Thoughts from last night’s shootout loss

I was at the game last night, thus there will be no goal breakdown for the game. But I am able to do a brain dump of my thoughts from the game, so that’s something. Generally you’re ok with a point in a game against a playoff team, but last night’s game felt different. The Rangers really shouldn’t have struggled against a Vancouver team that isn’t deep, but they did.

The previous three wins were ugly, and it usually when you see ugly wins like that, it’s a sign that a slump is on the horizon. Wins are obviously the most important aspect of this game, but there is a lot of value in how you get the wins. Last night was one of those games that was just as ugly as the wins, the only difference was Vancouver made them pay.

• I sat in section 227 last night, and I have to admit it was fun sitting near actual fans that were watching the game. It’s been a while since I’ve had that. Usually it’s a bunch of people on their phones the whole game. Kudos to you, section 227.
• One thing about that section: There’s an entire area that is blocked off and has a TV that airs the live feed. I honestly don’t know what the point is, why pay for seats when you can’t see the ice?
• That first goal, the Derek Stepan goal, was a thing of beauty. Martin St. Louis made a pretty pass from behind the net, and Stepan did a good job getting open in the slot. Both Canucks defensemen were turned and facing MSL, so it was some bad defense by Vancouver as well.
• Cam Talbot had another rough game, and he just kind of flopped on that Shawn Matthias goal. I’m trying to figure out why he didn’t stay in front of the puck and get his body there. He looked like me out there, and that’s not a compliment.
• Rick Nash’s goal was nice. Derick Brassard made a nice pass to Nash behind the defense, and Nash did Nash things.
• Bo Horvat’s goal was pretty, but the 2-on-1 was available because of a terrible pinch by Ryan McDonagh, who went to cross check someone instead of playing the puck.
• Can’t really blame Talbot for the Henrik Sedin powerplay goal. Deflections happen.
• That MSL goal was the best goal of the night. Stepan only had one place to put that pass, and MSL had the presence of mind to jump over the puck, let it ricochet of the boards to get a better angle, and then take the rush on the off-wing, using his body to shield the puck and put it through Ryan Miller. It was a bit of a weak goal by Miller though.
• Good job by Carl Hagelin to get to the front of the net for his goal. Hey, Tanner Glass did a good job along the boards behind the net to ensure the Rangers could get the puck to Dan Girardi at the point.
• As for the tying goal, Henrik was Stepan’s man, and he and Girardi got crossed up covering the same man in front.
• I really hate the shootout. 4 on 4 continuous OT please.

I’d expect MacKenzie Skapski to get the start tonight in Buffalo, which is basically a must win for the Rangers if they want to continue to have a shot at the Metro Division crown. Talbot looks like he needs a night off.