The Rangers came into last night’s debacle looking to make it three wins in a row. Suffice it to say, they did not. After a relatively strong first period, the Blueshirts fell apart in the second, surrendering four goals en route to a complete rout.
Not one Ranger looked good in this one, which is par for the course. But Henrik Lundqvist couldn’t save the Rangers from themselves in this one, as he had a non-elite night. This also showed us that despite their slow start, the Penguins are for real.
Let’s rip the band-aid off and get through the breakdown.
Pens 1, Rangers 0
Slick pass, quick shot, BIG GOAL! pic.twitter.com/YkmgYiuUij
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
This is just awful coverage. Inexcusable, quite honestly. But also the norm for the year.
Pens 2, Rangers 0
Jake Guentzel cannot be stopped 💪 pic.twitter.com/3NXBXv0Uvu
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
A lot of people jumped all over Marc Staal on this one, but it’s really just unlucky. He was mauling the guy in front, the puck just hit his stick. Hockey happens sometimes.
Pens 3, Rangers 0
Any time @Letang_58 has room to skate and shoot, we like his chances! pic.twitter.com/sgVhHxKPZ5
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
Pavel Buchnevich got pick pocketed and then Kris Letang did what he does. Not a good play by the kid.
Pens 3, Rangers 1
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) January 3, 2019
This is a great deflection by Ryan Strome and a great screen by Vlad Namestnikov. Nothing else to it.
Pens 4, Rangers 1
Nice awareness by Malkin to find Simon cutting in at the hash marks, and Simon expertly sneaks the puck past Lundqvist. pic.twitter.com/1mG72eRSdJ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
So much goes on here. First, the Kevin Hayes giveaway at the blue line to start the Pens rush. Then both defensemen with both skates in the circle (something Vally pointed out was bad). Then Hayes slow to back check. Also all five Rangers coasting and watching the puck. Just terrible.
Pens 5, Rangers 1
Go to the net and good things will happen 😁 pic.twitter.com/YzmzVbdCWx
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
Sigh.
Pens 5, Rangers 2
Buchnevich scores his 7th of the season, Claesson and Shattenkirk with the helpers pic.twitter.com/ttmcCaBM9X
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) January 3, 2019
This is a good play by Fredrik Claesson here to drive the net, get the shot, and collect his rebound, and get it to the front for Buch to bury. In regards to the Penguins defense, they have two guys behind the net, but this is a tough one, since Claesson is cutting over to the left side, and at that point someone is supposed to cover for the defenseman leaving the slot.
Pens 6, Rangers 2
*PING* Off the crossbar and in for Tanner Pearson! pic.twitter.com/YsXLqBPAAs
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
Can I stop now?
Pens 7, Rangers 2
One of the reasons Sidney Crosby was named to the All-Star Game: he's always in the right spot to score 🚨 pic.twitter.com/s7EOpdxBpo
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2019
Uncle.
Shot Heatmap
This may show the Rangers with more shot attempts, but let’s be real here, the Penguins sat back and just waited for the Rangers to screw up. Which they did.
There was nothing good about this game. Let’s just move on to the next.
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