The Rangers lost their third straight, falling to the Islanders 6-3 at MSG on Tuesday. If someone just looked at the score, they would think that the Rangers were dominated throughout. Of course, that wasn't the case, as the Blueshirts held 1-0 and 2-1 leads before allowing five straight goals. An ill-timed penalty lead to the first Isles score, while turnovers, which quickly have become the bane of the Rangers existence, resulted in the next two Islander markers and poor own zone coverage in front of the net, another recent staple, led the fourth goal against.

A few thoughts:

1) Give Jaroslav Halak, who made 40 saves, a lot of credit. When the Rangers pressured the first three-quarters of the second stanza, Halak stood tall, only allowing one goal. That fine net play enabled the Isles to stay close and helped result in the win.

2) Some positives for the Rangers. Rick Nash gave McLaren, his new born son, two gifts, as he became the first Ranger to score in four straight contests to begin a season. I thought Kevin Hayes and Anthony Duclair did not look overwhelmed, though Duclair failed to cover the front of the net, leading to Brock Nelson's goal that made it 4-2. The power play, possibly spurred on by having Ryan Malone in front of the net, showed good movement and pressure, which was lacking the first three games, though the team is still 0-for-11 on the season on the man-advantage. Lee Stempniak had another solid game while paired with Derick Brassard, who scored again, and Chris Kreider, who had a beautiful feed for Brassard's goal. Unfortunately, pretty much the rest of the team failed to show up, save for a couple of moments.

3) Strong forecheck by the Isles was apparent throughout. Nikolai Kulemin and John Tavares helped cause Michael Kostka's two turnovers, leading to markers by Tavares in the second and Kyle Okposo, his 100th of his career, in the third. While the forecheck played a role, Kostka has to be better and those two giveaways changed the entire momentum of the game, especially the first one. Until then, the Rangers were rolling. That turnover and goal flipped the switch of the game in the second and a big run in a short span, this time, three goals allowed in the first 5:20 of the third sounded the death knoll.

4) Coach Alain Vigneault matched the Martin St. Louis against the Tavares line a decent part of the night. Big mistake. St. Louis was a -14 Corsi during those match ups. I said in the pre-game write up I was concerned how St. Louis would match up against the Isles top line and I wish I was wrong. However, this symbolizes a bigger concern beyond the lack of depth down the middle with Derek Stepan out. Last year, the fourth line was a huge weapon for the Rangers. With Derek Dorsett, Dan Carcillo and Brian Boyle all gone and AV trying to mix and match combinations, what was a huge strength is now a big weakness. The defense has rightly taken a lot of blame for the 17 goals in the last three games, but the lack of an effective, shut down fourth line is just as concerning.

5) The blue line and goaltending have been horrific. Matt Hunwick was scratched as others got the benefit of the doubt. Kostka was in for Hunwick, but he was worse, though his play mirrored that of his blue line mates. Ryan McDonagh has yet to look like a Norris Trophy or even a top-pair d-man and was fortunate Henrik Lundqvist bailed him out early when Cory Conacher blew past him. Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, John Moore and Kevin Kline did little to distinguish themselves. Unless they start to figure out own zone handoffs and cover the middle of the ice, which has been wide open repeatedly, this losing streak won't abate any time soon.

6) Henrik Lundqvist isn't getting helped by his defense or forwards but he hasn't been sharp. Tuesday was the first time in his career he has allowed five or more goals in back-to-back contests. Lundqvist is either not out far enough to cut down angles and see over screens or is just reacting slowly. The defense has to clear out those forwards in front, but Lundqvist also has to make a key save to keep his team in the league, like Halak did repeatedly.

7) We were concerned about the Isles' PP, and while they did notch one goal in four chances, the game didn't turn on that. Granted, it blunted the impact of Nash's first goal and 60 penalty minutes in four games is concerning, but the Rangers rebounded in the second to take the lead. What was concerning is that all five of the goals the Islanders the reeled off were on 5-on-5 play, which in the past was a Rangers' strength. The lack of chemistry, sustained pressure, poor defensive coverage and net minding all were factors and need to be fixed ASAP.

8) It's too early to really panic, but the poor play is disconcerting. With the East, especially the Metro Division, expected to be bunched together, a slow start is the last thing a team wants. To have to expend a ton of energy just to dig out from a hole in order to get into a playoff spot won't help a squad be fresh when the post-season arrives. The Rangers were able to recover last year. Trying or needing to do that again could be a bit much to ask. A win Thursday against a weak Carolina team would do wonders for the Rangers' confidence. A loss, well, you can fill in the rest.

9) Some changes are needed. First, is figuring out a way to fix the defensive lapses and woes. Second, insert Matt Hunwick back in the lineup and have him play with Staal. Third, if that fails to work, and Hunwick isn't the problem, call up Dylan McIlrath or Conor Allen and sit either Klein or Moore. Fourth, offensively, if the team plays as it did Tuesday, they should be fine, as Halak stoned several good chances. Fifth, I would say sit Hank for a game, but Cam Talbot was not the answer Saturday nor did he play well this preseason, which is concerning. Last year, he righted and steadied the hip when Lundqvist struggled. The jury is out a bit as to whether he can do it again, but if Lundqvist has another poor game Thursday, AV may not have a choice. Last, take the damn body. This team is built for speed but does have players that can be physical. In 2014, the fourth line upped the physical quotient when needed and set the tone. No one has done that consistently to date, save for maybe Glass and it's not enough for one player to do it. If that doesn't change, bring in someone else who will use his body.

10) Remain calm. If I say it enough, I will believe it and maybe you will too.

Join the Discussion: » 439 Comments » Post New Comment

» Game 2: Rangers hold on for 4-3 win and 2-0 series lead

» Game 1: Rangers hold serve at home 4-1 over Caps behind the fourth line

» 2024 Series Overview and Preview - Round 1 - Rangers-Capitals

» Rangers-Capitals: Reading the Numbers, Looking for an Advantage

» Rangers-Capitals meet again, though for first time since 2015, in playoffs