Three powerplay goals not enough as Rangers fall to Carolina

Credit: Getty Images / Grant Halverson

The Rangers powerplay awoke with force last night, scoring three goals with the man advantage. However it was not enough, as a pair of two-goal bursts by the Canes doomed the Rangers as they lost by a score of 4-3. The first burst of two quick goals by Carolina was the result of just terrible defense. There’s really no way around it. But the third Carolina goal is the one that Rangers fans will be upset about, as it was clear goaltender interference. The explanation was terrible and the consistency on these calls is terrible.

While that third goal hurts, the Rangers lost the game in the first with those two lapses on defense. A team like Carolina that struggles to score should not be able to score that easily. Alas, the Rangers allowed them to get an early lead and did not put them away when they had the chance. Perhaps things are different when half the roster isn’t injured.

On to the goals:

Rangers 1, Canes 0

The Rangers finally got a powerplay goal on this 5-on-3. Ryan McDonagh’s shot was shanked, but it led to chaos in front. Chris Kreider got a whack at it, and Cam Ward got a piece. Derek Stepan got the puck behind the net in the scramble and fed Kreider in front who buried it.

Canes 1, Rangers 1

Steven Kampfer failed to clear the zone along the boards, and the puck bounced to the high slot as a result. Kevin Hayes mishandled the puck trying to exit, which led to the turnover. Jeff Skinner got behind both Kampfer and Brady Skjei, and was alone for the goal.

Canes 2, Rangers 1

Pavel Buchnevich couldn’t handle the Mika Zibanejad pass, which led to a quick pass to Valentin Zykov in front. Zykov outmuscled both McDonagh and Marc Staal in front for the goal. That’s just bad defense. No reason why one player should outmuscle two defensemen.

Rangers 2, Canes 2

Another powerplay goal for the Rangers. This time Zibanejad was able to tuck in a rebound on a Derek Stepan shot. That’s what happens when you get traffic in front.

Rangers 3, Canes 2

Jay McClement misfired on the clear, and Mika Zibanejad made him pay.

Canes 3, Rangers 3

Sebastian Aho ripped a shot from the point on the powerplay that Raanta didn’t see. Elias Lindholm was in front, and he elbowed Raanta in the mask while he was in the crease. This was still allowed.

Canes 4, Rangers 3

Another powerplay goal for the Canes. This time it was a Justin Fault shot from the point that Jordan Staal got a piece of. Raanta made the same but couldn’t control the rebound. Two passes later Aho put it in the back of the net.

Even Strength Corsi (Score Adjusted)

Carolina is a good possession team, they just lack the finishing skill and goaltending to really be a contender for now. The fact that the Rangers kept pace with them is actually fairly promising. It’s not perfect, but it’s a continuation of the good process we saw in the Florida game. Too bad Carolina capitalized on their defensive mistakes in the first.

Luckily the Rangers have two nights off before another back-t0-back against beatable teams. Detroit and Tampa Bay are up next. Detroit, being the first game, should be a team that the Rangers are able to rebound against.