The Rangers went into Brooklyn in a snow storm hoping to conquer their demons, as I can’t remember the last time the Blueshirts actually won there. They got off to a good start, with a pair of quick goals to take the lead. After that, it was all Isles. Not in the “Isles dominated the game” sense. But more of the “Isles realized they could do keg stands 5 feet out and no one would do anything to stop them,”

Of the six Isles goals, five were scored by the man in front. Four of them were on deflections. It’s like the Rangers forgot how to defend. Henrik Lundqvist was pulled for Alex Georgiev in the third, but none of the goals were on him. Thomas Greiss was pretty solid at the other end.

Some positives:

  • I missed the first period because it took me forever to get home. So bear with me.
  • Neal Pionk is a confusing individual. His metrics are bad, but when he has the puck he’s great. I just don’t get it. He requires more viewing.
  • Chris Kreider continues to show why the Rangers should be holding on to him at all costs.
  • When both Lundqvist and Georgiev could see the puck, they were great.
  • At least we know this team can score. It would be great if they could defend, but we will get there.
  • One thing the whole team did well in the third was turn on the forecheck. When they are aggressive, they generate chances. Problem is when they are aggressive, they give up chances.
  • They made it interesting. As per usual.
  • The flood gates are going to open for Chytil. Watch out.

Rangers 1, Isles 0

Chris Kreider is really good when he’s in front of the net. He’s an underrated deflector and great at getting himself free for rebounds. Probably has a lot to do with his freakishly strong pool-jumping legs.

Rangers 2, Isles 0

This is a snipe from Fredrik Claesson. What a shot. But this was all Brett Howden, in on the forecheck stripping Johnny Boychuck of the puck. Howden was then very patient and found Claesson.

Rangers 2, Isles 1

Anthony Beauvillier got behind Brady Skjei and Tony DeAngelo here (I think it’s them). Don’t know how they both let that happen, but he was untouched for the deflection.

Rangers 2, Isles 2

Another Islander in front of the net, untouched, for a deflection. This time Kevin Shattenkirk was the offender.

Isles 3, Rangers 2

This was just a bad play by Jimmy Vesey. He forced a dangerous pass, and the Isles turned it. That area is a bad area for a turnover.

Rangers 3, Isles 3

Claesson started this one by forcing the turnover and then beginning the clear. It eventually wound up on Kevin Hayes’ stick, and he pulled a slick move on the 2-on-1 and beat Greiss.

Isles 4, Rangers 3

A bad call led to the Isles powerplay goal here. Neal Pionk had Beuvillier’s stick tied up and he still managed the deflection. Beauvillier is very good.

Isles 5, Rangers 3

Another goal, another deflection in front. If at first you don’t succeed, keep failing repeatedly.

Isles 6, Rangers 3

Another goal with the guy in front left with his stick untied. Sigh.

Isles 6, Rangers 4

On the powerplay, Pionk did a good job of drawing attention on his rush before dishing to Kreider for the zone entry. Kreider just blew it by Greiss.

Isles 6, Rangers 5

Shatty made a good move to fake the shot, draw the defender, and then cut to the mid point. His shot got through –something he does so well– and the rebound went right to Filip Chytil for the goal.

Isles 7, Rangers 5

Cal Clutterbuck empty netter.

Well I predicted this would be a track meet, and it was. This was the most goals allowed by the Rangers since that Carolina game at the beginning of the season. It was a complete relapse of the issue that plagued the Rangers under Alain Vigneault. These things are going to happen. It would have been nice if it didn’t happen against the Isles, though. Oh well. On to the next.

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