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Game 62 WAS 4 NYR 1, Second straight disconcerting loss by the Blueshirts |
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The Rangers, playing shorthanded, fell to Washington 4-1 Tuesday at MSG. The final score isn't really indicative of how much the Capitals dominated play. After New York controlled the action for about the first 15 minutes of the game, Washington turned it around, upping their effort and execution level, leaving New York in their wake.
Just after pre-game warmups, Mika Zibanejad, who was hit by a shot in his hand/wrist with about 35 seconds to go Sunday, was scratched due to the injury. He had the area taped but was unable to play, leaving New York without one of their tip centers. Dan Girardi, out the next 10-14 days with swelling in the ankle where he blocked a shots a few weeks ago and required stitches, and Kevin Klein, due to back spasms, both missed the game. In their absence, Matt Puempel replaced Mika, sliding onto the fourth line, with JT Miller centering the third, largely because Pavel Buchnevich was sent to Hartford to get some games in. Adam Clendening dressed again and Steven Kampfer, who was acquired early this year for Dylan McIlrath, got the call up from Hartford, though I would have gone with Ryan Graves. In addition, Chris Kreider left the game midway through the first with what might have been a groin injury but he returned to start the second. Jesper Fast left the game in the third and was still being evaluated after the contest.
Despite all those changes, New York was really good early. A beatific tic-tac-toe play resulted in Brady Skjei rallying to give the Blueshirts a 1-0 lead. The Rangers carried the lead into the second but Washington had already started their charge. Marcus Johansson evened the game with his first of two goals at 7:28. A key moment, which you could wonder if the call had been right might have altered the outcome - which is debatable seeing how well the Capitals were playing - was the offsides call on Michael Grabner's goal.
Grabner had his left lifted, which is what caused the offsides call. This rule has to be changed. First, if it takes five minutes to make a ruling, the likelihood that its conclusive is remote. Second, look at where his leg. It's over the blueline. Use the rule of if the skate bisects the blueline, meaning it's perpendicular to the line, then it has to be insides because it's not over the line before the puck is in the zone. See the picture below.
From there, it really was all Washington. A dirty goal by Connolly with a three and half left in the second gave Washington the lead. Johansson's second 1:15 into the third made it 3-1 and Nicklas Backstrom's PPG with just over two minutes left capped the scoring.
Most disconcerting is that this was the second straight game against higher competition that New York was unable to compete with their opponents. Columbus and Washington took away their time and therefore their space to make a play with their speed. Now, I am not about to go down the road of the team needs an agitator, we have beaten that one up way too much. But someone with some grit who can push back, defend his teammates, skat and score a bit would be nice. It's why I wanted Brian Boyle, because even though he isn't a touch guy, he raises his play. Patrick Sharp fits that bill. Shane Doan, despite his average skating ability, does so as well. But I am not overpaying at this time.
I get Sean Hartnett saying New York should have been all in on Shattenkirk. I do as well, up to a point. Watching the power play or really powerless play go 0-for-4 in Tuesday, making the team 0-for-15 over the last six games, 1-for-29 over the last 10 and 3-for-48 over the last 18 matches, makes you realize just how much a PP QB is needed. Shattenkirk would have filled that need. But o give up what was rumored, Pavel Buchnevich, a 1 and another high pick or asset was way too high and above what the Capitals surrendered. Focusing on adding an asset for the PP and to help what is now a struggling offense, with several players, Michael Grabner, Derek Stepan etc., likely will be a focus, bringing me back to Sharp or maybe Radim Vrbata, despite his poor track record in highly stressed situations.
The addition of Brendan Smith will help with some of the snarl and nastiness and grit needed. Now if New York fancies itself as a contender, those issues noted above must be fixed somehow by 3pm. Getting back Zib will help but adding an asset will as well, but only within reason. It's also why trading Nick Holden or Klein or Grabner to recoup a pick would not be the worst idea in the world.
The deadline looms. Which way does Gorton play it?
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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