The Rangers continued their early-season role with a 2-1 win over the Avalanche on Friday. The Blueshirts got goals from Derek Stepan and Oscar Lindberg 21 seconds apart to erase a 1-0 deficit and earn the win. New York faces Arizona tonight before returning to action Tuesday.
A few quick thoughts, as taking daughters to see the Peanuts movie:
New York was good for 40 minutes and lousy the last 20. But when they were lousy, Henrik Lundqvist was very good in the final period.
Lundqvist, who tied Mike Richter’s team record for career appearances (regular-season and playoffs), is off to a fantastic start. It's the right call sitting him tonight for Antti Raanta, who has been solid his two starts.
Emerson Etem is not a first liner. At this point, i am unsure if he belongs in the top-nine or in the NHL. But, you can't just lose him to waivers to send him down, because he will get claimed. Granted, the best case scenario would be for him to be in Hartford for 15-20 games to regain some confidence but that appears to be unlikely. He is completely lost out there, so when Rick Nash's back is healthy enough for him to play, Etem sits. Maybe GM Jeff Gorton bites the bullet and tries to pass him through waivers, but I don't see that happening for a while.
I would sit Nash again tonight. Why take a chance that this morphs into something more serious. Keep him out and make sure he is ready for the heavy upcoming schedule. (Update as of 7:10 pm - Nash is out, AV says he needs a few more days)
JT Miller was solid on the second line. Chris Kreider is still fighting it. He was a bit better last night but still not where he needs to be.
Not much more you can say about Oscar Lindberg. Good in all three zones. A perfect fit on the third line with Hayes and Stalberg, who has fit in well with this team.
The blue line. Ryan McDonagh is rounding into Norris Trophy like form. Kevin Klein has been very good. Marc Staal solid. Keith Yandle is getting better each game. Dan Girardi had played a few solid games in a row but wasn't particularly good last night. Last but not least, Dylan McIlrath.
Just let the kid play. Keep McIlrath in the lineup. He hasn't looked out of place or made any glaring errors. Carp said it best: "I thought this was his best NHL game yet. Very physical. Pretty sound defensively. Had a very strong shot from the point … his shot has been impressive every time we’ve seen him … which hasn’t been a lot. McIlrath made a good play to get that puck loose and allow Staal to clear on the PK late in the third, with Klein in the box. I don’t see him being better than steady, but steady if probably what you want out of your No. 6. I just wonder if he will ever been seen as the No. 6, even if he is better, and the team is better defensively, with him at 6 than the other guy. The Blue guys look bigger and more rugged when McIlrath is in uniform." Maintain the status quo, sit Dan Boyle, who you already know what he brings and play McIlrath to see how much more he can bring to the table.
(Update as of 7:10 - Boyle is back in for McIlrath. I vehemently disagree with this move. McIlrath deserves to play again. What are you gaining by sitting him for Boyle. Let him play and put Boyle in every once in a whole, not the next day)
Win tonight and improve to 10-2-2.