New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Bolts Return to Garden Tied at Two

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

GAME FOUR

Rangers     1

Lightning   4

FINAL

Back to Zero

The Blueshirts just can't have nice things ... like a 2-0 series lead.  

It was nice while it lasted.  

Their inability to possess the puck and sustain offensive zone presence is mind-numbing.  They spend too much time cycling the puck and setting up for a one-and-done instead of just putting shots on the net and cleaning up the garbage.  They get the puck deep, so why not more setups from behind the net?

Once again they're caught up in being too cute.  It's been this way throughout all three series, so this is nothing new.  But will they recognize in time as they did in previous rounds?  

We'll see Friday night.

Let's see what adjustments they make.  Because the Rangers have become very predictable in all their setups and strategy.  The Rangers failed to score an even-strength goal at Tampa's arena.  Said another way, the Bolts have dominated the Rangers over the last five periods.  Tampa has them figured out.  That's a problem, and Coach Gallant needs to solve it.  When Adam Fox leads all skaters in minutes but fails to take a single shot, it's because the Rangers are at the other end of the ice.  Thus, Fox finished game four with a minus-three.

The Rangers played without Ryan Strome and Filip Chytil.  Missing two centermen matters.  Jacob Trouba stepped in with a team-high seven SOGs.  But none found their way past Andrei Vasilevskiy who stopped 34 of 35 shots.

And so here we go again ...

Defend this house!

The Rangers have the home-ice advantage; game five and a potential game seven are slated for the Garden.  Whoever wins two of the following three games advances to the Stanley Cup Finals.  The other team will go home and ponder their salary cap situation.

New York Rangers Seize Two Game Lead Over Tampa Bay Lightning

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

GAME TWO

Lightning   2

Rangers     4

FINAL

Into Enemy Territory, They Go

Pack your sunscreen!  

It's on to Tampa Bay for games three and four.  Life is different down there.  Expect changes.  The Bolts are the defending two-time Stanley Cup champions.  That means something.  Exactly what remains to be seen.  But rest assured, a two-game series lead means little unless you finish.

That being said, the Rangers appear to be getting better with each passing game and have yet to reach their peak.  Their stars are shining brightly, the kids are improving with every shift, and the blueliners are performing very well.  

In case anyone forgot, Carolina was the stingiest regular-season team in hockey, not the Lightning.  The Rangers jumped that hurdle.  After the Hurricanes, you guessed it, the Rangers yielded the second-fewest goals.

Speaking of which, the opposition would have even fewer goals if not for Ryan Lindgren, who has now tipped three pucks past Igor Shesterkin.  Nikita Kucherov's shot at 2:41 of the first period was a frisbee until tipped by Lindgren.  Afterwhich the puck toppled end over end until it found the back of the net.  Corey Perry never touched it.  However, that Tampa Bay power-play opportunity should never have been.  Ryan Reaves and Pat Maroon should have been sent to the box, or none of them, not just Reaves. 

But the resilient Rangers answered right back.  K'Andre Miller tied the game at the 5:59 mark on a setup from Chris Kreider.  The shot was initially blocked by Brandon Hagel.  But Miller secured his own rebound and scored on Andrei Vasilevskiy's glove side.  

It's good to see K'Andre's efforts rewarded for such brilliant defensive play throughout the playoffs.  Miller and the blueliners have been stellar.  Jacob Trouba laid another big hit, this time to Anthony Cirelli.  Adam Fox continues to be the master of puck possession and movement, and all you need to do with Ryan Lindgren is wind him up and see him go.

The Kid Line once again announced their presence with authority.  With time winding down in the first period, Kaapo Kakko tipped in a perfect feed from Adam Fox, giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead.  Filip Chytil also assisted in the play.  The kids created numerous other scoring opportunities.

After a scoreless second period, Tampa committed one of the cardinal sins of hockey by allowing a goal inside the first two minutes of the third period.  At the 1:21 mark, Mika Zibanejad scored from the left wing, beating Vasilevskiy once again high on his blocker side.  Chris Kreider registered his second assist.  It was the game's decisive goal as Nicholas Paul scored at 17:58 to bring the Bolts within one.

Igor Shesterkin was the hero, again, stopping 29 of 31 shots.  He is by far outclassing Andrei Vasilevskiy in the net.

Hello Sunshine State ... and all the relocated New Yorkers and retirees just waiting to don their Rangers jerseys and storm Amalie Arena.

New York Rangers Zap Tampa Bay Lightning in Game One

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

I - NYR 6; TBL 2

Kid Line Short Circuits the Bolts

Was Tampa rusty after a nine-day break?

Perhaps ...

Do I expect more from them as the series progresses?

Absolutely.

But in no way will I minimize what the Rangers accomplished on Wednesday.  It was a stellar effort.  They were on the attack early, won the faceoff battle, and converted on the power play while killing off three.  

Moreover, it was smartly played hockey.  Mika Zibanejad faked a shot and fed Chris Kreider.  Filip Chytil hopped back to create a better passing angle for Kaapo Kakko, the now-famous "shift," or Ryan Reaves waiting for the right moment to send a message; it all wreaked of cohesiveness.

The Kreider/Zibanejad/Vatrano line scored the Rangers' first two goals.  Vatrano chipped the puck along the boards into the offensive zone in the opening moments.  Mika Zibanejad retrieved it in the right circle and passed it to a waiting Chris Kreider in the slot, who wristed it past Andrei Vasilevskiy at 1:11 of the first period.  Seven minutes later, Steven Stamkos tied the game at one.  Then at 7:50 of the second period, Frank Vatrano received the puck from Adam Fox and unleashed a sneaky shot from the slot for a 2-1 Rangers lead.  

As expected, Tampa tied the game at two.  

But then came the Kid Line to the rescue.  

They say that lightning doesn't strike the same spot twice.  That is unless you're Filip Chytil.  The Rangers' 23-year-old center is on fire.  He scored at 10:09 of the second period on feeds from Alexis LaFreniere and Kaapo Kakko.  A little over five minutes later, Chytil scored again off a cross-seam pass by K'Andre Miller.  He now has five goals in his last three games.

Artemi Panarin made his deliveries in the third period.  The Bread Man scored just 0:30 into the period on feeds from Andrew Copp and Jacob Trouba.  Panarin then assisted on Mika Zibanejad's power-play goal at the 6:06 mark.

Ryan Reaves and the fourth line very strategically notified Tampa that they aren't putting up with any crap in the closing minutes.

... a complete team effort.

My heart stooped when I saw Igor Shesterkin lying face down on the ice.  It appeared as if Nikita Kucherov buried his stick into the neck of Shesterkin.  But Igor rubbed it off to stop 37 of 39 shots on goal.

Some say Vasilevkiy was rusty.  I say he was perplexed.  The Rangers had him moving left and right.

By game seven of the first round, it finally dawned on the Blueshirts that their best scoring opportunities were shooting top shelf.  

Kreider scored high, blocker side moving right.  Vatrano also scored high on the blocker side.  Both Chytil goals were high glove side while moving left.  Artemi Panarin's goal mimicked Kreider and Vatrano, high on the blocker side.  Mika Zibanejad's power-play goal in third was likewise high on the blocker side, which confirmed Andrei Vasilevskiy has his issues.

Not all of that was rust.

New York Rangers Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

CAROLINA HURRICANES

BRING ON THE BOLTS!

That's How You Close Out a Series!

The Rangers' power play continued making the Canes pay for their mistakes.  Adam Fox converted passes from Alexis LaFreniere and Andrew Copp at 3:40 of the first period.  A little over four minutes later, Chris Kreider tipped in a pass from Mika Zibanejad, and just like that, before a hushed crowd, the Rangers owned a 2-0 lead.  

More importantly, Carolina was taken out of their game post-haste.  Jacob Trouba deleted Seth Jarvis with a big clean hit.  In Jarvis' attempt to crawl off the ice, Carolina was called for too many men on the ice.  Zibanejad and Kreider made them pay.

Then, with fewer than four minutes left in the second period, Ryan Strome scored the game's decisive goal.  He came rushing down the left-wing and placed a wrister stick side.

Chris Kreider scored the exclamation point to open the third period.  It was a great play on a breakaway, a power move, a classic.  He's been an exceptional leader all season long.  In the second round, game seven, the Rangers are on the road, and Kreider killed it with his second goal of the game.

That being said, the big guns got it done.  The team's top scorers, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox, accounted for eight points.

Meanwhile, Filip Chytil continued creating his own chances and capitalizing on Carolina turnovers.  At 8:15 of the third period, he did it again, a beauty.  Chytil scored his third goal in his last two games and fourth of the series.

Igor Shesterkin turned in another brilliant performance.  But for the second time in the series, he was indecisive with the puck, which left him out of position, and he wound up paying the price.

Next stop: Eastern Conference Finals.  

The Rangers regain the home-ice advantage.

Bring on the Bolts!

New York Rangers Set to Storm Beaches of North Carolina

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

GAME SIX

Hurricanes  2

Rangers      5

FINAL

Rangers Force Game Seven at Carolina

The winning formula remains: top-line scorers stepping up, converting on the power play, and going top shelf on Carolina goalies.  Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Artemi Panarin all registered a point.  Zibanejad and Panarin scored on the power play, and Filip Chytil demonstrated how to aim high.

Tyler Motte opened the scoring at 7:22 of the first period, barrelling right down Broadway and sneaking a wrister through Antti Raanta's midsection.  Mika Zibanejad then scored on a power play two and a half minutes later.  His footwork and skating made the space, brilliant maneuvering on his part.  It was Mika's fourth goal in his last four games.

As has been the case throughout these playoffs, the second period turned into a wild and wacky affair.  Two goals were scored by each team.  The kids continue creating chances for themselves.  Shortly after shooting wide of the net on a semi-breakaway, Filip Chytil caused another turnover.  He broke for the net and wristed a shot over Antti Raanta's left shoulder that knocked the Carolina goalie out of the box.  A little over three minutes later, Chytil scored again.  After digging the puck out of the left corner, Chytil unleashed a backhand that beat backup goalie Pyotr Kocketkov top shelf over his left shoulder.

The Rangers took a 4-2 lead into the third period.  If Carolina scores here, the game changes on a dime.  But Artemi Panarin made sure that did not happen.  This was by no means a garbage-time goal.  Instead, it was the stake through the heart.  Chris Kreider drew in the defense down low, then passed to Panarin, who wristed it home.

Igor Shesterkin had a game for the ages, making 37 saves, assisting on two goals, and incurring an interference penalty.

Ryan Lindgren has now tipped in two goals for the Hurricanes.  This time Shesterkin looked at him like ... c'mon, man!  

The Rangers are headed back to Carolina for game seven.  It was game one in which Lindgren tipped in the game-winning goal in overtime for the Canes.  

Said another way, the Rangers can win in their house.

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 ...

New York Rangers Fall to Carolina Hurricanes in Overtime

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

ROUND TWO

GAME ONE
Rangers      1

Hurricanes  2

FINAL/OT

Here we go again ...

Carolina clearly did not play at their best during the first forty minutes.  The Rangers had numerous quality scoring opportunities.  Filip Chytil gave the Rangers an early lead.  But Antti Raanta absolutely kept Carolina within striking distance.  By the second intermission, I believed the Hurricanes were making the Rangers look good rather than the other way around.

That all changed in the third period.  Everyone in a Ranger jersey not named K'Andre Miller was severely outplayed.  Then, sure enough, Sabastian Aho cleaned up his own rebound and scored the tying goal with 2:23 left in regulation.  In overtime, the Hurricanes picked up where they left off, and at the 3:12 mark, Ian Cole launched a shot from the top of the right circle that was tipped by Ryan Lindgren and found its way through Igor Shesterkin.

The Kid Line, against a new opponent, continued playing well together.  Kaapo Kakko is skating well, but he's been erratic with his passes and shots throughout the playoffs.  He missed a completely open net at the 6:46 mark of the third period - he's probably riddled with anxiety.  Alexis LaFreniere and Chytil appear far more comfortable in their skin.  Both teams, including LaFreniere, clanked pucks off the post.

K'Andre Miller wiped out Seth Jarvis on a potential breakaway in the second period.  What a great play!  The man has been flawless through eight games.

The only two penalties of the game essentially offset.  Otherwise, many infractions by both sides went uncalled.  The Rangers effectively lost this game at even strength.

Coach Gallant stubbornly rolled out his four lines through the first six games against Pittsburgh.  Not till game seven did he mix up the lines and wrangle with matchups, or not.  The coach said matchups mean little to him.  This series is as much about Gallant and Rod Brind'Amour trying to four-line each other as it is, as it was, the Rangers forwards doing more.

Antti Raanta was indeed the hero of game one.

Ryan Lindgren gets credit for the winning goal ...

Igor Shesterkin deserves better.

Artemi Panarin Punches New York Rangers Ticket to Round Two

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

RANGERS def. PENGUINS; 4-3

I - PITT 4; NYR3

II - NYR 5; PITT 2

III - PITT 7; NYR 4

IV - PITT 7; NYR 2

V - NYR 5; PITT 3

VI - NYR 5; PITT 3

VII - NYR 4; PITT 3

The Bread Man Delivers!  

Everyone knows the playoffs are a different animal.  It requires a more straightforward and more barbaric approach than the regular season.  

The Rangers' top forwards clearly needed time to figure that out.  Maybe they were overthinking things - paralysis by analysis.  Because the kids, Filip Chytil, Alexis LaFreniere, and Kakko Kappo, played more free and easy as if being too young and inexperienced to know playoff pressure.  Down in the series three games to one, Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider finally stepped up to become the decisive factors in games five and six.  

Chris Kreider opened the scoring in game seven at the 7:36 mark.  At 14:15 of the third period, Mika Zibanejad scored the game-tying goal, and they went into overtime at Madison Square Garden.

After a most frustrating series, Artemi Panarin saved his best for last.  He received criticism for failing to put more shots on the net throughout the series.  He spent his time trying to be a facilitator, always looking to pass first.  It's what he does.  Artemi led the Rangers with 74 assists and 96 points during the regular season.  However, he entered game seven with six points (two goals, four assists) through damn near 21 periods of hockey.  The first three periods on Sunday changed little.

Alas, when the team needed another hero, Panarin answered the call.  He took a team-high five shots on goal, and at 4:46 of overtime, Artemi put the biscuit in the basket to send the Rangers into a round two matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.

I'm an older fan now, so I'm not easily impressed.  But Chris Kreider has become such an incredible leader for this team.  The unnamed captain led the Rangers with five dramatic goals, snatched an iPad from the hands of Mika Zibanejad, smashed it on the floor, and told his linemate to stop second-guessing himself.  

The series also changed when Ryan Lindgren returned to the ice.  Just ask Sidney Crosby, who Lindgren showed mercy on when the Penguin captain was poking at Igor Shesterkin.

K'Andre Miller was brilliant throughout, smart, effective, and tough, and Igor Shesterkin is a star, and soon he'll have the hardware to prove it.

That was a hell of an education for the youngsters and some fine tutoring by the veterans.

New York Rangers Need Top Forward Line Contributions at Pittsburgh

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

BACK TO THE IGLOO

GAME SIX

New York Rangers

vs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Veterans Must Step It Up Because The Kids Are Alright

Igor Shesterkin completely misplayed the tying goal.  

Okay ...

But once again, he is not and has never been even a top-three issue why the Rangers are in this predicament.

Instead, look what happens when you make passes from behind the net and take shots from the slot and between the dots.  I've spent the majority of five games now watching the Rangers loitering around the perimeter, cycling the puck, settling for poor quality shots from outside the dots, and making Louis Domingue look like Ken Dryden.  The Penguins instinctually veer toward the net, anticipating a pass or shot, whereas the Rangers, on the rush, push the puck outwards towards the wings and take lousy angle shots.  They executed the strategy well in game one until they didn't and failed to revert to what works best until game five.

Pittsburgh continues to dominate face-offs and create shots.  Meanwhile, Mika Zibanejad is yet to show up at the party.  He continually leads the Ranger forwards in minutes but is sixth on the team with only 14 shots on goal and only four points (assists) to show.  In fact, eight different Penguins have gotten off more shots than Zibanejad, and five have posted more points.

The return of Ryan Lindgren clearly impacted the Rangers.  But the million-dollar question is whether anything about the second period happens if Sidney Crosby is on the ice?  His absence clearly emboldened the Rangers.  In fact, the whole complexion of the game changed when Crosby left the ice.

K'Andre Miller, Alexis LaFreniere, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, and Igor are being administered quite an education.  Now it's back to Pittsburgh for game five.  Staring into the face of elimination, let's see what they've learned or not.  

Otherwise, with great conviction, I will say it's time for Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and the veterans to pull the Rangers through to a game seven back at Madison Square Garden.  They're the ones with something to prove.  They're the ones who need to pick up the scoring and not rely so much on Adam Fox.

Because the kids are alright.

New York Rangers Get Iced at the Igloo

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

GAME THREE

Penguins   7

Rangers     4

FINAL

Penalties and Special Teams Continue Digging Deeper Hole

The Rangers played a commendable second period.  However, the other forty minutes were highly questionable, if not feeble.

They commit a cardinal sin right away, allowing a goal within the first two minutes of the first period.  Afterwhich they dig themselves into an even deeper hole, yielding two power-play goals just a little over two minutes apart.  The Penguins then score at 15:15 of the first period to put the Rangers behind by three.

Kaapo Kakko scored his first goal of the playoffs five minutes into the first period, and Filip Chytil and Alexis LaFreniere also notched their first points with the assists.

The Rangers miraculously scored three times in the second period to tie the game at four.  Frank Vetrano and Artemi Panarin scored their second playoffs goals, and Andrew Copp tied the game at the 15:15 mark with a short-handed goal.

However, the backbreaker occurred at 11:02 of the third period when Danton Heinen scored unassisted.

The Rangers naturally pulled the goalie during the late minutes, but the strategy failed miserably.  Not once but twice, the Rangers, with a man advantage, were unable to maintain possession and yielded empty-net goals, both assisted by Sidney Crosby.

After the first period, Igor Shesterkin never made it back on the ice, pulled in favor of Alexandar Georgiev.  That first period is not reflective of Igor's overall performance.  Lest we forget, Pittsburgh's backup goalie Casey DeSmith never made it out of game one.  

The fault for this series deficit lies in the Rangers' special teams, be it the power play or the kill.

... stymied by Louis Domingue?  

I'm not buying that.

N.Y. Rangers: Igor Shesterkin Offering No Quarter

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

THURSDAY

RANGERS      3

PREDATORS  1

FINAL

Igor Shesterkin and Penalty Kill Lift Rangers To Third Consecutive Win

Alexandar Georgiev has not seen ice since his opening night defeat against the Washington Capitals.  He faced 27 shots that night and let five get through - three on the penalty kill, one shorthanded, and one at even strength.  Some were arguably soft, others not so much.

Making his first start against Dallas, Igor Shesterkin committed the cardinal sin when he allowed that first-period goal with 0:35 left on the clock.  That raised an eyebrow.   He then allowed a power-play goal in the second.  But it's worth noting all the Ranger skaters allowed four goals on eight power-play opportunities afforded to the Caps and Stars.  Otherwise, the Rangers, of course, lost to Dallas just 1:38 into overtime.

The penalty kill has since tightened up.  Montreal, Toronto, and the Preds finished their games against the Rangers 0/3 on the power play.

Over his last three starts, Igor Shesterkin has allowed just one goal by each of the previously mentioned opponents.  Said another way, he has faced 101 shots on goal over the last three games and stopped all but three.  His 41-save performance against the Maple Leafs was quite commendable.  Artemi Panarin doesn't score the game-winner in overtime without him.

Against Nashville, the power play went 0 for 4, but the Rangers were able to play with a lead.  Filip Chytl scored just 2:12 into the first period on feeds by Alexis Lafreniere and Sammy Blais.

Nashville's Phillip Tomasino evened things up at 7:01 of the second period.

But the Rangers retake the lead midway through the third on Alexis Lafreniere's second goal this season with assists from Adam Fox (his third) and Sammy Blais, his second of the game.  Afterwhich, Barclay Goodrow's goal with 0:06 seconds left in regulation closes out the scoring. 

For Filip Chytil, his first goal of the season.  Before losing him last season to injury, Chytil had eight goals and 14 assists in 42 games.  I'm hoping like hell he plays himself into being this team's top-line center or having him together on a line with Kakkoo Kappo and Alexis Lafreniere.

N.Y. Rangers: Victory In Home-Ice Opener Not In The Stars

From the desk: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

2021 ~ HOME ICE OPENER ~ 2022

Stars       3

Rangers  2

overtime

Special Teams Experiencing Power Outages and Short Circuits

Open with a lopsided 5-1 loss at Washington, then host a slight downtick in competition only lose in overtime.  Rest assured, the Rangers are slowly but surely inching closer to a win.  Whether it comes against the Habs or Leafs remains to be seen.

The Rangers are putting forth a representative effort with faceoffs, shots on goal, and hits, but special team play has largely compromised their first two games.  They have now allowed four goals in eight penalty kills or lack thereof.  Meanwhile, the Rangers were 1/5 against Washington and shut out in four power-play opportunities against the Stars.  Needless to say, special teams require Gerard Gallant's immediate address.

That being said, goaltending cannot go unspoken.  Alexandar Georgiev stopped 22 of 27 total shots against the Capitals, and Igor Shesterkin stopped 23 of 26 total shots.  Said another way, the Ranger goalminders, in just over six periods of hockey, have thus far allowed eight goals on 53 attempts which translates into an 85% save rate.

Meanwhile, Adam Fox kicked off the season with a game-high 23:31 minutes against Washington.  He followed with a team-high 25:00 minutes Thursday against the Stars; over seven of those minutes were spent on special teams, and he still led the team in even-strength ice time.

Ranger centermen generated eleven shots on goal and just one point on an assist from Mika Zibanejad. Ryan Strome led forwards with five shots on goal.  But wouldn't you know, Adam Fox led the Rangers with six.  I'm hoping and praying Filip Chytil seizes outright the front-line center position.  In the meantime, Dallas centermen generated eight shots on goal, and two found the back of the net - advantage Stars.

Here's the thing about Chris Kreider's second goal in as many games: they came in losses.  But the real point is that he scores in bunches.  Kreider puts together four to six-game scoring bursts, then fades away for long stretches at a time.  I still can't believe of all players, he is the one to survive Jeff Gorton's purge.  But here he is ... Chris can be a real force if he just levels out his peaks and valleys. 

N.Y. Rangers: Confused Mission Statement

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Friday Night Is Alright For Fighting

 Kevin Rooney vs. Scott Laughton

Flyers       1

Rangers   4

FINAL

I began the season with no expectations and saying this campaign is about learning how to lose.  I mean that within defeat lay the education and gaining insight into the little things it takes to win at this level.  

This season's division alignments provided a wonderful classroom for just that, with intensified schedules against the Capitals, Bruins, Islanders, and Penguins.  I wanted these kids thrown into the fire.  What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but the experience would have been invaluable if it weren't for one thing: Coach Quinn and his incessant reconfiguring of lines on the fly.  When Coach Quinn and the coaching staff were made to quarantine, AHL coach Kris Knoblaugh filled in wonderfully by rolling four lines and leaving them alone.

How refreshing!

The Rangers still trail the Bruins by four points.  Despite playing them twice more to end the season, the Bruins still have two more games in hand.  And quite frankly, I don't want the Rangers making the playoffs because I feel Quinn has left them unprepared for that level of play.  Therefore, I want him devoting the remaining minutes of the season more towards this team's up-and-coming talent from here on out.

Friday against the Flyers, Alexis Lafreniere skated 22 shifts for 17:49 minutes, and that's a good thing.  In return, the highly touted teenager rewarded Quinn with a goal and an assist.  However, Filip Chytil was held under 14 minutes, while Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov were held under 13 minutes.  I would like to see Lafreniere, Chytil, and Kaako Kappo on a line together more, so they can grow and learn to play together.  After all, that's what rebuilding teams do, and that's what these Rangers are, and that's why Quinn has frustrated me through the second half of the season.

Kaapo Kakko and Artemi Panarin assisted on Chytil's third-period goal, his eighth of the season.  Likewise, it was Kakko's eighth assist of the season. 

Don't you wanna see more?

Chris Kreider opened the scoring at 6:02 of the first while on a power play.  That's fine, but I know he's not carrying this team if they make the playoffs.

N.Y. Rangers: Eight Points in Six Days Against Devils Keep Blueshirts in Chase

From the desks: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS & THE BRICK CITY STYX

BATTLE OF THE HUDSON

Rangers defeat Devils; 6-2

I - NJD 4; NYR 3

II - NJD 5; NYR 2

III - NYR 6; NJD 1

IV - NYR 6; NJD 3

V - NYR 3; NJD 0

VI - NYR 4; NJD 0

VII - NYR 6; NJD 3

VIII - NYR 6; NJD 3

Young Devils Taking Their Lumps

Had the Devils managed to stay out of the penalty box, they might have gotten somewhere.  Newark allowed the Rangers five power-play opportunities, and the Blueshirts converted on two.  

Nico Hischier got whistled for roughing Jacob Trouba at 5:23 of the first period.  Chris Kreider made the Devils pay just over a minute later on feeds from Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin.  

At 14:03 of the first, Vitali Kravtsov scored his first NHL goal.  It comes in his ninth game with the club.  The 21-year old was selected by the Rangers with the ninth overall pick of the 2018 draft.  

Something which brings me great joy occurred at 5:17 of the second period; Alexis Lafreniere scored his eighth goal of the season on assists from Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil.

In a very similar fashion to Saturday's game, the Rangers yielded three unanswered goals at most inopportune times.  Not once but twice, they committed one of the cardinal sins in hockey: never allow a goal in the first or last two minutes of a period.  Mikhail Maltsev did just that at 18:55 of the second period on assists from Yegor Sharangovich and P.K. Subban.  Then just 1:53 into the third period, Marian Studenik scored his first NHL goal on feeds from Andreas Johnsson and Mikhail Maltsev.  Less than four minutes later, Nico Hischier tied the game at three on assists from Nolan Foote and Nicholas Merkley.  

For Foote, it's his first NHL point in his first NHL game, and in his fourth NHL game, Marian Studenik scores his first-ever goal.

Playing minus Jesper Bratt and Pavel Zacha, the Devils won more faceoffs and generated more shots on goal but erred late in their comeback.  At 15:50 of the third period, Ryan Murray was sent to the box for high-sticking Kaapo Kakko.  Mika Zibanejad reclaimed the lead for the Blueshirts just over a minute later on assists from Adam Fox and Ryne Strome.  In turn, Strome scored the capper at 19:35 from feeds by Artemi Panarin and Colin Blackwell for a 6-3 final margin of victory.

New Jersey, one of the youngest teams in the league, is now 2-10-2 in their last 14 games.  They're presently on a six-game skid after losing two against the Penguins and four in a row against the rival Rangers, who remain four points behind the Bruins with eleven games left.  However, the Bruins have two games in hand.

N.Y. Rangers: Igor Shesterkin Blanks Devils at the Rock

From the desks: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS & THE BRICK CITY STYX

BATTLE OF THE HUDSON

Rangers lead Devils; 3-2

I - NJD 4; NYR 3

II - NJD 5; NYR 2

III - NYR 6; NJD 1

IV - NYR 6; NJD 3

V - NYR 3; NJD 0

Fists Fly in the Battle Between Two Rebuilding Locals

Igor Shesterkin earns his first career NHL shutout as the Rangers blanked the punchless Devils at Prudential Center.  Newark was both plus-seven in faceoffs and shots on goal and even the beneficiaries of two power-play opportunities.  But the Rangers' 25-year old goalie faced 27 shots and stopped them all, including four on special teams.

It's worth noting the Devils were playing without Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac's services - traded to the Isles - and centerman and team Captain Nico Hischier finally made his reappearance on the ice.

Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring at 7:02 of the first period on a breakaway set up by Pavel Buchnevich and Adam Fox feeds.  After a scoreless second session, Artemi Panarin scored at 7:50 of the third on Filip Chytil and Fox assists.  Pavel Buchnevich then closed out the scoring on an unassisted short-handed goal into an empty net with just 0:28 seconds left in regulation.   

Mackenzie Blackwood has enjoyed better days.  His defensemen offered zero help on Zibanejad's goal.  Otherwise, he faced just 19 shots, stopping all but two.

With two more assists, Adam Fox has 34 points in 41 games.  Mike Zibanejad now has four goals and six points in his last seven games and 30 points in his last 27 games.

Damon Severson and Chris Kreider wasted little time exchanging pleasantries and punches just 1:27 into the game.  Later in the second period, Brendan Smith and Michael McCleod also decided a tussle was in order.

Hostilities resume Thursday.  The Rangers and Devils play three more times over the next five days.

N.Y. Rangers: Young Blueshirts Lead Way Against Veteran Islanders

From the desks: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS & THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

THE RIVALRY

Rangers and Islanders tied: 2-2

I - NYI 4; NYR 0

II - NYR 5; NYI 0

III - NYI 2; NYR 0

IV - NYR 4; NYI 1

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT..!! 

The up-and-coming off-Broadway city slickers trekked out to Uniondale, where they achieve a decisive and rather uplifting victory over the division's top team and their chief local rival.   

Quinn's Kids knot the season series at two but, more importantly, close within five points of fourth-place Boston.  

Meanwhile, the Islanders fall back into a first-place tie with the Washington Capitals, who, as you might expect, defeated the Buffalo Sabres.

Making his first start since Mar. 19 against the Capitals but looking far from rusty, Alexandar Georgiev was sharp as a razor's edge in earning his seventh win of the season.  He faced 32 (even strength) shots on goal and stopped all but one by Andy Greene at 14:53 of the second period.  The Islanders were afforded just one power-play opportunity in which they failed to get off a shot.

Islanders' newly acquired center Travis Zajac generated two shots on goal but was 1/4 on face-offs.  Kyle Palmieri skated a quiet 13:54 minutes and participated in Long Island's lone power play.

The Rangers actually split face-offs down the middle at 29 apiece, which for them is a good thing.  And wouldn't you know, they even mustered six more shots on goal.  If you're so willing, one might even agree Isles' physicality was outdone Friday evening by speed and, dare I say, finesse.  But you didn't get that from me ... Long Island laid 21 hits versus just twelve by the Rangers.  However, the Blueshirts peppered Semyon Varlamov with 35 even-strength shots on goal, of which three got by.

Alexis Lafreniere / Filip Chytil / Kaapo Kakko

In what many Rangers find might consider the highlight of the game, 19-year old Alexis Lafreniere opened the scoring at 6:05 of the second period on assists from 21-year old Filip Chytil and fellow 19-year old Kaapo Kakko.  If only Coach Quinn would just leave Lafreniere/Chytil/Kakko alone for stretches and let them develop chemistry together.  I understand they are young and still need a measure of protection, both physically and logistically.  More time together for the sake of familiarity is all I ask.  But here's everything you need to know - Alexis Lafreniere, to date, has seven goals.  His first five goals of the season were assisted by seven different players.  

1. vs. BUF; Colin Blackwood.
2. vs. WAS; Artemi Panarin, Anthony Bitetto.
3. vs. BUF; Pavel Buchnevich.
4. vs. NJD; Mike Jibanejad.
5. vs. WAS; Julien Gauthier, Kevin Rooney.
6. vs. PITT; Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko.
7. vs. NYI; Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko.

Low and behold, goals number six against Pittsburgh and number seven against the Islanders were assisted by Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko.  

Speaking of Kaako, his situation has been only somewhat different than that of Lafreniere.  Artemi Panarin has assisted on three of Kakko's six goals, and Ryan Strome and Philip DiGiuseppe assisted on two each.  Which is to say Kakko has experienced a little more stability and consistency insofar as linemates.  Otherwise, similar to Lafreniere, seven different players have assisted on Kaako's six goals, and Filip Chytil was one of them.  He assisted on Kaapo's first goal this season back in January against the Islanders, but not since, and for that, I blame Quinn.  Let the results speak for themselves.

Cycling back to the game ...

Roughly four minutes later, Colin Blackwell netted his twelfth of the season on Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome's assists.  Midway through the third period, 21-year old K'Andre Miller scored on assists from fellow blueliner Jacob Trouba and Panarin's second for the game.  Mika Zibanejad then closed out the scoring into an empty net with 1:12 left in regulation.

Zibanejad, to date, has quietly amassed 31 points in 40 games played.  After scoring just six points over his first 19 games of the season, Mika has since scored 25 points in his last 21 games.

N.Y. Rangers: Coach Quinn Returns With Mixed Results

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

RETIRE #4 ALREADY!!!

Adam Fox has now registered points in ten consecutive games.  The streak ties a Rangers record shared by (among others) Ron Greschner and Brian Leetch.

In fact, Fox has 18 points over his last ten games with two goals and 16 assists.

The sophomore blueliner finished his rookie season with 42 points and a plus-22 through 70 games and placed fourth in the Calder voting.  This season, Fox to date has notched four goals and 29 assists through 36 games.  His 33 points presently are the second-most points by a defenseman this season behind Victor Hedman.  Saturday's game also marked the seventh time this season he's registered multiple points in a game.

Making his NHL and Rangers debut, Vitali Kravtsov generated three shots on goal while participating in 14 shifts during 10:45 minutes on ice.  He joined fellow Rangers' first-round draft pick Filip Chytil, K'Andre Miller, Kaapo Kakko, and Alexis Lafreniere.

🏒

Buffalo is the lone NHL team still with single-digit victories and own a league-worst minus-46 point differential.  Saturday's win over the Rangers was only their eighth this season for their still league-worst 22nd points of the season - six points behind the Ducks and seven behind the Red Wings.

But the Rangers apparently never received the memo.  In two straight games against the worst team in the league, the Rangers fail to win either during regulation time.

Artemi Panarin opened the scoring at 10:02 of the first period with a power-play goal on feeds from Fox and Chris Kreider.  Panarin's second goal of the night came at 17:52 of the second period, assisted by Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox.

Buffalo's Casey Mittelstadt tied the game the first time at 13:01 of the first.  In the third period, Artemi Panarin got beat in the defensive end, which led to Victor Oloffson's game-tying goal at the 16:19 mark.

Joining Panarin with a minus-one for the game were Kaapo Kakko, Ryan Strome, K'Andre Miller, and Jacob Trouba. 

After a scoreless overtime, Buffalo's Linus Ullmark outlasted Igor Shesterkin in the shootout.

The Rangers were 4-2 in Coach Quinn's absence.  Mika Zibanejad scored 16 points while Coach was away; twelve of those points came in two games against the Flyers.  They are now 2-1-1 since Coach Quinn's return, and Zibanejad has notched just one point.

Otherwise, the Rangers' centermen came up empty once again with just five shots on goal and no points.  Pavel Buchnevich had more shots on goal than the Rangers' centers combined.

Chris Kreider is no different.  The erratically effective forward is averaging just two shots per game.  But I put that more on David Quinn and his inability to establish a team identity.  With just under a half-season left, Kreider might very well reset his career-high in goals.  Just imagine Kreider spending more time shoving bodies in front and cleaning up rebounds.  Apparently, Quinn can't.

At one point, Quinn paired Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko with Pavel Buchnevich.  I don't mind the line, per se, but I'm getting tired of his inconsistencies and constant reactive line changes.   

Yeah, I'm looking at the guy calling the shots.

N.Y. Rangers: Look What the Blueshirts Did to the Flyers, Again

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

THURSDAY

Rangers 8

Flyers  3

FINAL

That Piano Falling Out Of The Sky Has a Flyers Logo On It

Philadelphia is flying in a bad way.  Since returning to the ice on Feb. 18 from a four-game quarantine, the Flyers are 7-10-2 and fading fast.  

They were borderline eligible to play this game.  

Thursday's defeat against the Rangers was their fourth straight loss and fifth in their last six games.  Moreover, they've surrendered five goals or more in seven of 19 contests.  On March 17, the Rangers shut out the Flyers by a whopping 9-0 final; on Thursday, another lopsided 8-3 final score.  All told, the Rangers have taken two of three and outscored the Flyers through five games by a 27-14 margin.  For Philly, there's no hiding from the Rangers' 17-3 goal advantage in their last two games together.

Mika Zibanejad strikes again, with three power-play goals along with three assists for six points.  That makes twelve points in his last two games against the Flyers.

Otherwise, the Rangers scored three times in the first, three times in the second, and twice more in the third period.  Pissed off Pavel Buchnevich scored once at even strength on a second time while shorthanded just 0:33 seconds into the third period.  Ryan Strome actually opening the scoring at 8:01 of the first period en route to a four-point night, and my guy Brendan Lemieux assisted on K'Andre Miller's second-period goal.  Filip Chytil capped off the scoring with his fifth goal of the season.

Oh, and Adam Fox had five assists ... just saying.

The Rangers welcomed back goalie Igor Shesterkin who sustained a groin injury exactly three weeks ago.  He faced 44 shots on goal, making nine special team saves and 41 saves overall.

N. Y. Rangers: Blueshirts in a Landslide

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Rangers vs. Flyers series tied; 2-2

I - NYR 3; PHI 2*

II - PHI 4; NYR 3

III - PHI 5; NYR 4#

IV - NYR 9; PHI 0

*shootout

#overtime

Back to the Future: Blueshirts Post Largest Goal Total Since 1986 Smurfs Scored Ten Against the New Jersey Devils

No head coach, no staff, no problem.  

Or, was David Quinn the problem all along?  

That can be debated.  

In any event, minus their entire coaching staff crowding the bench area and busting their pucks, the Rangers veterans took it upon themselves to lead the troops after Monday's overtime backbreaker in an uproarious bounce-back effort against the Flyers on Wednesday.

Insofar as Quinn, Brendan Lemieux might have something to say.  After all, he's the one who lit the fuse igniting a Blueshirt explosion.  Lemieux converted feeds from Adam Fox and Bret Howden to open the scoring at 7:05 of the first period.  At 14:47, Artemi Panarin netted his seventh of the season for a 2-0 Rangers lead.

The Flyers, throughout the second period, appeared to be skating in the west side railyards.  The Rangers, in turn, unleashed a seven-goal attack against Philadelphia goalies Carter Hart and Brian Elliot.  Mika Zibanejad posted a hat-trick and assisted on two other goals by Pavel Buchnevich and another by Jacob Trouba.  Then with just 0:27 seconds left in the second period, Filip Chytil scored his fourth goal of the season for a 9-0 Rangers lead.

Alexandar Georgiev was back between the posts demonstrating a marked improvement in performance after getting the hook in each of his last two starts against Pittsburgh and Boston.  If anyone needed a confidence booster, it was him.  Georgiev faced 26 shots on goal and stopped them all for the shutout.

Circling back to Lemieux, it was his second goal and sixth point in limited minutes.  The Rangers need his physicality on the ice.  The Rangers got four points from their blueliners, a goal and assist from Jacob Trouba, and assists by Adam Fox and Libor Hajek.  Pavel Buchnevich finished with four points.  Even Bret Howdenn attempted a shot on goal.  So, you know things went well.

With the victory, the Rangers tie the season series against Philadelphia at two wins apiece.

N.Y. Rangers: Another Poor Performance at the Penguin Palace

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Penguins Lead Rangers; 5-1

I - PITT 4; NYR 3

II - PITT 3; NYR 2

III - PITT 5; NYR 4

IV - NYR 3; PITT 1

V - PITT 5; NYR 1

VI - PITT 4; NYR 2

Who's On First, What's On Second, Who the Eff Is In The Middle?

How did the Rangers have more shots on goal than Pittsburgh?  Where did all these opportunities come from, because I just didn't see it?  Maybe someone can please inform me of the Rangers' time of possession for Tuesday's game?  

I kept telling my wife ... watch when they enter the offensive zone how quickly they lose possession of the puck.  Then she asks/yells/tells me ... why isn't anyone in the effing middle?  Look, it's empty out there; why isn't someone near the net?  So then I said ... that's because we don't have anyone big and rough and tough enough to win battles in the corners and make good passes to the so-called skilled players.

😠

However, in a brief moment of joy, I was pleased to see Kaako/Chytil/Lafreniere on the same line and the return of Jacob Trouba.  Otherwise, Jack Johnson's first period goal means little to nothing for me.

Brett Howden is averaging roughly 13:00 minutes through 24 games to date.  The man has just two shots on goal in his last ten games.  He has just 18 total shots on goal, but eight came within the season's first six games.  Which is to say, since Jan. 28, Brett Howden has registered a mere ten shots over his last 18 games.  Just to be a jerk, Casey Cizikas of the Islanders has 33 shots on goal through 26 games, with four goals and ten points.

By the way, Penguins centermen accounted for five points, while all Rangers' centermen accounted for just one point, a power-play goal by Ryan Strome in the third, his sixth of the season.  That's an improvement.  Because on Sunday, Blueshirt centermen accounted for just four shots and one goal from Mika Zibanejad.  In comparison, Penguins centers took nine shots on goal, tallying three goals and four assists for seven points, giving them 12 points in two games versus an inconsequential two points for the Rangers.

Making his 18th appearance of the season, Pittsburgh goalie Tristan Jarry faced 35 shots, stopping all but one at even strength.  

In only his second start of the season and back-to-back against the Pens, Keith Kinkaid faced 21 even-strength shots allowing three and faced 26 shots overall.  The Rangers were outscored by the Penguins over the last two games by a 9-3 margin.  Said another way, Pittsburgh tripled the Rangers output.

• Artemi Panarin Count: 16 days; the Rangers are 4-4-0 in his absence.

Where's Phil Esposito when you need him?