New York Rangers Face First Round Elimination

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

GAME FOUR

Rangers   2

Penguins 7

FINAL

Penguins Continue Skating Circles Around the Blueshirts

Chris Kreider, after game one, said the Rangers weren't playing together, they lacked cohesion, and everyone was off doing their own thing.  

I concur ...

There is individual effort, and then there is team play.  I'm not sure what the Rangers are trying to do on any given possession.  Whereas the Penguins appear to have a plan each time down the ice.  In the name of Lester Patrick, I want to see more passes from behind the net and more shots from the slot.

After game three, Sidney Crosby said that the Pens kept things simple, put shots on goal, and fought hard for position in front of the net.  

I concur ...

I've been screaming all series for the Rangers to stop being so cute, stop looking for the extra perfect pass, just put shots on net, and clean up the rebounds.

Following game four, Coach Gallant called his team soft in all areas of the ice.  

Once again, I concur ...

Yes, the Rangers are playing minus Ryan Lindgren.  But the defensive decision-making and overall effort have been deplorable.  There's been a lot of standing around, poke-checking, and a lack of physicality in front after the first period of game one.  In turn, they're making Igor Shesterkin look bad while so little of this situation is his fault.  Pittsburgh is securing a firm position and tipping pucks in the net.  The result is 14 goals allowed over the last two games.

Playing without Barclay Goodrow, the Rangers centermen through four games have scored 16 points, led by (non-first line caliber centerman) Mika Zebanejad with four.  Pittsburgh's centermen have posted 21 points, led by Sidney Crosby with nine.

The education of the New York Rangers continues.