You can’t win them all, especially against a playoff team. The NY Rangers came out sluggish in the first period, gave up a few too many high quality chances to the NJ Devils best players, and made some questionable puck decisions while they were on the attack. The Rangers were better later when the game slowed to a crawl, but it wasn’t good enough in their loss to the Devils.
Despite the loss, there is no reason to be worried about what is coming in the next couple of weeks. The Rangers were not at full strength, again playing a bottom pair defenseman (Niko Mikkola) with Adam Fox while Ryan Lindgren was still out. It would be nice to see Gerard Gallant get a little creative and pair Fox with K’Andre Miller to establish a true first pair. But it’s a temporary thing.
The good news is that Igor Shesterkin looks like the Igor Shesterkin we expect as we get closer to the postseason. The Rangers offense just laid an egg. It happens, especially over the course of an 82 game season against a very good team.
While 5 on 5 scoring was much to be desired for this game, the power play at least came through with a timely goal by Chris Kreider, who is now 5th all time in scoring for the Rangers. Go back in time nine years ago, and tell yourself that you are going to see a drafted Ranger become one of the greatest players of all time in this organization. Kreider has the longevity of staying through a contention window, a rebuild, and a new age of contention.
What is truly amazing is Kreider didn’t have a single 30-goal season until last year. It became a running joke. Now he’s done it in back to back years. It was fitting that his goal last night was from his office in front of the net. He’s become the single best net front presence in the NHL.
Kreider may always leave you wanting more, but it’s his incredible consistency on an individual level that makes him one of the best Rangers of all time. Will Stanley Cup champion be next in the mix? Are we possibly looking at the last Ranger to ever wear number 20 in that scenario? Time will tell!
Last thought before reloading against Buffalo: As much as the scoring was low in this game, I still think these forward combinations are the way to have success in the playoffs. The top 3 lines are a threat at anytime and 4th line, even as a shutdown line, is able to generate some chances.
An elite goalie and special teams goals can take a team far in the playoffs, but the road is made easier with stronger 5v5 play. The goal is 50% xG splits, but with the skill level the Rangers have, even 48% is fine. They just need to be good enough at even strength, and let Igor and the powerplay do the rest.
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