Game 69: Really need to start playing better

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After yesterday’s tough loss, the Rangers are back at it against the Penguins, who just lost Evgeni Malkin for the season. The Pens are a top heavy, and easily their depth is easily exploited by better teams. Problem is the Rangers haven’t been playing like one of those better teams. They are back playing the way they did in October and November, relying on Henrik Lundqvist and lucky shooting.

Make no mistake, the Rangers need to get back to playing the hockey they played in January. The right on-ice process needs to be followed for this team to be successful. Control the play, work the zone, get shots, and start limit shots against, especially from inside danger areas.

Also, it would be super if they stopped allowing that cross-ice pass in the defensive zone. But baby steps, I guess.

Penguins Systems

Under Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh has gotten more aggressive in all facets of the game. They’ve switched back to a 2-1-2 forecheck and look to pursue the puck, rather than play the contain game in the neutral zone. On defense, they play zone and try to defend in layers. All in all, very similar to how Torts coached the Rangers.

Penguins Lines

Chris Kunitz-Sidney Crosby-Patric Hornqvist
Carl Hagelin-Nick Bonino-Phil Kessel
Tom Kuhnhackl-Matt Cullen-Bryan Rust
Conor Sheary-Scott Wilson-Kevin Porter

Olli Maata-Kris Letang
Brian Dumoulin-Trevor Daley
Justin Schultz-Ian Cole

PP1: Crosby-Malkin-Kessel-Hornqvist-Letang
PP2: Kunitz-Bonino-Wilson-Daley-Pouliot

PK: Crosby, Hagelin, Cullen, Porter, Kuhnhackl, Dumoulin, Lovejoy, Letang, Daley, Pouliot

Marc-Andre Fleury gets the start.

Rangers Lines

JT Miller–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
Rick Nash-Eric Staal–Viktor Stalberg
Chris Kreider–Kevin Hayes–Jesper Fast
Oscar Lindberg–Dominic Moore–Tanner Glass