The Rangers won their fifth game in six changes, defeating Nashville 2-1 in the shootout. Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant for the second straight game, holding Nashville to one goal and none in the shootout. After a Rick Nash snipe for the one goal, New York was shutout but Jimmy Vesey in his return to Nashville and Mats Zuccarello tallied in the shootout for the win.
The positives to take from the win:
- Nash is back. Goals in back to back games following his return from the groin injury. He has shown no limitations on the ice, using his legs to create chances. The goal was aided by Juuse Saros being off his ankle, but it was a top-shelf marker that only a few players could score.
- Lundqvist looks rejuvenated. The time helped him get his body (technique) and mind (focus) right. A shared shutout Thursday due to the concussion protocol and one goal allowed yesterday, both performances coming in tight games where those kind of numbers were needed. Personally, I would go with Antti Raanta tonight, especially with Pittsburgh on Tuesday, against whom I would go with Lundqvist.
- the goaltending in general lately. Raanta was brilliant in his four games stretch and noted above, Lundqvist has been great his last two. The Rangers tweeted the following out after the game: "Over the last six games, Lundqvist and Raanta have posted a combined .973 SV% (144 saves on 148 shots over the span)." Not too shabby.
- Vesey came into a hostile environment where he was public enemy #1. He didn't flinch, he didn't show any fear or concern, he just played. Getting the shootout goal that led to the win was icing on top of the cake.
- The penalty kill was stellar again. New York stoned all three Nashville power plays and are 18-for-their-last-18. The forwards are staying in their lanes, and while I would like them to be aggressive on the points, they have done a good job of keeping most of the action outside. The defense has been solid, blocking shots, clogging up shooting lanes and taking bodies out in front. New York was helped by Nashville team playinh without P.K. Subban, who was out with an upper body injury.
Negatives:
- regression of the offense. Take away the five goals against New Jersey, who have lost five in a row, and the Rangers have scored just 10 goals their past six games, winning four of them. We knew the offense would slow down, as the shooting percentage was unsustainable and the top-nine is without several players, but giving the goalies some cushion will be needed.
- the power play really misses Mike Zibanejad one-timer and right-handed shot. Brandon Pirri was good early but he turned back into a pumpkin, replaced by Matt Puempel last night. Playing Derek Stepan at the point at times is a waste, so AV will have to shift up the groupings again.
- on Stepan, he has 21 points but really hasn't stepped up his game. Full Tilt Rangers had a good stat in his blog today: "Here’s the current average ice time leaders for the top 9, which makes this argument even more resounding. Zuccarello 18:42, Stepan 18:05, Kreider 16:47, Hayes 16:42, Zibanejad 16:41, Nash 16:03, Miller 15:59, Vesey 14:27, Grabner 13:22." But while Stepan rates second in ice time, slightly skewed by short handed time, he is just second in points per 60 minute, which measures production compared to ice time.
With Zib and Pavel Buchnevich still out and while Nash was out, New York needed someone to step up. Most eyes turned towards Chris Kreider, who was criticized for failing to do so. Maybe we focused on the wrong player, as Stepan, who is making $6.5 million a year and has no trade clause for the next two seasons that kicks in this summer, should have been our target. He is the great #2 or #1b when the Rangers have a good #1a. Stepan also has shown the ability to raise his play in the playoffs, but lately, and especially for his salary, he has failed to do so.