The Rangers finally got back to winning ways, defeating the Predators 4-2 at MSG. New York broke out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, then held on for dear life the last two periods. Nashville carried play the last 40 minutes but Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant between the pipes. The Rangers close out their homestand against the Sharks on Monday.
A win is a win is a win. For a team desperate for two points any way possible, while the win wasn't aesthetic pleasing, it counts as two points in the standings, that's all that matter. Work still needs to be done but the victory - for now - holds off some of the criticism and bad feelings regarding this squad. It far from completely removes it, since six shots the last two periods - three in each frame - is basically playing a shell for that entire period. But two points is two points for a team that hasn't seen a win in ages.
Lundqvist was a beast throughout while the penalty kill, especially in the third period when they were stuck on the ice for all two minutes, did the job. Maintaining their composure and discipline, at least for the most part, while under siege was the best part of that shorthanded stint. Granted, the penalty call against Smith for knocking the net loose off its moorings was weak, because he was shoved into the right side post of the Rangers net by a Preds player, causing it to be knocked loose. As such, no call should have been made.
Chris Kreider's goal from right in front - one that he couldn't miss- - did come on the power play. Besides that tally, the team did nothing on the man-advantage. Puck and player movement were both so-so and if you can't clearly gain the zone, you likely aren't scoring. This is another area that it's a work in progress, despite the one goal.
Lundqvist was gassed late, as seen by his reaction below after Jimmy Vesey's empty-net goal to clinch the game. A solid game by Kevin Hayes, who maybe finally finding his sea legs, scoring in back-to-back games. More impressive was how the goals were scored, with each tally coming on a hard carry up the ice rather than a soft dump in. The lines still need to figured out, as do the defensive combinations, plus the PP and even the PK both need work. But for one day at least. the team can enjoy the win, thanks to #30 between the pipes. However. Hank will need a game off soon, though that may not happen against San Jose, but to me, that would be the place to sit him.
Game recap:
Advanced Metrics Look at the Game:
Hank's reaction after Vesey's goal:
Lundqvist's post-game thoughts:
Evidence of what Lundqvist has meant to this franchise:
The Rangers made a small deal sending Matt Puempel to Detroit for Ryan Sproul. Interesting that a team deep in d-men and light in forwards traded a winger for a defenseman. This could mean another deal is coming with Sproul, a right handed blue liner, now in tow. I don't mind the deal, since Puempel was unlikely to get a true chance in NY. But I prefer the deal Pittsburgh did, sending Scott Wilson and a third round pick in 2018 to DET for Riley Sheahan and 2018 fifth-round pick. Sheahan still has some upside and would have been worth a look-see in NY. That said, I like the deal overall, as it brings in a player who regressed, partially because of injury, but has upside but an asset that was unlikely to be used in New York. Also, it creates additional options and trade possibilities while giving NY another option on the blueline.
As @hockeystatminer tweeted, the Puempel/Sproul trade does not affect #NYR cap space. Still with ~$2m current cap space, projecting $8.3m for deadline (via @CapFriendly). If it stays at that amount, acquiring a big time forward, depending on the play until then, will not be an issue.
Red Wings fan view of Sproul:
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