Did you see that pass bro? That was a sweet pass.

Did you see that pass bro? That was a sweet pass.

So I didn’t get home until the second period, and that’s the only period of the game I caught. Instead of a goal breakdown, let’s go through a bullet point list of what I noticed.

  • The speed by Viktor Stalberg sure is something. That’s something the Rangers don’t do enough, which is build speed through the neutral zone and get defenders on their heels. It leads to great chances and penalties, like it did with Cody Franson. That’s why the Rangers don’t get many powerplay opportunities, it’s because they aren’t generating speed through the neutral zone.
  • That powerplay needs to just pull the trigger. Too many times I saw them defer to the pass or to someone who makes more money. It’s a tad ridiculous. If you have a lane, shoot the puck. If you don’t have a lane, be patient and move. Which is another thing they don’t really do that much: Move. They skate in circles around where they are supposed to positioned, instead of creating space.

  • They showed a replay of the Dylan McIlrath goal, and good for the kid. He hadn’t played in what felt like a year, and he gets a goal (or an assist if they change the scoring again). I hope it’s enough to stay in the lineup. It won’t be, but I’ve beaten that to death.
  • The Stalberg goal was a great goal. A turnover in the neutral zone, and then just gaining the zone and eyes on the puck the whole time.
  • The shift before the goal was interesting. It was with the Zuccarello line. The entire shift was in the defensive zone. And instead of playing man coverage, they were playing a straight zone. Strong side overload, and then a low zone collapse when the puck was below the goal line. The wings challenged the point shot when the puck got there as well.
  • The goal from Brassard was pretty as well. The Rangers forced a turnover in the offensive zone, and then found open space. Fast got the puck to the slot, and Brass swiped at it, goal went in off his skate. Sometimes it’s just little things.
  • Then they gave it all back with two goals to Girgensons in 1:13, both from Eichel, and both against Staal/Klein. But here’s the thing, Staal played the first goal just fine, that was just a great kick pass from Eichel. The second, Klein fell on the back check.
  • Then the Rangers answered right back. It shows cajones, but these mental lapses are going to give people coronaries.
  • If Mats Zuccarello isn’t your favorite Ranger, I don’t know what to tell you. The two best gifs I’ve ever made came from him.

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