The rumors were abound heading into last night, with Gerard Gallant potentially on the hot seat, plus more. The question about would the Rangers show life and potentially save Gallant’s job was answered, albeit late and in dramatic fashion. After an objectively horrible first two periods, the Rangers mounted a come back, scoring three in the third to get the regulation win.
As much as we want good process, we aren’t numb to needing a win no matter how it comes. The Rangers needed the win, and it didn’t matter how they got it. The game was sloppy, and it isn’t a recipe for success against better teams. Luckily St. Louis is bad and Jordan Binnington is horrible, so the Rangers were hopefully able to gain some much needed confidence heading into a four game stretch against playoff teams.
Gallant, who is not without blame for the current state of the Rangers and the sloppiness overall in this win, put Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko with Mika Zibanejad to start the third period, and that change gave the Rangers some energy. Mind you, Lafreniere did not deserve that promotion with his fourth offensive zone penalty in six games and overall poor recent play previously. But sometimes, to quote Rob Luker, you use the wrong formula and get the right answer. It worked.
Now the big question is whether or not this carries over to their next four games. The Rangers are not a bad team. They are a team without confidence, swagger, vibes, and can’t get out of their own way. They are overthinking. If it carries over, then the Rangers should be able to put together a nice run. If not, then this is a blip, and the next four games are going to be rough.
Rangers 1, Blues 0
The Rangers actually generated a good amount of chances off the forecheck, something we haven’t seen in a while. The fourth line added Johnny Brodzinski, which added some needed speed to that line. Credit Sammy Blais for being aggressive on the forecheck and for the screen. It’s clear Jordan Binnington didn’t see Braden Schneider’s shot.
Blues 1, Rangers 1
It’s amazing how the Rangers just take naps after their goals. They allowed a good chance before this goal, then got caught scrambling off the flubbed point shot. Naturally, Pavel Buchnevich scored after it went in off Adam Fox.
Rangers 2, Blues 1
Right off the powerplay faceoff. This is horrid defending by the Blues. Fox had all day to shoot through 4 guys.
Blues 2, Rangers 2
That is just an awful turnover by Mika Zibanejad.
Rangers 3, Blues 2
The Rangers did a much better job of getting guys in the slot for screens and deflections, leading to better chances and goals off the forecheck and cycle. Vincent Trocheck put his stick on Artemiy Panarin’s shot from the point after Jacob Trouba maintained possession deep and kept the Blues moving.
Rangers 3, Blues 3
Another one goal lead lost because the Rangers couldn’t stay out of the box. This is how you get a shooter open, you make the penalty kill move and stay in the open ice with the angle. Igor Shesterkin didn’t stand a chance.
Blues 4, Rangers 3
The Rangers gave Shesterkin no help all game. How did four Rangers not pick up Ryan O’Reilly?
Rangers 4, Blues 4
This is a bad goal by Binnington.
Rangers 5. Blues 4
Lafreniere woke up on the forecheck, and forced the turnover before going to the front for the tip on Zibanejad’s shot.
Rangers 6, Blues 4
Chris Kreider forced the turnover. Burst of speed. Binnington was bad in the third.
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