The Rangers got their second shot at the Avalanche in a week, and while not as bad as the first game, the disparity between the two squads was clearly on display again. Colorado showed explosiveness through the neutral zone, chemistry in all phases of the game, offensive creativity and the ability to score both in the dirty areas and from the outside. Unsure I would say all were lacking from the Rangers, but it did look like two different classes of teams on the ice.
Game recap:
A few thoughts: Some regression was expected, but the bigger issue is the lack of offense. Other than Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome, what chemistry has been evident up front? Coach Gerard Gallant decided not to change up the lines after Sunday's loss, saying it was just one game. After yesterday's performance and the inability to mount any form of sustained attack - again - changes are needed.
All of this is not helped by Mika Zibanejad woeful shooting percentage, but also, it's the lack of jump in the neutral zone to create chances. This has been the case up and down the lineup. In the past, we saw lots of odd-man rushes or breakaways. This year, minimal at best. Part of that might be due to the new style of play, but that inability to create off the rush or be creative is a major weakness.
Add in the struggles of Filip Chyyti and Alexis Lafreniere. Chytil is showing he should be a wing and Laf can't seem to get out of his own way, as we have discussed and needs to work on his skating. Dryden Hunt is 100% effort but he is miscast in top-six. Julien Gauthier is one who has taken a step forward, but finishing is not his game. Maybe they move Gauthier or possibly Laf again, though neither appear likely, partly because I don't think Gauthier belongs in the top-six. If one is moved up, I like Laf gets another shot, but he sure doesn't deserve the spot based on his current play.
If this is the case, then what? If making a move, I would first move Kaapo Kakko back to the second line with Panarin and Strome, where he was having some success. While the top line has driven possession, the lack of scoring has been readily apparent. If moving Chytil to wing, why wait, do so now. Place him on the top line with Zib and Kreider and see what happens. I also agree, like Laf, he doesn't deserve the spot but maybe see if the trio can create some magic and chemistry. One other option would be to move Kreider to the third line and try Laf and Chytil or Laf and Kakko on the first line.
If that move is made, the lines could be: CK20-Zib-Chytil Panarin-Strome-Kakko Laf-Goodrow-Gauthier Hunt-Rooney-Reaves
I still think GM Chris Drury will need to import a top-six player, center or wing, who has breakout talent and the ability to create chances, especially on the rush. Until that deal is made, these changes are a way to see if other combinations might work. Modifications are needed as the offense has been stagnant, especially 5x5, as little right now is working.
On the blue line, the top-four is unlikely to be changed. Adam Fox did not have. a great game and he is adjusting to being in the cross-hairs of each opponent. K'Andre Miller continues to learn and grow. But I don't foresee any swaps occurring. Ryan Lindgren has been his usual steady self and Jacob Trouba has taken a step forward this season, his second as a Ranger.
The third pair has been less than optimal. Patrik Nemeth has been a far cry from what I expected. Nils Lundkvist is not taking the league by storm and struggling to be a steady defenseman, less alone an impact player. Jarred Tinordi, little needs to be said, similar with Libor Hajek, despite his best efforts since joining the lineup a few games ago.
What to do? Nemeth is likely not going anywhere right now, especially with two more years remaining on his deal. We all hope Tinordi and Hajek will be gone or at a minimum, benched. A trade is likely not an option right now, though one for an expiring asset could be an option in the future.
in order to address the deficiency, I could see Zac Jones get the call. Braden Schneider might be a better fit, since pairing two offensive minded defensemen as a third pairing is far from optimal. But Jones has been excelling in the minors and likely deserves a shot, in addition, maybe his presence helps Nils maximize his talents and also might raise Jones; trade value even more if he is to be used to bring a top-six forward asset.
Tonight, Keith Kinkaid might get the call. Alexandar Georgiev didn't cost New York the game yesterday, nor did he steal it. He still struggles seeing shots from distance with screens, which is expected somewhat, but you can see he loses sight of the puck easily. Igor Shesterkin may not be back until after the holiday break, so playing Kinkaid tonight and then Georgiev on Friday makes sense.
New York (18-7-3) has lost three of its past four games after winning the previous seven. Tonight should be a game where the offense gets on track. If not, and if the changes above or any were not made for the Arizona game, I would expect tweaks for Friday vs. Vegas.