We learned a lot of lessons in that Game 1 loss, as covered on the latest Live From The Blue Seats and in this week’s Patreon post. So what are the keys for a Rangers Game 2 win? Is it simply just playing better? Part of it, for sure, but the Rangers also need to be smarter away from the puck, and improve their strategy for beating a third string goalie.

1. Forecheck, forecheck, forecheck

The Rangers were atrocious on the forecheck in Game 1. They were great in the first period, but after that, nothing. The Rangers run a 1-2-2 forecheck, and it wasn’t about getting the first man in. It was the next two that were floating, not reading the play, and not cutting off passing lanes. The lack of a forecheck led to two goals.

The Penguins are organized and rely on set plays off the breakout. The Rangers need to read, anticipate, and force turnovers. Without a forecheck, we will see many periods like that Game 1 second period.

2. Backcheck, Backcheck, Backcheck

On the first Jake Guentzel goal, the Rangers didn’t forecheck, which allowed for speed through the neutral zone. There was also no backcheck, which meant the defenders were forced to backup on Sidney Crosby. Simply put, you cannot give Crosby space.

Defenders can’t step up at the blue line without a backcheck. Puck support works on both offense and defense, and without the defensive puck support, the Rangers are easily beaten. The forecheck and the backcheck go hand in hand. The Rangers should be better than this, and they are. Game 1 was a low point. A Rangers Game 2 win relies almost entirely on points 1 and 2.

3. Make Louis Domingue move

A major mistake the Rangers made in Game 1 was warming Louis Domingue up for him. He was a cold goalie, coming into the game in double OT, and the Rangers lobbed softballs at him. That’s the best way to warm up a goalie, and after that he was in the game, confident, and making the saves he needed to make.

Say what you want about it being a 3rd string goalie, he’s still an NHL caliber goalie. They are going to stop wristers from the point into their chest. Even EBUGs stop them. Make him move. That’s how you beat a third string goalie, and that makes a Rangers Game 2 win more probable.

Also, if the Rangers can’t beat the Penguins with their third stringer in net, then it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the series.

4. Stay out of the box

Easier said than done, but the Rangers need to stay out of the box. Officiating from Game 1 aside, the Rangers do have an issue with stick penalties, especially in the offensive zone. You can’t give Crosby and Malkin space to work. That’s it. Just stay out of the box.

5. Continue that physical play

The Rangers imposed their will on the Penguins in the first period of Game 1, then slacked off. It looks like this series isn’t going to be a quick one, and the games are definitely going to be close. All hits in Game 1 were clean, and it left the Penguins reeling. Injuries aren’t the goal, and never should be. But wearing them down is the goal, and if the Rangers can wear down the Penguins thin defensive group, it bodes well for their top six.

The physical play may not guarantee a Rangers Game 2 win, but it helps set the tone.

6. Give the refs more money than the Penguins give them

I kid. But am I?

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