The Rangers snapped their seven-game losing streak with a 6-5 overtime win over the Canucks on Wednesday. New faces played a key role in the win, which was described by Henrik Lundqvist as a "roller coaster." Leads of 3-0, 4-3 and 5-4 were lost before John Gilmour's overtime goal, short-side, gave New York the win.
Game recap:
Condensed Game:
Kevin Hayes notched a pair of goals in the first period to match his career-high of 17 goals, posted last year and as a rookie in 2014-15. After a very slow start, as Hayes adjusted to his shut-down role, the former BC Eagle has really picked it up lately. Hayes has six goals and five assists in his last 11 games and skated with Ryan Spooner and Jesper Fast. That line looks to have built some instant chemistry. Spooner had three assists, including the brilliant one on Gilmour's game-winner, and provide speed and passing to that trio. Fast does the dirty work, as he did in the first goal, though it might have been an icing, while Hayes finally has started to shoot.
Vladislav Namestnikov made a heck of a first impression. Carrying the puck into the offensive zone to create the second goal of the game. Later, Namestnikov beat Anders Nilsson five-hole to give New York a 4-3 lead. In the game, Nam showed his ability and willingness to play a 200-foot game, using defense to generate offense, along with his speed through the neutral zone. One interesting notion on Spooner and Namestnikov is that each of them don't know the system and are playing on instinct. Do they have that freedom restricted once they learn the system?
As good as New York was offensively, that's how bad they were defensively. Fifty-shots against is staggering, and fortunately, Lundqvist was able to stop 50 in the contest. You would look at the boxscore and see five goals against and think he had a bad night. Far from it, as Lundqvist repeatedly made spectacular saves. The team's own zone coverage was in name only, as tons of gaps existed in the zone, leaving Canucks wide-open in high-danger spots.
The blueline:
While the team still possesses players that can score, including in the minors with Filip Chytil and Lias Anderson, but defensively is where work will need to be done. The good news is that the young blueliners are gaining experience. The bad news is the growing pains that come with that. Neal Pionkmay end up being the defensively of the group, but he is struggling right now at this level. Gilmour has the best wheels of the bunch, which will earn him a spot, but he needs major work in his own zone. Tony DeAngelo should be the most advanced of the bunch, but his hockey sense is a major question and he has failed to put it all together. What he does well is QB a PP, but the rest of his game is a major issue.
Brady Skjei has failed to take that next step forward. I expected continued growth from him after a brilliant rookie season. But, defenseman growth is not linear. I still think Skjei can be the leader of this defense and should be locked up long-term, like Carolina did with their young D but I could also see the Rangers going with a bridge deal. Marc Staal is the other "lock" for the blueline next year, presuming he is back and not bought out or deal with a pick or prospect elsewhere to clear cap space. The injuries have rendered him a shell of what he once was, as he has issues with pucks in his skates and also with speed when he can't use his stick to ward off an opponent. The jury is far out on Brendan Smith after his collapse. New York could really use his physical play, which is why I think he gets another chance next season.
Kevin Shattenkirk may be back before the end of the season but more likely next season. He gets a mild pass because of the injury. But that doesn't explain all of his difficulties, especially when factoring in the questions regarding his defensive abilities magnified by his playoff struggles in Washington. Kirk is one of those penciled/inked into a spot, but next season is a key year for him in New York.
Larry Brooks spelled it out today with what the Rangers are facing with these RFA forwards:
So general manager Jeff Gorton will not only contend with negotiating against the prospect of arbitration for the short term, he will have to weigh the costs of buying out their first years of unrestricted free agency.Hayes, in at $2.65 million per year, probably would come in the $4.5 million neighborhood. Namestnikov, working for $1,937,500,likely would be a $4.25 million per, multi-year investment. Spooner, currently at $2.825 million per, also projects to $4 million-plus on a multi-year deal. And, Zibanejad is in for $5.35 million per through 2021-22.
It is extremely unlikely the Blueshirts would go into next season with all four of these athletes. And this: With Spooner and Namestnikov options at wing, the Blueshirts also have a call to make on Vesey, also up for salary arbitration at a current $925,000 per off a disappointing sophomore season and two years away from unrestricted free agency.
I gave my view in the blog, but here it is again:
Spooner likely will stay at wing, clearing somewhat of the center logjam. I could see Hayes or Zib getting moved, especially if Chytil or Andersson are ready, but more if JT would be an option, which may not be the case. Hayes has been good in a shutdown role and showed chemistry with Spooner and Fast, albeit in a small sample size. Nam wants to stay at center, creating some tough decisions.
The overall $ quoted by Brooks isn't optimal, but if the cap rises, it's doable. New York may need a true #1 or #2 center. But Nam should be that #2 with Hayes as the #3, unless he is moved. Andersson should be the #4, for now, while Chytil can play wing, maybe with Nam and Buch. Vesey will get a bridge deal if he isn't moved, keeping that cost down. Spooner should stay on the wing, where is where he appears to be a good fit.
Gorton now has lots of options, first and foremost is upgrading the blueline. How weird is that to say, seeing how that was viewed as strength for so long. But better in theory than actuality. iIf the rebuild truly is longer-term, then stay away from John Carlson and certainly, Erik Karlsson. But if the plan is to start forward next year and then incorporate Rykov or Hajek or Lindgren to the ones that prove they belong in New York, the adding a top-pair blueliner sooner rather than later likely will be the main focus in free agency.
Lines tomorrow:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Buchnevich Vesey - Namestnikov - Zuccarello Spooner - Hayes - Fast Carey/ Holland - Desharnais - McLeod
Staal - Pionk Gilmour -Skjei O’Gara - DeAngelo
Lundqvist tomorrow against Calgary and Alexandar Georgiev on Saturday against Edmonton, unsure who has the easier task.