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Photo: Jim McIsaac/Newsday

I don’t even know what to say anymore. The Rangers could have used a game against a bitter rival as an excuse to get ready and come out of their slump. But instead they didn’t even bother to show up for 40 minutes, letting the Isles basically control the game. They woke up in the third when the Isles turtled, so…baby steps? They tied the game. I mean, I’ll take it, but still.

This was more about lazy hockey than anything else for the Rangers. Too many breakdowns. Too many fundamental issues. When was the last time you saw three guys go to the corner in the defensive zone? Or a forward just act disinterested along the boards? Or two penalty killers chase to the boards? Too many men in overtime, can’t count to three? David Desharnais as your third shooter? It’s ridiculous and embarrassing.

Some will call their third period comeback a sign of life. I want to see consistency and urgency before I call it more than what it is to me: A comeback against an ok team that is also struggling. Eliminate the stupid mistakes, and this game doesn’t require a comeback. Play the whole game the way you did in the third.

On to the goals:

Isles 1, Rangers 0

Early penalty, early deficit. Both Mats Zuccarello and Brady Skjei chased the play to the boards, which is bad. It’s worse when you realize Skjei isn’t supposed to be that far out. Brendan Smith also couldn’t stop the cross-ice pass from getting to Ryan Pulock. Hank made the first save, but Smith was alone with Pulock’s shot and Anders Lee in front. Once the pass got through, it was always headed for twine.

Rangers 1, Isles 1

The Rangers won the faceoff, and worked the puck around to Kevin Shattenkirk. Hate on him all you want, but he is good at getting the puck through to the net. David Desharnais was in front for the deflection.

Isles 2, Rangers 1

More sloppy defensive zone play. Three Rangers converge on the puck by the top of the circle, but no one comes up with it. Adam Cracknell had one hand on the stick, which lead to an easy stick lift and a turnover to Brock Nelson. Nelson placed his shot perfectly. Nothing Hank could do.

Worth noting –Joe mentioned this on TV– that the turnover had an impact on Nelson’s lack of coverage. Pavel Buchnevich in the overload is at the top of the circle. When the Rangers take control of the puck, he turns and begins to transition to offense. But with the turnover, he’s out of position. His position on the ice is where Nelson had all his room to work with.

Also, that’s Michael Grabner along the boards where the turnover occurred. Didn’t see him there, did you? I didn’t either until someone pointed it out to me. Way to come to play.

Isles 3, Rangers 1

Matt Barzal burned Rick Nash down the boards. Unsure how this beat Hank. At that angle, you need to stop it though.

What the?

This is a first here for these goal breakdowns. A breakdown of a play that wasn’t a goal. Three Rangers (Brady Skjei, Brendan Smith, Jimmy Vesey) in the corner. Matt Barzal alone in front. This is why you can’t evaluate Hank right now. This is the norm for him to face. Pure laziness from the skaters. Bad coaching. Worse execution.

Isles 3, Rangers 2

Anders Lee with the terrivle turnover to Brendan Smith to start a 2-on-0. Smith tried to pass across, which gets blocked. Mats Zuccarello was there for the easy tap in when the puck landed on his stick.

Smith goal – disallowed

This goal by Brendan Smith was disallowed. Called a distinct kicking motion.

Let me know in the comments if you want me to include disallowed goals in the goal breakdowns. Figured I’d try it out on this one.

Rangers 3, Isles 3

Kevin. Hayes. Wow.

Score Adusted Corsi

Don’t let the chart fool you. The Rangers no-showed for most of this game. Sure, they made up ground and tied the game in the third when the Isles turtled, but that doesn’t excuse the poop show of the first 40 minutes.

Scoring Chances

Well at least there was some semblance of an offense. They got chances when they actually tried.

Shift Chart

Here’s the shift chart. Pavel Buchnevich, one of the only Rangers with a positive xGF%, got eight even strength shifts through two periods. Eight. That’s embarrassing. Adam Cracknell was stapled to the bench in the third with the Rangers looking to score twice. I’m fine with that. But hey, let’s lean on David Desharnais more.

This is getting ridiculous at this point. The Rangers are embarrassing to watch, there’s no sugar coating it. I’m pissed. This team has the talent to come out of the East and legitimately contend, but they feel like playing street hockey.

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