chris kreider filip chytil

Filip Chytil has now scored in four straight games –remember those flood gates I mentioned after his first goal?– and the Rangers rode his third period goal to a 2-1 win over Dallas. This was a pretty boring game, to be frank. The Rangers and Stars had 10 shots each halfway through the second period, and the game was just turnover after turnover with no real sustained offense. It did open up a little bit in the third, but that’s really it.

It’s worth noting that the Rangers have completely changed the way they play defensively, and it shows. They cover the slot, which sounds silly but it’s something they didn’t do over the last few years. They are aggressive on the forecheck, but they aren’t getting caught that often. They press at the right time to disrupt zone entries, forcing turnovers without leaving their defensemen out to dry. Their sustained offense is suffering as they focus on defense, but honestly I’m ok with that. It’s a breath of fresh air.

Stars 1, Rangers 0

This was a realy good shot by Tyler Seguin with Jamie Benn in front. Henrik Lundqvist didn’t see it at all, and the post caught the far side. Hank was a little off his angle here, but it wouldn’t have mattered. It was a perfectly placed shot.

Rangers 1, Stars 1

This was just a great goal by Jimmy Vesey.

Rangers 2, Stars 1

The Stars dumped the puck out of the zone, and it went right to Brendan Smith. Smith knocked it out of the air, right to Chytil, who did the rest. This is why you control the puck on your zone exits, otherwise it’s just a glorified turnover.

The Rangers are now 8-1-1 in their last ten games. They’ve won six in a row at home. I keep saying it won’t last, and I still think the bubble will burst. But this is a fun ride. It wasn’t the plan, nor is it best for long-term, but enjoy it. I certainly am.

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