Being tied 2-2 with a monster of a tough opponent like Florida in the ECF isn't the worst thing in the world.
No way was this going to be easy, but let's put this "home ice advantage" thing to the test and beat them two more times. It was an OT loss, it's not like it was 5-0.
Being tied 2-2 with a monster of a tough opponent like Florida in the ECF isn't the worst thing in the world.
No way was this going to be easy, but let's put this "home ice advantage" thing to the test and beat them two more times. It was an OT loss, it's not like it was 5-0.
It wasn’t 5-0 because of our goalie but the play on ice was indicative of that type of game. Shesterkin is the world’s best goalie, he isn’t a robot—he will have a bad game at some point. Nothing about the first four games, leads me to believe we can win 2 of 3 even at home. They are the better team by a lot
Panarin doesn't deserve the hate he's getting today
he was really active last night, and he is part of the one line that is actually generating offense consistently. Panarin attracts a lot of attention and Lafreniere/Trocheck are benefitting. I am running out of patience with Zibanejad in particular, but Kreider too, and if you know me as a poster, I'm one of the biggest Zibanejad apologists on the planet. I get it, they're up against two of the top five defensive forwards in the league, who just held Pastrnak to 2 points in 6 games, but at some point they have to do something if the Rangers are going to win this series. Maybe game 5 at home they can keep them away from Barkov/Reinhart with last change.
The Rangers wasted an amazing performance by Igor last night, and I have to say, while I'm far from giving up on this series, I am having flashbacks to Lundqvist's playoff career where he was sensational every night but never got any goal support. I have been bringing up how Igor has zero playoff shutouts in his career, he may need a couple from here on out if they're actually going to win the series/Cup.
I thought Goodrow should have rotated down once Trouba abandoned his position. My guess is Lavy told the D to be more aggressive and not cede puck possession on the penalty kill. NHL goals are seldom one person's fault.
I thought Trouba had a good game before that. Zibanejad is the scapegoat for yesterday, IMO.
I thought Goodrow should have rotated down once Trouba abandoned his position. My guess is Lavy told the D to be more aggressive and not cede puck possession on the penalty kill. NHL goals are seldom one person's fault.
I thought Trouba had a good game before that. Zibanejad is the scapegoat for yesterday, IMO.
This is my assumption as well.
The Rangers had the 3rd best PK in the regular season, but they had already allowed 2 PP goals in the game last night (technically time had expired on the Reinhart goal, but irrelevant) and 2 PP goals last game. My guess is Lavy or Peca said let's not sit and wait for them to pick apart the box, let's be aggressive. Trouba was and it cost them.
I thought Rangers in 7, now I'm not so sure they even get to game 7.
First time in this playoff that I don't feel like they will win.
Are they gassed? Indifferent? Chicken shit (yes you Artemy)? Seems like they can't put out more than one good, solid period per game.
Again, Trocheck and Laf the only top 6 guys who showed up. Even Wheeler was better than Mika, Kreider and Panarin. I was very skeptical but Wheeler was in the Top 4 with Troch, Laf and Goodrow. He had jump and passion. Panarin looks like he's going to shit himself if there is a red shirt within 6 feet of him. 4th line better than the Mika line again.
Igor is standing on his head and they still cant win. What a waste. UGH.
Can't we see what happens in the next game before we start wailing and rending our garments?
The first two games were pretty evenly played. The last two were not. They are perfectly capable of beating the Florida fucking Panthers. Will they? I don't know, any more than any of you know that they won't. Heard this same shit in the Carolina series.
Are a real problem. I mean, not a single defenseman looks remotely interested in trying to maintain possession to get the puck out of the zone. They act like the puck is a live grenade. They flip it out as soon as they touch it. It also doesn't help that statistically speaking, Trouba is one of/if not the worst at zone exits in the entire league.
Are a real problem. I mean, not a single defenseman looks remotely interested in trying to maintain possession to get the puck out of the zone. They act like the puck is a live grenade. They flip it out as soon as they touch it. It also doesn't help that statistically speaking, Trouba is one of/if not the worst at zone exits in the entire league.
This is all true. Miller is big and mobile and can handle the puck - why he refuses to skate a puck out, I don't understand. To a lesser extent, Schneider too. Trouba is what he is. I do think that sitting Gustafsson for Jones and pairing Jones with Trouba and reuniting Miller/Schneider would help quite a bit. Lavi keeps tinkering with the forwards when the defense is the biggest problem by far.
Are a real problem. I mean, not a single defenseman looks remotely interested in trying to maintain possession to get the puck out of the zone. They act like the puck is a live grenade. They flip it out as soon as they touch it. It also doesn't help that statistically speaking, Trouba is one of/if not the worst at zone exits in the entire league.
For the sake of being fair and not just singling out the captain (who was fine until the winning goal, agreed there) Lindgren and Schneider struggle with it as well. Lindgren battles, we all know that, but he struggles to do anything besides flip the puck out. Schneider is really fighting it. He probably looks the most uncomfortable with the puck out of them all. K'Andre isn't a great puck mover but his skating is capable of getting him out of tough spots.
Some of this is just the construction of the group, there's only so much that can improve. But they need to make quicker decisions and the forwards need to support and provide options besides chopping it off the boards and out. Let's see where Laviolette differs from Gallant. I think he can find some solutions, especially having last change at home. The two games at home were miles better than in Florida
With Schneider it seems more mental than anything else
Ron Greschner, he's not, but he has enough skating and puck handling that he should be able to do more than just bang it along the boards. He looks like he just panics whenever the puck comes to him in their own end.
Are a real problem. I mean, not a single defenseman looks remotely interested in trying to maintain possession to get the puck out of the zone. They act like the puck is a live grenade. They flip it out as soon as they touch it. It also doesn't help that statistically speaking, Trouba is one of/if not the worst at zone exits in the entire league.
For the sake of being fair and not just singling out the captain (who was fine until the winning goal, agreed there) Lindgren and Schneider struggle with it as well. Lindgren battles, we all know that, but he struggles to do anything besides flip the puck out. Schneider is really fighting it. He probably looks the most uncomfortable with the puck out of them all. K'Andre isn't a great puck mover but his skating is capable of getting him out of tough spots.
Some of this is just the construction of the group, there's only so much that can improve. But they need to make quicker decisions and the forwards need to support and provide options besides chopping it off the boards and out. Let's see where Laviolette differs from Gallant. I think he can find some solutions, especially having last change at home. The two games at home were miles better than in Florida
I was going to say, the forwards are not doing anything to help either. They just send it around and there isn’t anyone in to forecheck.
am truly baffled by our inability to get the puck out of the zone and beat the forecheck. I get that Fox is hurt but every single one of our Dmen is incapable of making an outlet pass, and our entire team is allergic to carrying the puck out of the zone. It feels like we're on PKs for entire periods. Get pinned in our zone, dump it out, change, FL reloads, back in our zone again for, realistically, 1-3 minutes at a time.
It's been exhausting watching them, especially since Carolina carried the play in our zone during the previous series as well. This team has not looked good for 60 minutes for like 8 games at this point.
You might as well try and play Zac Jones at this point, though idk who you'd sit. And I'm disappointed K'Andre hasn't been better in this regard.
Also, Mika has just been completely outclassed by Barkov. I know he's playing the Selke winner but he's also snake bitten and in one of his funks (as is Kreider).
If they continue to be invisible this year, I think there's real questions about our core 3, and whether these guys are too streaky to ever bring it home. Laffy is going to break out IMO next year, and it makes me wonder if one (or some) of the three should be moved to help this team reload for the future and center a team around him, because if the big 3 can't step up this year, it's a valid question as to whether they ever will.
Having said that though, I don't even know who you'd move. I get that Panarin has been smothered and it's opening up ice for Vinny and Laffy. He's probably someone I wouldn't want to move at all. Chris is Mr. Ranger for this era, it'd feel awful to see him on another team. Mika has had a terrible year and is older now, if you moved him you'd be doing it at his lowest possible value.
Plus I believe they all have NTCs.
Ugh, I hope we can just pull this out somehow. But it's frustrating watching this team rely on their goalie to bail them out for 20 YEARS and eventually letting them down. It's literally been the story since 05.
Lastly, Florida just looks FASTER. Rangers are beat to every 50/50 puck. It feels like we're gliding towards the puck while Florida is constantly pressing in the right stick to sprint.
Honestly, Panarin is playing way better than Kreider
At least he seems interested in trying to make plays.
Kreider has been a no show and displays no urgency in trying to get the puck out of the D zone
Just skates around midway through blue line and face off circle.
Zibby is being outplayed by Barlow who is a monster. At least he is trying more than I can say for Kreider.
I thought last night Cullye and Kakko played hard
Give me a couple more Trocheck ‘s and LaFraniere’s on this team.
Finesse players don’t get it done in the playoffs.
Please put Jones in with Trouba and reunite Miller with Schneider
I thought last night was Fox’s best game and we wasted it.
Can't we see what happens in the next game before we start wailing and rending our garments?
The first two games were pretty evenly played. The last two were not. They are perfectly capable of beating the Florida fucking Panthers. Will they? I don't know, any more than any of you know that they won't. Heard this same shit in the Carolina series.
Just let the games play out.
Hate to be a doomer (I really do) but I felt we got outplayed game 1. Game 2 definitely felt more even.
It's the utter domination in games 3 and 4 that has me concerned (in conjunction with Carolina making us sweat towards the end of that series).
Also, I'm OBVIOUSLY happy we didn't get to see it, but I am so curious wtf a Carolina-Florida series would have looked like, considering their styles of play.
Are a real problem. I mean, not a single defenseman looks remotely interested in trying to maintain possession to get the puck out of the zone. They act like the puck is a live grenade. They flip it out as soon as they touch it. It also doesn't help that statistically speaking, Trouba is one of/if not the worst at zone exits in the entire league.
It feels like this is a problem that just compounds itself.
--> Get pinned in zone
--> get gassed defending and chasing the puck, trying to clear it
--> Clear the damn puck, go off for a change
--> Gathered by FL, who waltz right back into the zone with it after their own change
It's really insane. I find it hard to believe it's a skill issue, but that's what my eyeballs tell me (bolstered by what I hear from others about Laviolette being a good Xs and Os coach).
talk me off the ledge. Rangers need to play a perfect game tomorrow night. Please tell me they can.
Boomer made a good point this series reminds me of the 2014 NYR LAK finals more and more. Except in this one we have caught the occasional break. We need a couple more or we need to play kick ass hockey. We need another game 2 type game out of the blue-shirts, minus the OT stress.
Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
RE: Honestly, Panarin is playing way better than Kreider
Can't we see what happens in the next game before we start wailing and rending our garments?
The first two games were pretty evenly played. The last two were not. They are perfectly capable of beating the Florida fucking Panthers. Will they? I don't know, any more than any of you know that they won't. Heard this same shit in the Carolina series.
Just let the games play out.
This is the take I will hang on to until Thursday night. Sack the fuck up.
This isn't the LA Kings. We can win tomorrow night. And we could have won against LA. Get it done. Break through this shit.
I felt we got outplayed game 1. Game 2 definitely felt more even.
They definitely played better in 2 but at most Florida had a slight edge in 1. Scoring chances were pretty even, shots were pretty even. Igor gave up a softy and Laf put it in his own net.
They played two competitive games at home and then got blitzed on the road. Stole one, lost one. If they lose, we'll have all offseason for postmortems. Don't need premortems.
I really believe that if the NYR get through this, it’ll be so much easier in the Cup Finals than the ECF..like when the Falcon finally got through the meteor shower in the empire strikes back…
FLA has built their team to maximize forward depth. I don't think a team in the league can match them. Maybe DAL, but even then I'd take FLA's forwards.
Tarasenko, the deadline acquisition, is one exception, but their philosophy, supported by their roster, is two on the puck in a heavy, almost cheat-like, fore check.
The way you beat that scheme is exactly what the D are doing, quick wrap arounds on the boards, or reverses behind the net and then wrap around the boards, and forward chips to the middle hitting a breaking forward or bank off the boards to a crossing forward. The Bruins, who are far less talented than the Rangers, did this very well. The D should also activate on the breakout putting pressure on the FLA forwards and wearing them down. Again, BOS did this very well.
the result *should* be odd-man rushes, since FLA's D are porous defensively and their o-zone scheme includes D activation as well. The Rangers had some in games 1 and 2. less in 3 and 4.
The D are not blameless the wraps are late some times, to the wrong side sometimes (the weak side is the easier one), but the breakdown has mostly been the forwards are not always on the boards and when they are, they are often losing 50/50 puck battles.
The D skating it out here would be a disaster and unless Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar suit up in a Rangers jersey they don't really have a D with that skill set - and it's not Jones either from what I have seen. Asking Miller, Trouba, Lindgren, and Schneider (Fox and Gus are the most natural at it IMO) to suddenly beat fore checkers by skating the puck out of the zone would likely result in more pucks finding the back of the net. When you get time, sure, take the ice you are given, but none of those guys does what the fans are asking.
All fixable and the d-zone play (by forwards and D) was much tighter in games 1 and 2 when the Rangers, despite being outshot, had more high danger scoring chances. Even in the game 1 loss the Rangers out chanced FLA.
Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
Good point. You should give up now. No need to visit these threads anymore.
FLA has built their team to maximize forward depth. I don't think a team in the league can match them. Maybe DAL, but even then I'd take FLA's forwards.
Tarasenko, the deadline acquisition, is one exception, but their philosophy, supported by their roster, is two on the puck in a heavy, almost cheat-like, fore check.
The way you beat that scheme is exactly what the D are doing, quick wrap arounds on the boards, or reverses behind the net and then wrap around the boards, and forward chips to the middle hitting a breaking forward or bank off the boards to a crossing forward. The Bruins, who are far less talented than the Rangers, did this very well. The D should also activate on the breakout putting pressure on the FLA forwards and wearing them down. Again, BOS did this very well.
the result *should* be odd-man rushes, since FLA's D are porous defensively and their o-zone scheme includes D activation as well. The Rangers had some in games 1 and 2. less in 3 and 4.
The D are not blameless the wraps are late some times, to the wrong side sometimes (the weak side is the easier one), but the breakdown has mostly been the forwards are not always on the boards and when they are, they are often losing 50/50 puck battles.
The D skating it out here would be a disaster and unless Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar suit up in a Rangers jersey they don't really have a D with that skill set - and it's not Jones either from what I have seen. Asking Miller, Trouba, Lindgren, and Schneider (Fox and Gus are the most natural at it IMO) to suddenly beat fore checkers by skating the puck out of the zone would likely result in more pucks finding the back of the net. When you get time, sure, take the ice you are given, but none of those guys does what the fans are asking.
All fixable and the d-zone play (by forwards and D) was much tighter in games 1 and 2 when the Rangers, despite being outshot, had more high danger scoring chances. Even in the game 1 loss the Rangers out chanced FLA.
just my opinion.
PJ....they HAVE had time. They are NOT taking the ice given. How many times have they simply given away the puck without the need to do so? Contested turnovers happen. Unforced turnovers are KILLING them.
Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
I'm not too worried about Igor wanting to re-sign here as long as the money is right. NYC is a very comfortable place for Russians to play and despite our frustrations at times, this is a team with a realistic chance to win the cup each year. You're too doom and gloom! :)
Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
I'm not too worried about Igor wanting to re-sign here as long as the money is right. NYC is a very comfortable place for Russians to play and despite our frustrations at times, this is a team with a realistic chance to win the cup each year. You're too doom and gloom! :)
Lol...I hope you're right. We have been spoiled with our goalie lineage all the way back to Giacomin, Vanbiesbrouck, Davidson, Richter, Hank, and now Igor with a smattering of others in between. What a run, and only 1 cup.
because I was at the beach. Rangers won. So I skipped posting on Game 3 and Game 4. So after the loss, I'm back baby. In Brett we trust.
The good news
Every game is close. We're not getting blown out.
We're pretty much evenly matched.
I trust this regime to make necessary adjustments
It's a best of 3 series with 2 games being at home.
Lafreniere is a stud.
The bad news
Top stars are disappearing. Mika, Panarin, Kreider.
Our PP still hasn't done much.
Rangers are allergic to clearing the zone. That's why they're losing.
Closing thoughts: Dear Lord in Heaven, Rangers in 7.
Again. Panarin had two assists. Why lump him in with those other two nerds?
Also, the guy who said they cannot see the Rangers winning two games at home, OK, good point. Save me the hassle of watching the games because you said so. Forgot Florida went to the cup and everything last year.
Everyone remembers Game 6 and 7 against the Devils in 1994. However, people forget that the reason they had to win both of those monumental games was that the Devils pounded them in games 4 and 5, 3-1 and 4-1.
Everyone remembers Game 6 and 7 against the Devils in 1994. However, people forget that the reason they had to win both of those monumental games was that the Devils pounded them in games 4 and 5, 3-1 and 4-1.
But do those guys have the 1994 grit in them?
Or are they just ... Dan Girardi and Rick Nash? How will we remember this crop?
Says the Rangers won 2 games without really playing their best, and while yesterday turned into a shit show, they won one period, lost two, and were on the wrong side of one crucial OT error away from being up 3-1.
Or put differently, I don't think the Panthers can play much better than they have but the Rangers can - and the recipe for it isn't so hard to figure out. Plus Fox looking better is huge. And home ice should help Z and Kreider.
They are tougher, they are in better shape (every late 2nd and 3rd they have owned us, and one could say better. So what! It’s two out of 3 now. Crying after the season and get those candy asses who won’t go to the net the hell out of here in the offseason. Bottom line “Just win baby”.
They are tougher, they are in better shape (every late 2nd and 3rd they have owned us, and one could say better. So what! It’s two out of 3 now. Crying after the season and get those candy asses who won’t go to the net the hell out of here in the offseason. Bottom line “Just win baby”.
because I was at the beach. Rangers won. So I skipped posting on Game 3 and Game 4. So after the loss, I'm back baby. In Brett we trust.
The good news
Every game is close. We're not getting blown out.
We're pretty much evenly matched.
I trust this regime to make necessary adjustments
It's a best of 3 series with 2 games being at home.
Lafreniere is a stud.
The bad news
Top stars are disappearing. Mika, Panarin, Kreider.
Our PP still hasn't done much.
Rangers are allergic to clearing the zone. That's why they're losing.
Closing thoughts: Dear Lord in Heaven, Rangers in 7.
The next time a Ranger dman makes some half assed flip that gets knocked down at the blue line I’m gonna have a fucking stroke
pj with respect, I think you came close to saying some days ago, in response to post of mine, that FLA overwhelming off zone time really didn't MATTER that much, just look at analytics. heh it's beyond clear I think you're acknowledging that NYR dmen are drowning in FL off zone pressure.
Aside, seems like real of last 3 years, Kyle, Brett,and I and others are in this same convo about the 'core.
Oh, and did DOPS suspend Bennett for his sucker punch on Marchand? Or was that a hockey play too? Brett and Kyle stay away from pj's leagues!!
Bon voyage back to MSG, don't redux this Game 5 at home thing
LGR
but it matters less than scoring chances and high danger scoring chances. That was my point.
you could argue one leads to the other, but game 1 belies that theory as did some of the Bruins Panthers games.
FLA is susceptible to giving up odd-man rushes due to their aggressive o-zone and neutral zone schemes. NYR need to make them pay. They didn't make them pay in game 1 when Bobrovsky was phenomenal. Bob has just been ok since then, but the Rangers (at least in games 3 and 4) haven't pressured the FLA D and Bob enough.
I thought FL got higher quality chances last night than they did in 3.
This was always going to be a coin flip series.
Last night was ridiculous. I forget and can't look it up something like 15 to 6 in scoring chances. Last night was a legit - Igor came close to stealing a game. I believe Bobrovsky was still a net negative, but it didn't matter the Rangers had so low xGF FLA could have had one of those fake plastic practice goalies in net and still won.
The next time a Ranger dman makes some half assed flip that gets knocked down at the blue line I’m gonna have a fucking stroke
This~.
Florida's been impenetrable at the line but the Rangers have been lackadaisical. Were I an Xs an Os guy I'd think a combination of attention to getting the puck out by the D plus some plays taking of their crash the side boards tendency could solve this.
For me this series has been all about special teams
Hot: Panthers PP and PK
Cold: Rangers PP and PK
Special teams got the Rangers the President Cup and ECF’s
It’s missing in action right now..
I think Fox’s injury has had a big negative effect on PP in this series.
He looked much better last night.
I hope that Fox continues to improve.
I would like to see more ice time for LaFraniere on PP
With respect to D corps their have been multiple occasions where they had space to start moving the puck out of zone but they instantly start chipping the puck as soon as it hits their stick imv.
Game 5 is huge. Let’s play 60 minutes of intense and physical hockey
LGR
I thought FL got higher quality chances last night than they did in 3.
This was always going to be a coin flip series.
Last night was ridiculous. I forget and can't look it up something like 15 to 6 in scoring chances. Last night was a legit - Igor came close to stealing a game. I believe Bobrovsky was still a net negative, but it didn't matter the Rangers had so low xGF FLA could have had one of those fake plastic practice goalies in net and still won.
Sadly, I don't think this is such an exaggeration. They didn't really test him much. The 2 goals plus Zibanejad's near miss were the only times. Most of the other SOG seemed to be right in the gut.
This is a similar scenario to the Devils in 1994 and going back further the Islanders in 1979. The Rangers managed to win both of those series against teams that were much tougher and arguably much better. Those two teams won 7 Cups after losing to the Rangers.
On the flip side these games are brutal to watch. I've been watching this NY Rangers DNA for almost 60 years now. Nothing has changed over all the years except 1994 when Messier brought his friends with him to NY. They aren't built for the playoffs. Their best players want no part of this rough, dirty hockey.
The supposed 1st line has been worthless in this series, even on the power play. They're all worried about getting hit and have lost their poise.
Hopefully they find a way to win two more games. If they make it there the next round might be a better match up for them.
No way was this going to be easy, but let's put this "home ice advantage" thing to the test and beat them two more times. It was an OT loss, it's not like it was 5-0.
Panarin at least had two assists in this game. What those other two are doing besides being shut down, who knows?
No way was this going to be easy, but let's put this "home ice advantage" thing to the test and beat them two more times. It was an OT loss, it's not like it was 5-0.
It wasn’t 5-0 because of our goalie but the play on ice was indicative of that type of game. Shesterkin is the world’s best goalie, he isn’t a robot—he will have a bad game at some point. Nothing about the first four games, leads me to believe we can win 2 of 3 even at home. They are the better team by a lot
The Rangers wasted an amazing performance by Igor last night, and I have to say, while I'm far from giving up on this series, I am having flashbacks to Lundqvist's playoff career where he was sensational every night but never got any goal support. I have been bringing up how Igor has zero playoff shutouts in his career, he may need a couple from here on out if they're actually going to win the series/Cup.
I thought Trouba had a good game before that. Zibanejad is the scapegoat for yesterday, IMO.
Quote:
Don't get the Trouba hate tonight.
Zibanejad has been awful. Totally outclassed by Barkov this series. If they lose this series, he's #1 on my shit list.
Officials missed two calls in the final minute. Really bullshit.
Yes. He is getting dominated by Barkov. I know Barkov is elite defensively but damn, man, you gotta do better than this.
Not to rehash old and irrelevant arguments, but it's why I didn't like the extension. He's frequently outmatched by the best centers in the game.
I thought Trouba had a good game before that. Zibanejad is the scapegoat for yesterday, IMO.
This is my assumption as well.
The Rangers had the 3rd best PK in the regular season, but they had already allowed 2 PP goals in the game last night (technically time had expired on the Reinhart goal, but irrelevant) and 2 PP goals last game. My guess is Lavy or Peca said let's not sit and wait for them to pick apart the box, let's be aggressive. Trouba was and it cost them.
Are they gassed? Indifferent? Chicken shit (yes you Artemy)? Seems like they can't put out more than one good, solid period per game.
Again, Trocheck and Laf the only top 6 guys who showed up. Even Wheeler was better than Mika, Kreider and Panarin. I was very skeptical but Wheeler was in the Top 4 with Troch, Laf and Goodrow. He had jump and passion. Panarin looks like he's going to shit himself if there is a red shirt within 6 feet of him. 4th line better than the Mika line again.
Igor is standing on his head and they still cant win. What a waste. UGH.
The first two games were pretty evenly played. The last two were not. They are perfectly capable of beating the Florida fucking Panthers. Will they? I don't know, any more than any of you know that they won't. Heard this same shit in the Carolina series.
Just let the games play out.
This is all true. Miller is big and mobile and can handle the puck - why he refuses to skate a puck out, I don't understand. To a lesser extent, Schneider too. Trouba is what he is. I do think that sitting Gustafsson for Jones and pairing Jones with Trouba and reuniting Miller/Schneider would help quite a bit. Lavi keeps tinkering with the forwards when the defense is the biggest problem by far.
For the sake of being fair and not just singling out the captain (who was fine until the winning goal, agreed there) Lindgren and Schneider struggle with it as well. Lindgren battles, we all know that, but he struggles to do anything besides flip the puck out. Schneider is really fighting it. He probably looks the most uncomfortable with the puck out of them all. K'Andre isn't a great puck mover but his skating is capable of getting him out of tough spots.
Some of this is just the construction of the group, there's only so much that can improve. But they need to make quicker decisions and the forwards need to support and provide options besides chopping it off the boards and out. Let's see where Laviolette differs from Gallant. I think he can find some solutions, especially having last change at home. The two games at home were miles better than in Florida
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Are a real problem. I mean, not a single defenseman looks remotely interested in trying to maintain possession to get the puck out of the zone. They act like the puck is a live grenade. They flip it out as soon as they touch it. It also doesn't help that statistically speaking, Trouba is one of/if not the worst at zone exits in the entire league.
For the sake of being fair and not just singling out the captain (who was fine until the winning goal, agreed there) Lindgren and Schneider struggle with it as well. Lindgren battles, we all know that, but he struggles to do anything besides flip the puck out. Schneider is really fighting it. He probably looks the most uncomfortable with the puck out of them all. K'Andre isn't a great puck mover but his skating is capable of getting him out of tough spots.
Some of this is just the construction of the group, there's only so much that can improve. But they need to make quicker decisions and the forwards need to support and provide options besides chopping it off the boards and out. Let's see where Laviolette differs from Gallant. I think he can find some solutions, especially having last change at home. The two games at home were miles better than in Florida
I was going to say, the forwards are not doing anything to help either. They just send it around and there isn’t anyone in to forecheck.
am truly baffled by our inability to get the puck out of the zone and beat the forecheck. I get that Fox is hurt but every single one of our Dmen is incapable of making an outlet pass, and our entire team is allergic to carrying the puck out of the zone. It feels like we're on PKs for entire periods. Get pinned in our zone, dump it out, change, FL reloads, back in our zone again for, realistically, 1-3 minutes at a time.
It's been exhausting watching them, especially since Carolina carried the play in our zone during the previous series as well. This team has not looked good for 60 minutes for like 8 games at this point.
You might as well try and play Zac Jones at this point, though idk who you'd sit. And I'm disappointed K'Andre hasn't been better in this regard.
Also, Mika has just been completely outclassed by Barkov. I know he's playing the Selke winner but he's also snake bitten and in one of his funks (as is Kreider).
If they continue to be invisible this year, I think there's real questions about our core 3, and whether these guys are too streaky to ever bring it home. Laffy is going to break out IMO next year, and it makes me wonder if one (or some) of the three should be moved to help this team reload for the future and center a team around him, because if the big 3 can't step up this year, it's a valid question as to whether they ever will.
Having said that though, I don't even know who you'd move. I get that Panarin has been smothered and it's opening up ice for Vinny and Laffy. He's probably someone I wouldn't want to move at all. Chris is Mr. Ranger for this era, it'd feel awful to see him on another team. Mika has had a terrible year and is older now, if you moved him you'd be doing it at his lowest possible value.
Plus I believe they all have NTCs.
Ugh, I hope we can just pull this out somehow. But it's frustrating watching this team rely on their goalie to bail them out for 20 YEARS and eventually letting them down. It's literally been the story since 05.
Lastly, Florida just looks FASTER. Rangers are beat to every 50/50 puck. It feels like we're gliding towards the puck while Florida is constantly pressing in the right stick to sprint.
Kreider has been a no show and displays no urgency in trying to get the puck out of the D zone
Just skates around midway through blue line and face off circle.
Zibby is being outplayed by Barlow who is a monster. At least he is trying more than I can say for Kreider.
I thought last night Cullye and Kakko played hard
Give me a couple more Trocheck ‘s and LaFraniere’s on this team.
Finesse players don’t get it done in the playoffs.
Please put Jones in with Trouba and reunite Miller with Schneider
I thought last night was Fox’s best game and we wasted it.
The first two games were pretty evenly played. The last two were not. They are perfectly capable of beating the Florida fucking Panthers. Will they? I don't know, any more than any of you know that they won't. Heard this same shit in the Carolina series.
Just let the games play out.
It's the utter domination in games 3 and 4 that has me concerned (in conjunction with Carolina making us sweat towards the end of that series).
Also, I'm OBVIOUSLY happy we didn't get to see it, but I am so curious wtf a Carolina-Florida series would have looked like, considering their styles of play.
--> Get pinned in zone
--> get gassed defending and chasing the puck, trying to clear it
--> Clear the damn puck, go off for a change
--> Gathered by FL, who waltz right back into the zone with it after their own change
It's really insane. I find it hard to believe it's a skill issue, but that's what my eyeballs tell me (bolstered by what I hear from others about Laviolette being a good Xs and Os coach).
Boomer made a good point this series reminds me of the 2014 NYR LAK finals more and more. Except in this one we have caught the occasional break. We need a couple more or we need to play kick ass hockey. We need another game 2 type game out of the blue-shirts, minus the OT stress.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
Finesse players don’t get it done in the playoffs.
The first two games were pretty evenly played. The last two were not. They are perfectly capable of beating the Florida fucking Panthers. Will they? I don't know, any more than any of you know that they won't. Heard this same shit in the Carolina series.
Just let the games play out.
This is the take I will hang on to until Thursday night. Sack the fuck up.
This isn't the LA Kings. We can win tomorrow night. And we could have won against LA. Get it done. Break through this shit.
They definitely played better in 2 but at most Florida had a slight edge in 1. Scoring chances were pretty even, shots were pretty even. Igor gave up a softy and Laf put it in his own net.
They played two competitive games at home and then got blitzed on the road. Stole one, lost one. If they lose, we'll have all offseason for postmortems. Don't need premortems.
FLA has built their team to maximize forward depth. I don't think a team in the league can match them. Maybe DAL, but even then I'd take FLA's forwards.
Tarasenko, the deadline acquisition, is one exception, but their philosophy, supported by their roster, is two on the puck in a heavy, almost cheat-like, fore check.
The way you beat that scheme is exactly what the D are doing, quick wrap arounds on the boards, or reverses behind the net and then wrap around the boards, and forward chips to the middle hitting a breaking forward or bank off the boards to a crossing forward. The Bruins, who are far less talented than the Rangers, did this very well. The D should also activate on the breakout putting pressure on the FLA forwards and wearing them down. Again, BOS did this very well.
the result *should* be odd-man rushes, since FLA's D are porous defensively and their o-zone scheme includes D activation as well. The Rangers had some in games 1 and 2. less in 3 and 4.
The D are not blameless the wraps are late some times, to the wrong side sometimes (the weak side is the easier one), but the breakdown has mostly been the forwards are not always on the boards and when they are, they are often losing 50/50 puck battles.
The D skating it out here would be a disaster and unless Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar suit up in a Rangers jersey they don't really have a D with that skill set - and it's not Jones either from what I have seen. Asking Miller, Trouba, Lindgren, and Schneider (Fox and Gus are the most natural at it IMO) to suddenly beat fore checkers by skating the puck out of the zone would likely result in more pucks finding the back of the net. When you get time, sure, take the ice you are given, but none of those guys does what the fans are asking.
All fixable and the d-zone play (by forwards and D) was much tighter in games 1 and 2 when the Rangers, despite being outshot, had more high danger scoring chances. Even in the game 1 loss the Rangers out chanced FLA.
just my opinion.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
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Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
Good point. You should give up now. No need to visit these threads anymore.
FLA has built their team to maximize forward depth. I don't think a team in the league can match them. Maybe DAL, but even then I'd take FLA's forwards.
Tarasenko, the deadline acquisition, is one exception, but their philosophy, supported by their roster, is two on the puck in a heavy, almost cheat-like, fore check.
The way you beat that scheme is exactly what the D are doing, quick wrap arounds on the boards, or reverses behind the net and then wrap around the boards, and forward chips to the middle hitting a breaking forward or bank off the boards to a crossing forward. The Bruins, who are far less talented than the Rangers, did this very well. The D should also activate on the breakout putting pressure on the FLA forwards and wearing them down. Again, BOS did this very well.
the result *should* be odd-man rushes, since FLA's D are porous defensively and their o-zone scheme includes D activation as well. The Rangers had some in games 1 and 2. less in 3 and 4.
The D are not blameless the wraps are late some times, to the wrong side sometimes (the weak side is the easier one), but the breakdown has mostly been the forwards are not always on the boards and when they are, they are often losing 50/50 puck battles.
The D skating it out here would be a disaster and unless Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar suit up in a Rangers jersey they don't really have a D with that skill set - and it's not Jones either from what I have seen. Asking Miller, Trouba, Lindgren, and Schneider (Fox and Gus are the most natural at it IMO) to suddenly beat fore checkers by skating the puck out of the zone would likely result in more pucks finding the back of the net. When you get time, sure, take the ice you are given, but none of those guys does what the fans are asking.
All fixable and the d-zone play (by forwards and D) was much tighter in games 1 and 2 when the Rangers, despite being outshot, had more high danger scoring chances. Even in the game 1 loss the Rangers out chanced FLA.
just my opinion.
PJ....they HAVE had time. They are NOT taking the ice given. How many times have they simply given away the puck without the need to do so? Contested turnovers happen. Unforced turnovers are KILLING them.
Schneider: 11
Miller: 9
Gus: 6
Trouba: 6
Lindgren: 5
Fox: 3
Sometimes I think someone says something on here and people just repeat it and it becomes true.
those numbers are higher than people would want, but not what fans are here seem to be portraying.
The NHL defines giveaways as:
"a form of turnover where the player makes an unforced error that results in giving the puck up to the opposition"
for reference, FLA D:
Ekblad: 13
Mikkola: 8
Forsling: 6
Montour: 5
Kulikov: 3
OEL: 1
Doesn't look much different IMO.
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Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
I'm not too worried about Igor wanting to re-sign here as long as the money is right. NYC is a very comfortable place for Russians to play and despite our frustrations at times, this is a team with a realistic chance to win the cup each year. You're too doom and gloom! :)
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In comment 16526557 Kyle in NY said:
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Good post Bear. There's a ton on the line for this veteran core in these next 2-3 games. You can only knock at the door so many times.
Rangers future looks a lot brighter if this Lafreniere ascension continues. There's a lot of young pieces in place and assume they re-sign Igor after next season. But if they don't get it done this year, their next run may not involve all/some of the veteran leaders.
Let's see what they've got. I had started to consider this during the Penguins series two years ago and then Mika and Kreider got scorching hot. Now's the time
If you were Igor, and you KNOW the team can't move more than half thier core roster due to NTCs, and you've seen that they realistically cannot compete in the playoffs against the more physical teams and it ain't changing for them, would you re-sign?
I'm not too worried about Igor wanting to re-sign here as long as the money is right. NYC is a very comfortable place for Russians to play and despite our frustrations at times, this is a team with a realistic chance to win the cup each year. You're too doom and gloom! :)
Lol...I hope you're right. We have been spoiled with our goalie lineage all the way back to Giacomin, Vanbiesbrouck, Davidson, Richter, Hank, and now Igor with a smattering of others in between. What a run, and only 1 cup.
The good news
Every game is close. We're not getting blown out.
We're pretty much evenly matched.
I trust this regime to make necessary adjustments
It's a best of 3 series with 2 games being at home.
Lafreniere is a stud.
The bad news
Top stars are disappearing. Mika, Panarin, Kreider.
Our PP still hasn't done much.
Rangers are allergic to clearing the zone. That's why they're losing.
Closing thoughts: Dear Lord in Heaven, Rangers in 7.
Also, the guy who said they cannot see the Rangers winning two games at home, OK, good point. Save me the hassle of watching the games because you said so. Forgot Florida went to the cup and everything last year.
But do those guys have the 1994 grit in them?
Or are they just ... Dan Girardi and Rick Nash? How will we remember this crop?
Or put differently, I don't think the Panthers can play much better than they have but the Rangers can - and the recipe for it isn't so hard to figure out. Plus Fox looking better is huge. And home ice should help Z and Kreider.
Shots - ( New Window )
The good news
Every game is close. We're not getting blown out.
We're pretty much evenly matched.
I trust this regime to make necessary adjustments
It's a best of 3 series with 2 games being at home.
Lafreniere is a stud.
The bad news
Top stars are disappearing. Mika, Panarin, Kreider.
Our PP still hasn't done much.
Rangers are allergic to clearing the zone. That's why they're losing.
Closing thoughts: Dear Lord in Heaven, Rangers in 7.
The next time a Ranger dman makes some half assed flip that gets knocked down at the blue line I’m gonna have a fucking stroke
Aside, seems like real of last 3 years, Kyle, Brett,and I and others are in this same convo about the 'core.
Oh, and did DOPS suspend Bennett for his sucker punch on Marchand? Or was that a hockey play too? Brett and Kyle stay away from pj's leagues!!
Bon voyage back to MSG, don't redux this Game 5 at home thing
LGR
you could argue one leads to the other, but game 1 belies that theory as did some of the Bruins Panthers games.
FLA is susceptible to giving up odd-man rushes due to their aggressive o-zone and neutral zone schemes. NYR need to make them pay. They didn't make them pay in game 1 when Bobrovsky was phenomenal. Bob has just been ok since then, but the Rangers (at least in games 3 and 4) haven't pressured the FLA D and Bob enough.
My prediction is they will in game 5.
This was always going to be a coin flip series.
This was always going to be a coin flip series.
Last night was ridiculous. I forget and can't look it up something like 15 to 6 in scoring chances. Last night was a legit - Igor came close to stealing a game. I believe Bobrovsky was still a net negative, but it didn't matter the Rangers had so low xGF FLA could have had one of those fake plastic practice goalies in net and still won.
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The next time a Ranger dman makes some half assed flip that gets knocked down at the blue line I’m gonna have a fucking stroke
This~.
Florida's been impenetrable at the line but the Rangers have been lackadaisical. Were I an Xs an Os guy I'd think a combination of attention to getting the puck out by the D plus some plays taking of their crash the side boards tendency could solve this.
Cold: Rangers PP and PK
Special teams got the Rangers the President Cup and ECF’s
It’s missing in action right now..
I think Fox’s injury has had a big negative effect on PP in this series.
He looked much better last night.
I hope that Fox continues to improve.
I would like to see more ice time for LaFraniere on PP
With respect to D corps their have been multiple occasions where they had space to start moving the puck out of zone but they instantly start chipping the puck as soon as it hits their stick imv.
Game 5 is huge. Let’s play 60 minutes of intense and physical hockey
LGR
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I thought FL got higher quality chances last night than they did in 3.
This was always going to be a coin flip series.
Last night was ridiculous. I forget and can't look it up something like 15 to 6 in scoring chances. Last night was a legit - Igor came close to stealing a game. I believe Bobrovsky was still a net negative, but it didn't matter the Rangers had so low xGF FLA could have had one of those fake plastic practice goalies in net and still won.
On the flip side these games are brutal to watch. I've been watching this NY Rangers DNA for almost 60 years now. Nothing has changed over all the years except 1994 when Messier brought his friends with him to NY. They aren't built for the playoffs. Their best players want no part of this rough, dirty hockey.
The supposed 1st line has been worthless in this series, even on the power play. They're all worried about getting hit and have lost their poise.
Hopefully they find a way to win two more games. If they make it there the next round might be a better match up for them.