Georgiev’s heroics not enough as Coyotes hand Rangers fifth straight loss

The Rangers were dominated by the Coyotes early on, allowing 15 shots in the first to their four, yet managed to escape that period with just a one goal deficit thanks entirely to Alex Georgiev, who made 14 saves in the period. The Rangers managed to get the game tied twice in the second period, and at the very least clamped down a little bit defensively, but then questionable coaching decisions led to a scoreless third and not even touching the puck in overtime.

The Blueshirts barely tested Darcy Kuemper throughout most of this contest, which is the norm. The norm is also benching Kaapo Kakko for much of the third period and handing him just nine minutes of ice time for the entire game. Only Lias Andersson (shocker) and Greg McKegg got less ice time. But hey, at least Lias is getting time with Kakko, right?

Yotes 1, Rangers 0

Brady Skjei forces Carl Soderberg behind the net, which is the right play here, but then the coverage just breaks down completely. Brendan Lemieux fails to lock up Christian Fischer, and then no one watches Lawson Crouse go to the front untouched for the goal. There’s three players literally standing still, including Ryan Strome and Tony DeAngelo.

Rangers 1, Yotes 1

Pavel Buchnevich breaks up the play at the blue line then starts the rush. He draws Ilya Lyubushkin to him, then dishes nicely to Lemieux for the chance that Kuemper stopped. DeAngelo was there for the rebound trailing the play.

Yotes 2, Rangers 1

Alex Goligoski just has a shot, and got the powerplay goal. The PK was just fine here, forcing the shot from a low danger spot. Problem was that no one picked up the Conor Garland screen in front, and it’s clear that Georgiev didn’t see that one. He reacted very late.

Yotes 2, Rangers 2

This is a good passing play by Kaapo Kakko to Strome to DeAngelo for the finish. The two passes were nice.

Yotes 3, Rangers 2

It’s 3-on-3 so you just kind of run with the randomness here.

Shot Heatmap

Did you expect anything less? Look at all those chances in front.

Expected Goals

Again, expected.

The process in this game was inexcusable. The coaching decisions to play washed up veterans over kids with talent in a rebuild is asinine. The decisions to bench kids with talent who are playing well over kids with lesser talent who aren’t playing well are also asinine. This loss is entirely on the process, but systems related and roster decisions. This entire game is on the coaching staff. Much like the process of the first seven games of the season. It may be “only” seven games, but that’s still 10% of the season.