The Rangers, in line with recent history in LA, blew a two-goal, falling 3-2 Sunday. Old friend Alec Martinez burned New York, this time on a goal with less than a minute remaining in regulation. The Blueshirts were outplayed much of the contest, spending much of the game on their heels rather than attacking, which was very evident on the ole treatment through the neutral zone on the game-winning tally.
Game Recap :
David Quinn Post-Game
“At the end of the day we have to stop beating ourselves...that’s got to stop and that’s on me. We’re going to keep at it and get better tomorrow and get ready to play on Tuesday night.…
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 28, 2018
- #NYR Coach Quinn pic.twitter.com/2BK4HDPzVy
A few thoughts cognizant that much of this has been discussed: 1) First goal of the season for Vladislav Namestnikov, Ryan Spooner and Tony DeAngelo. By far, the best games of the season for Nam and ADA. Nam went hard to the net on the goal while ADA made a gorgeous cross-ice pass to Spooner for what the tying goal in the third. ADA was chirping and engaged throughout the game. He still needs work defensively, but his skating and offensive ability warrant him getting a longer long in the lineup.
2) Zib and CK20 - both invisible yesterday
3) Quinn - good to see him angry, as he should be. But the too many men on the ice penalty, regardless of who went on, falls on his lap.. Six already in 11 games; you shouldn't have that many in a season let alone 11 games. The losses are getting tiresome, and I know those who espouse the tank are happy, but sorry, as I said already a few times, not there yet. Also, I get he is searching for the right combinations, or at least ones that kind of work, but at some point, give players a few games together to see if a pairing or trio or two can remain intact before swapping. No way any sort of chemistry can be built by constantly shuffling and reshuffling the deck.
4) Henrik Lundqvist - lost of great saves, but that last one, regardless of the screen from Brendan Smith has to be stopped. The Kovy goal was a howitzer, the other two rebounds where maybe you would like better control, but that's being petty. But the last one has to be stopped.
5) Cody McLeod - I don't blame him for the slashing call against, as it was ticky-tack, but that started the downward movement in the game. The roughing call was silly and despite a few solid efforts, he will be benched tomorrow.
6) Kevin Shattenkirk - now healthy, he can't continue to be invisible. Not really contributing much and getting outplayed by several others. If Nw York was healthy, wonder if he would be a healthy scratch again.
Blender out again:
The long view from #NYR practice in SoCal today includes these forward lines:
— John Giannone (@jaygeemsg) October 29, 2018
Namestnikov-Zibanejad-Zucc
Kreider-Hayes-Spooner
Vesey-Howden-Fast
Buchnevich-Chytil-Lettieri (McLeod)
Rangers vs Sharks LIVE coverage Tuesday at 10p ET on @MSGNetworks pic.twitter.com/yrXpHoWNqp
Summary: Nam scores, moves up to top line. Spooner scores, stays on second line. Buch dropped to fourth line, which isn't surprising after his game yesterday, and also off PP (see below). Vesey is putting in the effort, but the end results aren't there, maybe swap him with someone who can score? Is the third line really your fourth line and vice versa based on personnel on each trio?
D-pairs the same, for better or worse: Skjei-DeAngelo Staal-Pionk Smith-Shattenkrik
PP units swapped again:
And some work on the power play. Unit 1: 20, 36, 23, 44, 93.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) October 29, 2018
Unit 2: 26, 72, 13, 22, 21.