Vladimir Tarasenko scored on his first shot as a New York Ranger just 2:49 into the game, setting the tone for the NY Rangers in their win over the Seattle Kraken. The Blueshirts clearly had a little extra giddy-up in their step last night, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Tarasenko, Kaapo Kakko, and Vincent Trocheck. The newly formed second powerplay unit added a goal in the second to put the game out of reach, but not without drama.
The Rangers played a bit of a track meet game, focusing on overwhelming Seattle with four balanced lines that generate offense. That was a double-edged sword, with the Rangers inadvertently allowing Seattle to keep it close in the third period. Two quick goals by the Kraken gave them life with 12 minutes left in the third, but the four goal deficit was clearly too much for Seattle. The refs tried to help a little too (clearly not, but it wasn’t great officiating), gifting the Kraken a pair of powerplays on bad misses.
This new version of the NY Rangers will likely be a little bit more of a track meet team, which is fine given they have Igor Shesterkin in net. However they do need to tighten up on defense. Niko Mikkola had a bit of a rough outing, but it was exaggerated by two penalties that were bad misses by the refs. He will be fine as he and Braden Schneider learn each other over time.
Rangers 1, Kraken 0
A simple turnover started the rush, but a little look back by Artemi Panarin froze Adam Larsson, giving Vladimir Tarasenko a step at the net mouth. Panarin doesn’t miss that pass, and Tarasenko doesn’t miss from there.
Rangers 2, Kraken 0
The Kid Line keeps churning, and they made their own luck. Alexis Lafreniere’s shot
Rangers 3, Kraken 0
Seattle’s defense was quite poor on this, with three guys watching Chris Kreider in the corner and no one picking up Vincent Trocheck cutting to the net from that same corner. Martin Jones couldn’t get all of his initial shot, and it trickled over the line.
Rangers 4, Kraken 0
PP2 looks good, doesn’t it? Kakko had a great chance on a one-timer, and Jacob Trouba simply banked the puck off Borgen and behind Jones.
Rangers 4, Kraken 1
The long change bit the Rangers here. Not a great time for the change. The Rangers have been pretty bad at changes lately.
Rangers 5, Kraken 1
It was only a matter of time before the top powerplay unit scored. Seattle somehow forgot Mika Zibanejad was on this powerplay, leaving him wide open at the back door. This was a pretty pass by Kreider too.
Rangers 5, Kraken 2
Jared McCann has a great shot, and he showcased it here with Alex Wennberg in front. Not much the Rangers or Igor Shesterkin could do.
Rangers 5, Kraken 3
Braden Schneider and Niko Mikkola were clearly trying to figure each other out. Mikkola had two penalties, which led to the McCann goal 22 seconds prior. Brandon Tanev was completely missed by Schneider here, who broke in alone and beat Shesterkin.
Rangers 6, Kraken 3
Ryan Lindgren shorty empty netter.
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