rangers blackhawks

We were wondering where rock bottom was, and here it is. The Rangers hit rock bottom last night in whatever showing that was against the Blackhawks. An utter embarrassment is the only way to put it. Chicago is actively tanking and are dressing players we’ve never heard of, yet they took it to the Rangers and dominated them from start to finish.

It wasn’t even about what the Hawks did. It was about what the Rangers didn’t do. They didn’t show up. This is a team that thinks they can just turn it on when they want because of what they did last year, and that’s not how this works. Even when Tampa was treading water waiting for the playoffs, they beat the bad teams and the teams they should beat. The Rangers aren’t doing that.

For all his faults, and there are many this year, at least Jacob Trouba tried to get the team going. He was the only guy who showed that he cared out there. Say what you want about his performance this year, and there’s a lot to talk about there, but at least he cares and tries to get the team going.

Let’s hope the Rangers hit rock bottom with this abysmal showing and start to actually wake up. They are an embarrassment right now.

Blackhawks 1, Rangers 0

Libor Hajek with the turnover, and the Rangers are scrambling to recover, which is why Reese Johnson was all alone in front to tip the Jake McCabe shot.

Blackhawks 2, Rangers 0

After failing to capitalize on their own powerplay, and looking rather inept in doing so, the Rangers took their own penalties and the Blackhawks took advantage. There’s nothing to be done by Jaro Halak here on the rebound. Jacob Trouba couldn’t get the puck out.

Blackhawks 3, Rangers 0

Another powerplay goal by the Hawks. Halak didn’t see the shot through Trouba, and it was a good shot by Max Domi. That said, it’s probably one Halak wants back since the corner wasn’t picked. Looks like he dropped early, even though Trouba took away the lower half.

Blackhawks 3, Rangers 1

Maybe Trouba woke the Rangers up? The ensuing powerplay capitalized almost immediately. No breakdown, just Zibanejad getting a clean, quick look.

Blackhawks 4, Rangers 1

So much for Trouba waking them up. Another passive effort from the Rangers. Giving them too much space and not tying up sticks in front. Adam Fox had to defend two guys with Ryan Lindgren in No Man’s Land.

Blackhawks 4, Rangers 2

At least they made it close? Jake McCabe pushed Chris Kreider into the net and the puck followed. It was a powerplay with Halak pulled, so it was a two man advantage.

Blackhawks 5, Rangers 2

Domi empty netter.

If this isn’t when the Rangers hit rock bottom, I don’t want to know what that point is.

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