Rangers erase two-goal deficit, down Habs for fourth straight

The Rangers came into the game last night on a three game winning streak, facing off against a surprising Montreal Canadiens team that was much better than expectations. The Rangers went down early, and then went down by a pair in the second period. But the Blueshirts came roaring back with four (!!) unanswered goals to erase a 3-1 deficit for a 5-3 win.

If there is one thing the Rangers have, it is a never quit attitude. They were again down by a pair of goals, erased the deficit, and solidified a victory. The kids played a huge role in this one. Neal Pionk’s game winner was a thing of beauty. Tony DeAngelo had a strong game on both ends of the ice. Both Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson had strong games.

This was a rare game where Henrik Lundqvist didn’t need to stand on his head. It was also a rare game where Carey Price wasn’t his elite self. None of the goals scored were on either goalie, not by a long shot, but neither needed to stand on their heads.

Habs 1, Rangers 0

Neal Pionk made a rookie mistake here. It’s ok, it happens. In the position above, Pionk is looking to stop the Jeff Petry pass out of the zone. Pionk used his skate to try to stop the pass, but it got through him and right to Tomas Tatar for a 2-on-1. Tatar scored on the rush. In the future, Pionk should be ensuring he uses his entire body to keep the zone.

Rangers 1, Habs 1

Kevin Hayes and Pavel Buchnevich combined to force the Habs into a turnover at the blue line, which sprung Hayes and Chris Kreider for a 2-on-1. Hayes’ initial pass was blocked, but he got the puck back and threaded it to the still open Kreider for the open net.

Habs 2, Rangers 1

There was some unfortunate luck here, as Brady Skjei broke his stick and the Rangers were scrambling a bit as a result. However that doesn’t excuse four Rangers watching the puck with Tatar wide open in front. Easy deflection goal for him.

Habs 3, Rangers 1

Can you spot the issue with the penalty kill here?

Habs 3, Rangers 2

That’s a lot of traffic in front on the Tony DeAngelo shot.

Rangers 3, Habs 3

Pavel Buchnevich made a good play here to get body position in front to get the rebound on this shot. But the play itself begins with Marc Staal chipping the puck out from the corner to Kevin Hayes, who started the rush up ice. Hayes found the fourth man in, you guessed it, Staal. Staal got the puck on net, and with Buchnevich’s body position, he was there for the rebound.

Rangers 4, Habs 3

Neal Pionk. And an f-bomb.

Rangers 5, Habs 3

Vlad Namestnikov and Mika Zibanejad did a good job on the breakout here, keeping the zone (barely) before they were able to get a mini rush. Zibanejad tried to get it through to Namestnikov, but it was blocked. Zibanejad got position for the loose puck and sent it top shelf for the insurance marker.

That makes it four in a row for the Rangers. There’s a part of me that wants them to lose for the draft pick, and let’s be real, they are going to lose a lot of games, but I’m thoroughly enjoying these wins. It sets the tone and expectations with the kids that they are expected win. Mentality plays a big role in development. #LoseForHughes is still a go, but watching them come back like this is pure joy.