie

expert, but this chart explains some of it.

They are one of the lowest shot generation teams in the league and one of the worst at allowing shots.

Whether you have a lead or not, those numbers eventually even out and pucks go in.

They're also one of the worst teams at controlling the puck.

It means they rely too much on the goalie.

My personal observation is the defense is the weakness.

Early in the season when they were on a winning streak, they had a very high PDO (some call it puck luck) it's your shooting % added to your save percentage - it meant that they were scoring on a lot of shots they don't usually score on, and Hank was standing on his head.

Team that don't generate a lot of shots need to have a high shooting percentage to succeed offensively. It's not usually sustainable over time.

the Rangers probably would be at the bottom or pretty close to it.

Their defensive corps is not very good.

And that's deliberate and the right call ... to rebuild this thing the right way.

Unfortunately they win a lot of shootouts, get to OT at an abnormal rate and get fans hopes up -- it's a bottom five (lack of) talent team.

I applaud the effort and bounce back from a few guys such as Staal (who hopefully has trade value now)... but hopefully we pick top of the draft this June. It's what the franchise needs.

but from I see it's the lack of puck possession. The offense doesn't control the puck which puts pressure on the defense. When the defense is always defending eventually you're going to give up goals. Like I say when I play, I play my best defense when we have possession in the other team's zone.

Kevin Hayes is playing this year like I expected he'd be playing 4 years ago.

Still wish he'd be more physical, but this is the player I thought he would/should be.

Maybe Quinn vs AV has this effect on someone like Hayes.

He's like Rick Nash lite.

If he can develop some grit (and I don't mean fighting) he could be a future captain and a guy you keep for the rebuild not deal.

Since he came here the Defense went from bad to very very bad...

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