With the Rangers slowly getting back to full strength, they came back to the east coast against the very bad and struggling horribly Flyers. The game was a bit too close for comfort, with the first two periods being relatively even on offense. The teams traded goals, and were actually pretty even in the expected goals share.
But the third period was different. The Flyers dominated the Rangers for most of the period, doubling up on shots on goal, shot attempts, scoring chances, and the expected-goals share. Igor Shesterkin was up to the task, and Filip Chytil and Chris Kreider scored a few minutes apart to steal a win.
It is worth noting that the Chytil goal is kind of play that is both the bread-and-butter of the second line, but also their Achilles heel. When they succeed, we say ‘wow.’ When they make that extra pass and don’t get a shot on net, we throw things.
Rangers 1, Flyers 0
Mika Zibanejad on the powerplay, in that spot, should be a flag plant.
Flyers 1, Rangers 1
Unsure what this was from the Rangers. The turnover aside, this was a terrible backcheck by the Rangers. There’s no reason Ryan Strome should be off screen for this rush after the turnover.
Flyers 2, Rangers 1
A rare double gaffe by Adam Fox, turning the puck over at the blue line, then turning the puck over again after the initial rush is stopped. It also looks like Shesterkin was screened on the shot, although you would like your goalie to make that save.
Rangers 2, Flyers 2
Fox certainly made up for it here though, springing Strome and Artemiy Panarin for the break. Filip Chytil read the play well and trailed it, making himself open for the pretty finish.
Rangers 3, Flyers 2
Watch Kreider’s path on this goal. He draws the defender to the back door, then slowly creeps in front to get a better angle on the screen and the deflection. He truly is the best net front presence in the league. Shooters know they just need to get the puck near him.
Shot Heatmap
The shot heatmap looks somewhat even, which actually checks out. The Rangers had more shot attempts in this one through two periods, before Philly doubled up on them. At the end of it all, the Flyers had just five more shot attempts. Worth noting, however, that their third period was a barrage of shots.
Game Flow
This matches what we saw on the ice. It was a pretty even first two periods, with the Rangers really coming out strong to open the game. The second periods was as even as it gets, before the Flyers absolutely owned the third period. But owning a period doesn’t mean winning if you don’t bury your chances. The late PING also helped.
This was a good win, with the Rangers holding the Flyers back during a late surge. You still would like to see a better, more consistent, 60 minute effort from the Rangers. It’s tough to judge the Rangers when they are still dressing half the Wolf Pack roster, but that can’t be an excuse every game.
Charts from HockeyViz and NaturalStatTrick.
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