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Game 46: MON 1 NYR 0, Weak Goal/No Offense The Losing Combination

January 30, 2015, 5:13 PM ET [29 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers and Canadians met in a contest that made up for it in excitement what it lacked in efficiency and effectiveness. Both sides struggled to maintain consistent attacks, while also missing out on several golden chances. But Montreal how Justin off on what has to be classified as a week goal allowed by Henrik Lundqvist to beat New York 1-0.

New York got off to a horrible start again in the first period, mirroring their recent play of late. Like Tuesday, the Rangers played hot potato with the puck, failing to generate any sort if sustained attack or control through the neutral zone. They improved as the game wore on, but failed to breakthrough against Carey Price. Granted, they hot the post several times and missed on a few golden chances with open nets, as they were unable to get to or control pucks, but those were few and far between.

The power play was obviously missing in action again. Going 2-for-22 in this current stretch on top of the other offensive struggles, just exacerbates the problems. Beyond just the lack of goals, the movement - both man and puck - seems to have dried up as well, as they are too stagnant.

Remember the halcyon days when New York scored three or more goals in 11 of 14 games to move into the top-five in scoring? Now, they have scored two goals or fewer in five of their last seven matches, getting shut out three times in those seven games and four overall. The top line, which carried play for so long, has hit a major speed bump. When Rick Nash, who has gone three games and six of the last seven without a goal, doesn't light the lamp, others have to step up and none are. The lack of any kind of supportive scoring from the second through fourth lines as well as the blue line is what's killing the Rangers lately.

As mentioned yesterday, it likely is time to shift up the groupings as a first step. If that doesn't work, or even if it does, reinforcements - aka trade infusions - are needed. Swap MSL and Zucc. Try Miller on the top line, or heck, just play him. Sit Glass. Put Hayes back on the third line. Give Hagelin or Stempniak a go on the top trio. Find a third and/or fourth line that sticks together, which was the case during the hot streak.

Mix up the power play pairings. Put Miller on the top grouping or at least don't put Girardi out there. Play Nash on the half boards. Maybe sit Boyle and try Zucc at the point again. Mix and match personnel, because right now, Nothing is working.

Go get Methot or Sekera using Moore if need be. Work on a Vermette or Stewart deal. Call up Oscar Lindberg. None of the above are panic moves, but a few more losses and hard decisions may need to be made
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