Rangers Recap: Jonathan in Seattle

The New York Rangers played a solid 60 minutes in Seattle, their first without Filip Chytil this season, against a hot Seattle team, blanking them 2-0 behind goals from Alexis Lafreniere and Zac Jones. Never getting a chance to cook on the power play, the Rangers relied on their 5v5 play, which has been strong if inconsistent this season, in endinf the Kraken’s 4 game winning streak.

Lafreniere and Jones got the goals, but the story was Jonathan Quick in net. The Quick goaltending resurgence over the last 2 seasons has been a masterclass in taking a formerly “washed up” goaltender and turning him into the best backup in the NHL. Benoit Allaire needs his own wing in the Hockey Hall of Fame alone for this. But Quick was not alone in performing at a high level last night.

Zac Jones deserves all the flowers right now as he has looked fantastic since returning to the lineup and paired with Braden Schneider. This pair has grown from wet-behind-the-ears-kids to a bonafide second pairing. Jones has a much needed skillset that the Rangers have needed beyond just Adam Fox. Jones is adept at reading the play, reacting, and most importantly, getting the puck up the ice. This is what the Rangers lacked against the Florida Panthers in the playoffs.

Speaking of chances, the Rangers “new” top line continues to be the modern day goal a game line as Alexis Lafrenière tapped in an absolute dime of a pass from Artemi Panarin through 3 defenders. Panarin has his flaws in his game once the playoffs start, but appreciate the greatness. The vision and the playmaking ability are Panarin’s best attributes, and Lafreniere has been a stellar fit.

The Rangers looked good without Chytil, but it’s clear Jonny Brodzinski is only good enough to be a temporary stopgap as the 3C. Brodzinski helped form a solid fourth line with Adam Edstrom and Sam Carrick, and is a great 13F should Jimmy Vesey need a breather. But if Chytil’s injury is long term, the Rangers need to do something to address the center need between Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. They were fine, but they weren’t the same without him.

No disrespect to Brodzinski, but saying he’s not Chytil is a fact, not an opinion. Depth matters, and the Rangers are going to get tested this trip.