Rangers powerplay fuels needed win over Buffalo

The Rangers powerplay was finally a positive difference in a game, scoring twice, including a 5-on-3 goal, to secure a win for the Rangers. Both powerplay goals were a result of Chris Kreider’s magnificent play in front of the net, and both goals gave the Rangers leads. Kaapo Kakko snapped his goalless streak with a pair and Adam Fox of course scored as well.

Keith Kinkaid was solid in net, making a few great saves, including this beauty.

The process wasn’t perfect in this one, but a win is a win. The Rangers continually gave too much room to the Sabres to open periods. This did actually burn them to open the third when they gave up a pair in quick succession. They allowed a good amount of high danger chances, but Kinkaid turned away more than ex-Ranger Dustin Tokarski in relief.

Sabres 1, Rangers 0 – Giving up the blue line

The Rangers gave up the blue line on this oncoming rush, which led to the Sabres getting the puck deep. The goal itself was flukey, but giving up the blue line isn’t a recipe for success, as we’ve stated.

Rangers 1, Sabres 1 – Don’t chase behind the net

Buffalo chased Artemi Panarin behind the net off the faceoff, which left Kaapo Kakko all alone in front. Don’t chase.

Rangers 2, Sabres 1 – The much needed 5-on-3 goal

Chris Kreider remains the best net front presence in the league. This was very quick off the faceoff, and he was in front with his stick on the ice. Exactly where he needed to be.

Rangers 3, Sabres 1 – The odd-man rush goal

This was a perfectly executed odd-man rush. The pair of cross-ice passes, the excellent chance, with a great save by Dustin Tokarski. Then Adam Fox cutting through the slot to get the rebound. Perfect all around. Let’s see Drew Doughty do that.

Rangers 3, Sabres 2 – The first turnover

This is a turnover in the defensive zone that the Sabres turned into a give-and-go goal. Not much else to it. Dylan Cozens sure can shoot.

Rangers 3, Sabres 3 – The second turnover

Another turnover, this one at the blue line. The outlet from Brandon Montour to Jeff Skinner caught the Rangers and tied the game.

Ranges 4, Sabres 3 – Kreider again

Chris Kreider is truly the best net front presence in the league. The screen, the hand-eye coordination to get the rebound. Just perfect.

Rangers 5, Sabres 3 – Kakko empty netter

That’s it, just the empty netter. Nice outlet by Ryan Strome on this one to spring Panarin and Kakko.

Shot Heatmap – Not ideal

This isn’t the best result against a terrible team. The Rangers played down a little bit here, and we saw that in flashes tonight. But they still got the win. They got the two points, now right the process.

Skater Results – Better than the heatmap

This is a little better, as the individual results show overall good games. That said, the lapses to open the second and third almost cost them the game and the easy two points. This place would have been a disaster had the Rangers blown this one.

This is now a mini winning streak for the Rangers. If they want to remain relevant in the playoff race, they need to turn it into a huge winning streak. But they are about 25% of the way there, so that’s progress. If the Rangers powerplay continues to make a difference and put up timely goals, then they might just be able to do it.

Charts from Evolving-Hockey and NaturalStatTrick.