Rangers play 20 minutes of hockey as Ottawa sends them packing

Credit: Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.

The New York Rangers faced elimination last night. They knew they had to come out firing on all cylinders. They knew they had to play with desperation. They knew they had to keep Ottawa on their heels. They did none of that through two periods of play. It wasn’t until the third period when they started to show that fire and that desire to win. But it was too little too late. Ottawa sent the Rangers packing with the 4-2 win.

Rick Nash was by far the best forward all game. He was the only Ranger who played a consistent 60 minutes, trying to create offense. But there was only so much he could do on his own. His teammates had flashes, and most of the club showed up in the third, but again it was too little too late.

On to the goals:

Sens 1, Rangers 0

Mike Hoffman got the goal here due to poor defense. Marc Staal chased to nowhere. Nick Holden ignored him in front. Erik Karlsson simply had to put the puck on Hoffman’s stick for the deflection. No chance for Lundqvist.

Sens 2, Rangers 0

Derek Stepan turned the puck over in the offensive zone, which led to an odd man rush against. Mark Stone roofed it over Hank with a beautiful shot short side. If there was one save you really need Hank to make, no matter how difficult –which this was– it is, this was it. I can’t fault him, but boy do you need that save.

Sens 2, Rangers 1

Mats Zuccarello made a great pass to Mika Zibanejad to spring him on the break. Zibanejad roofed it over Anderson to cut the lead in half.

Sens 3, Rangers 1

Just as the Rangers were gaining momentum, a stupid defensive play deflated them. Erik Karlsson’s speed started the zone entry, and Chris Kreider was able to stick with him as Bobby Ryan carried the puck behind the net. Bear in mind Ryan got so free because Brendan Smith appeared to give up on the play. For some reason, Kreider released Karlsson, who cut to the slot, to chase Ryan behind the net. Ryan made the pass to Karlsson, who put it over Hank before Brady Skjei could get there to put a stick on him. Another one where Hank had no chance.

Sens 3, Rangers 2

This was another set play to spring Kreider with his speed. Clarke MacArthur misplayed the flip, which sprung Kreider behind him and through Cody Ceci. He beat Craig Anderson stick side to cut the lead in half. But that was also the last goal of the season.

Sens 4, Rangers 2

Of course, if was JG Pageau who scored the empty netter.

Thank you all for joining us this season. There’s going to be a lot of content to come, with the offseason and the first expansion draft that we are able to cover. Stay tuned, there’s more to read on your Rangers. But for now, have at it in the comments. Keep it civil.