New York Rangers Protect Garden From Game Three Hurricane

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

GAME THREE

Hurricanes    1

Rangers        3

FINAL

Home Sweet Home ...

Everything we need to see from the Rangers we witnessed in game three: scoring from the top line, converting on the power play, and beating Antti Raanta top shelf.

Mika Zibanejad scored a power-play goal at 11:54 of the first period.  It was the Rangers' first PP goal of the series, not to mention their first score since the first period of game one.  The Rangers, who killed four penalties in game three, have yet to yield a goal to Carolina in seven power-play opportunities.

Chris Kreider scored the decisive goal at 5:55 of the second period, beating Antti Raanta over his left shoulder.  He patiently handled the puck behind the net and set himself up for a shot from the left circle.  Kreider is likely still pissed off over hitting the post on an empty-net chance late in the third period.  But Tyler Motte had his back, scoring into an empty net with 1:23 left in regulation.

Igor Shesterkin took care of the rest, stopping 43 of 44 shots.  He gets a pass for allowing a second-period goal because, at 6:56 of the first period, he made a daring, if not brilliant, save against Jesperi Kotkaniemi.  It was the key save of the game.

It's essential to get Antti Raanta moving in all directions, left, right, up, and down.  You just can't let him assume shots.  Give him something to think about.

Enter Artemi Panarin ...

Artemi has eight points (five assists) through ten games.  He assisted Mika Zibanejad's first-period goal, but the Rangers need more.  Panarin should not be tied in these playoffs with two other teammates for fifth in shots on goal.  Case in point - Jacob Trouba should not have more SOGs than Panarin.  The Bread Man is also getting pushed off the puck.  It would behoove him and the Rangers if he took quick, decisive shots.  It's just a matter of simplifying the game instead of needing to be perfect.

Coach Gallant did some first-period mixing and matching.  Filip Chytil was added to the Zibanejad and Kreider line.  In turn, the three led the Rangers with four SOGs each.

Now let's see if they all can do it again ...