rangers devils artemi panarin

The New York Rangers are in a must-win situation nightly, and last night’s contest against the New Jersey Devils was one that should have presented an easy opportunity for two points. But the Rangers didn’t show up, and let the Devils score four in the second for a 5-2 loss. This was a game the Rangers couldn’t lose, but they did.

Igor Shesterkin looked rusty and shaky, which is a little expected after two weeks off the ice and only one practice. The Rangers had zero defensive zone coverage all game, which is why they gave up four in the second period. Just an overall sloppy game in the obvious trap game.

Rangers 1, Devils 0 – Fox for Calder

Adam Fox is so, so good. He draws three Devils to him on this rush before dishing to Julien Gauthier. Gauthier quickly circles the net with all three of those Devils with their backs to the slot. Filip Chytil was wide open. Poor Mackenzie Blackwood, no chance.

Devils 1, Rangers 1 – Oof

Not a goal you expect Shesterkin to give up.

Rangers 2, Devils 1 – Swedish Jesus

Fox again with a great play, keeping the zone twice to set this up. Then a nice give-and-go. The Devils are #bad.

Devils 2, Rangers 2 – Rebounds

The Devils got two separate whacks at two rebounds, and one went in. Not the best net-front coverage here, and the Blueshirts’ second period woes continue.

Devils 3, Rangers 2 – Turnovers and missing coverage

Gauthier with the turnover in the offensive zone. But no one covers the third man in for the Devils, and Kyle Palmieri wires it top shelf.

Devils 4, Rangers 2 – Defensive letdown

Don’t really know how the Rangers missed the guy in front here.

Devils 5, Rangers 2 – Too many DZ issues

No one ties up John Hayden’s stick in front, coming after a forecheck forced them into a turnover.

Devils 5, Rangers 3 – They have life

This started with a well executed 3-on-2, even if it didn’t wind up with a shot. The key is getting the puck to Pavel Buchnevich as the third man in, which drew the Devils off their assignments. Eventually Brendan Smith got the puck on net and Greg McKegg got his skate on it.

Devils 6, Rangers 3 – empty netters

Travis Zajac empty netter.

Devils 6, Rangers 4 – At least they scored

No gif on this – sorry.

Shot Heatmap – Not the best

This wasn’t the best game for the Rangers. They ceded quality to the Devils, which isn’t something you want to do when it’s a non-playoff team. Teams have clunkers, but this wasn’t the best time for one.

Skater Results – All quantity, no quality

They won the quantity, but not the quality. A rare occurrence for the Rangers. They really laid an egg.

Luckily for the Rangers, the Isles, Blue Jackets, and Canes are all in slumps. It’s no longer a 98 point target, but a 95 point target. They have 4 regulation losses and 1 OT loss left to give. Doable, but difficult.

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