Mika Zibanejad‘s hat trick provided all the offense the Rangers needed, while Igor Shesterkin was brilliant again in a shutout of Tampa. The Rangers got up early, then padded the lead rather quickly. They sat back and played some solid defense, were good on the forecheck, and solid on the back check. The overall numbers don’t favor the Rangers because of the early lead, but that isn’t a process fail.
Chris Kreider had three assists as well, which I didn’t even realize until they announced the three stars. I also didn’t even know Kreider was allowed to have assists this season. Shesterkin made 38 saves, most of them in the first period, and was just brilliant. There are no other words for his play.
The Rangers did this despite missing Artemiy Panarin, a last minute scratch due to COVID protocol. If there is one thing Panarin’s absence showed is that the powerplay is potentially more effective with Zibanejad on the off-wing in the Ovechkin spot. When Panarin comes back, it would be nice to see Zibanejad in that spot with Panarin in the right circle. Panarin is a much better passer, while Zibanejad is a better triggerman.
Oh, and Kaapo Kakko looked good on PP1, didn’t he?
Rangers 1, Bolts 0 – Mika time
Mika Zibanejad in the Ovechkin spot just works, it really does. Add in the Chris Kreider screen, and you have an early lead.
Rangers 2, Bolts 2 – Mika passes score too
Zibanejad tried to hit Kaapo Kakko cutting to the net, and it went off Ryan McDonagh.
Rangers 3, Bolts 0 – Turnovers
Barclay Goodrow forced the Bolts into a turnover. This led to a quick rush goal, with Goodrow hitting Ryan Strome as the third man in. Alexis Lafreniere cutting to the net ensured that passing lane would be open.
Rangers 4, Bolts 0 – Completing the hat trick
Zibanejad forced the turnover at the top of the circle, then finished the hat trick. This was another good example of how pressuring passes can lead to good things.
Game Flow
This is a bit misleading, as the Rangers got up early then held the lead. It would have been nice to see more spurts like they had late in the second, but that’s nitpicking.
Shot Heatmap
Again a little misleading, since the Rangers sat back after going up big. But it is worth noting the Rangers got a good number of quality attempts.
The Rangers just took four of four points from Tampa. That’s not an easy feat, especially without their best player for one of those games. The big takeaway, aside from the win today, is the solid pressure the Rangers applied to the Lightning all game. That’s something they need to keep consistent.
Charts from Natural Stat Trick and Hockeyviz.
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