Rangers are on another level in defeathering of Ducks

The Rangers are on another level. The scoreboard may show a closer game, but don’t let that fool you. The Rangers dominated 80% of the game against the Ducks, with an 8-10 minute span where they were without Jacob Trouba that was a bit more evenly matched. The Rangers were in on the forecheck, forcing turnovers in the offensive zone and in the neutral zone, and capitalizing on the turnovers with penalties, goals, and powerplay goals.

This has been the theme for the Rangers, as they continue to show that the best defense is a good offense. They play good defense to start, and having Igor Shesterkin in net is a bonus, but it’s that offense that teams simply can’t keep up with. Last year it was clear they were skilled, but they weren’t doing it regularly. This year, they are adding in the forecheck and neutral zone pressure, and the offense is lighting up even the best of opponents.

Rangers 1, Ducks 0

The Rangers drew a penalty, and then the powerplay did its thing. The key here was Chris Kreider drawing both Ducks defenders to him, which not only left Vincent Trocheck open at the back door, but the passing lane as well. There were sticks in the lane, but not enough.

Rangers 2, Ducks 0

The Rangers powerplay is absolutely lethal. The Rangers wore them out with the shift that drew the penalty, and then this shift where they were in the zone the entire time. Zibanejad eventually found the open ice, and Trocheck returned the favor. When you have sustained pressure, man advantage or not, you tire out the opposition and that leads to flat feet.

Rangers 2, Ducks 1

Of course a former Ranger scored. A good retrieval by Frank Vatrano and a little give and go to change the angle on Igor Shesterkin was enough for the Ducks. Shesterkin may have been partially screened since he was slow to react.

Rangers 2, Ducks 2

Zibanejad turned the puck over in the offensive zone, and the Ducks simply took it the other way and scored. It was a good passing play with the Rangers defense on their heels. Trevor Zegras got the pass from Troy Terry, who drew two defenders to him at the blue line, into the zone with room and beat Shesterkin.

Rangers 3, Ducks 2

The forecheck continued to produce turnovers and goals off turnovers. Chris Kreider was in on the forecheck, pressuring the defense into a turnover. Adam Fox kept the zone, and Zibanejad’s bad angle shot went off a few bodies on the rebound and behind Gibson.

Rangers 4, Ducks 2

Jacob Trouba kept the zone, trapping three Ducks at the boards and one out of the zone. It created a 3-on-1 low, and Filip Chytil’s pass was finished by Alexis Lafreniere. It wasn’t a powerplay goal, but it was PP2 that scored.

Rangers 5, Ducks 2

Another turnover. Another goal. Another rip by Panarin. The doubters, both Ranger fans and not, are walking back their words.

Rangers 5, Ducks 3

The Rangers lost a neutral zone puck battle, which allowed Troy Terry to gain the zone with numbers. Even though Terry fell, he was able to keep the puck and get it back to Kevin Shattenkirk. The cross ice pass was wide open on this one, a rarity for the Rangers thus far, for Max Comtois to bury.

Rangers 6, Ducks 3

Another powerplay, another Zibanejad goal, another Panarin assist, and another cross ice pass. This powerplay is lethal.

Rangers 6, Ducks 4

Neutral zone turnover, and the Ducks fourth line reminded the Rangers that the game wasn’t over. Lafreniere with a growing pain lesson, as his controller unplugged on the backcheck.

Ideally the Rangers stop giving up 3+ goals per game, and they will. That’s not something to be concerned about yet. In this game, aside from the Trouba absence, the Rangers never let it get close. The Ducks made it close briefly, but when the Rangers got back to full strength, it was never a game. The Rangers are on another level.