The Rangers close out their pre-All Star break schedule tonight in San Jose. Fresh out three losses in a row on the road trip, including the first two on their California trip, New York tries to pick up a win against the Sharks. Henrik Lundqvist, who was pulled after allowing three goals on seven shots versus the Ducks, gets the game off with Ondrej Pavelec between the pipes.
Each of the three losses showed a different issue that has been the case for a bit. Against Colorado, New York was dominated in puck possession and only stayed in the game thanks to Lundqvist. Versus LA, the penalty kill, so good earlier in the year, was the cause for the loss, as the team allowed three straight power play goals. In the loss to Anaheim, defensive breakdowns directly resulted in at least three and maybe the first four goals. It's the same issues rearing their ugly head that has driven us so crazy this year and why many of us think a punt and maybe mild tear down is in order.
I did the Buzzcast today discussing the possible direction of the team (apologies for dark lighting)
Vigneault said the team's decision to claim McLeod off waivers was to add depth and a player that brings a physical element that's "different" than what the team currently has. "As you know, our depth has been tested lately. He brings a dimension that's different than what we have," he said. "In talking with[GM Jeff Gorton] yesterday, he felt it was a possibility and we talked again this morning and decided to make the call." If depth and a scratch with occasional action, then maybe it's okay, because Nashville is paying part of the salary, If a regular role and certain players are scratched, then all bets are off.
Hayes should be back tonight and JT Miller likely will get a regular shift. If that happens, I expect the lines to be or maybe should be with Vesey and Carey maybe swapped:
Rick Nash, Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich JT Miller, Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello Paul Carey, Peter Holland, Jesper Fast Jimmy Vesey, David Desharnais, Vinni Lettieri
The blue line is the same as the past few games. That doesn't mean it's good, just the same, As I thought Tuesday they weren't as bad as the score indicated, but the mistakes were key ones and no surprise they resulted in goals.