rangers penguins henrik lundqvist

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

This is just awful coverage. Inexcusable, quite honestly. But also the norm for the year.

Pens 2, Rangers 0

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

Pavel Buchnevich got pick pocketed and then Kris Letang did what he does. Not a good play by the kid.

Pens 3, Rangers 1

This is a great deflection by Ryan Strome and a great screen by Vlad Namestnikov. Nothing else to it.

Pens 4, Rangers 1

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

Sigh.

Pens 5, Rangers 2

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

Can I stop now?

Pens 7, Rangers 2

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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