GAME TWO
Rangers 0
Hurricanes 2
FINAL
New Hole, Different Shovel
Looks can indeed be deceiving. I see a team still trying to be too cute and over-passing instead of just putting more shots on net. I also see all forward lines getting bogged down at the blue line when attempting to enter the offensive zone, and if they dump and chase, getting easily pushed off the puck. Yet, the Rangers actually have one more shot on goal (49-48) than Carolina through two games. Thus both teams are creating roughly the same number of opportunities.
For a second straight series, the Rangers are getting killed on faceoffs. Not just on the puck drop but the wingers within the circle. Carolina owns a 64-47 advantage.
The question of whether Coach Galant would stay disciplined with a four-line rotation has been answered. To a certain extent, he mixed and matched, most notably bumping up Alexis LaFreniere with Chris Kreider and Mike Zibanejad.
Special teams are officially a problem. The Rangers are now 0/5 on the power play. However, surrendering a short-handed goal while on a four-minute power play, then later failing to maintain possession upon pulling Igor Shesterkin in favor of a sixth skater, is inexcusable. If nothing else, this is precisely why the Rangers lost game two.
If Carolina cleans up their offensive zone passing, it pains me to say they can dispose of the Rangers in five games. If Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider start scoring, maybe not.
Anyone laying blame on Igor Shesterkin is just plain wrong.
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