Rangers Preseason Game 1

The Rangers sure are making things interesting. They took a 3-1 lead into the third period in Brooklyn before surrendering the tying goal in the final 30 seconds. Then Mika ZIbanejad sent everyone home happy with a howitzer for the winner. Alex Georgiev stole the show in this one, stopping 42 of 45 shots to ensure the Rangers even had a lead in the third period.

The Isles really did control most of this game. The Rangers were under attack the entire game, allowing both quantity and quality to the Isles. This game also had some pace to it, with just even faceoffs in the first period as both teams played a track meet for most of the game. This was certainly an entertaining game for the fans.

Rangers 1, Isles 0 – Royal Road passes

What a passing play starting with Artemi Panarin. That was two Royal Road passes, with an excellent pass from Ryan Lindgren to Panarin, who circled around to the other side of the ice for the backdoor feed and goal. The Isles managed to lose the best player on the ice and left a passing lane open.

Don’t discount what Tony DeAngelo did here after receiving the first pass. He walked it back to the left side of the ice, giving Lindgren time to get open at the top of the circle. That’s an under appreciated little detail.

Rangers 2, Isles 0 – Adam Fox is good at hockey

Fox made this happen by simply controlling the play with the puck on his stick. Good recognition by Brendan Lemieux to cover the point with Fox going deep and getting himself into a shooting position at the point. After that, it was Greg McKegg with the deflection. Not much of an issue defending by the Isles here, just a good hockey play.

Rangers 2, Isles 1 – Weird bounces

This is just a weird bounce off the glass. Oh well. And of course it was JG Pageau.

Rangers 3, Isles 1 – Howden forecheck and deflection

Brett Howden got in on the forecheck and forced Nick Leddy into a turnover. After that the Rangers just moved the puck well, ending with a Howden deflection on the Brendan Smith point shot.

Rangers 3, Isles 2 – Picking up the man out of the box

The Rangers didn’t pick up Jordan Eberle coming out of the box, which put them shorthanded. That is admittedly very difficult to recognize. Good read by the Isles here.

Rangers 3, Isles 3 – The killer last minute goal against

 

The Rangers were completely gassed on this shift, working against a 6-on-5. The Isles eventually got the tying goal off a good deflection by Brock Nelson. This one hurt.

Rangers 4, Isles 3 – The Rocket

Panarin with the defensive play and then the brilliant chip to open ice. What a rocket by Mika Zibanejad.

Shot Heatmap – A (recently) rare defensive misstep

This is about what you would expect from this game. The Rangers surrendered quantity and quality for the first time in a while. This may have been a product of a suboptimal lineup last night, but it was not the Blueshirts’ best performance. A win is a win though.

Skater Results – More fun!

A lot of fun mixed with a good amount of bad, which again is to be expected. The fourth line had themselves a decent game, which is good to see.

After what could be viewed as an emotional roller coaster for the trade deadline, the Rangers stole a win against the Isles, and a much needed two points to keep them relevant in the playoff race. I never thought we’d see the Rangers pressing like this late in the season, but here we are. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

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