The Rangers played their second solid game in their last three, defeating the Senators 4-1 Sunday. New York took advantage of an Ottawa team that played the night before, carrying play in the first and in an especially dominant third period. The only true bobbles came late in their first two frames, but Henrik Lundqvist was there to make key saves when needed.
A few thoughts: - it's nice when you don't have to close your eyes and pray when any of the six d-men are on the ice. Obviously, Ryan McDonagh with a PPG and two assists was the standout but I thought for the most part, all six had solid games. The weak link was Marc Staal again, who was victimized when Marc Methot's shot went off him past Hank, but even he wasn't that bad.
- Each game I am more and more impressed by Dylan McIlrath. The next step is to have him get his howitzer of a shot on net but that's nitpicking. McIlrath played 15:36 and had six hits but that's just part of the story. I talk a lot about high panic level being a key for defenseman. Well, in watching McIlrath you can see that that panic level is rising whereby he has the confidence and patience to wait as long as he can and make a play.
- Up front, it was the Derick Brassard show. The third goal, where he picked a spot short side and blasted it past Craig Anderson, is why we was he would shoot more. With Derek Stepan out, Brass will need to pick up his game and Sunday was a good move in that direction.
- Chris Kreider looked like a player. He was engaged throughout, using his speed and size. Kreider's play behind the net to keep the puck alive and then screen in front set up McDonagh's PPG. He meshed nicely with Oscar Lindberg, who won 12-of-18 draws and didn't look out of place as the second line center.
- The power play has been humming along at a 22% clip lately. With the 5-on-5 chances and goals drying up, the PP was a key for the winning streak and win last night. A pair of PPG in the first set the tone for the win. Good puck and player movement plus screens in front, one by Kreider on the first and then the deflection by Brassard with Dan Boyle in front on second.
- While it mostly good, the breakdowns late in the first and second, and at other times on the middle frame, could have been really damaging. The same issues as to the forwards not picking up players and D in wrong positions were on full display. But Hank was there to keep the team in the lead until they got Brass' goal in third and Jesper Fast's empty netter late.
- With the team about to embark on a three game Western Canada trip, it will be interesting to see if they call up Brady Skjei or Chris Summers to give them an extra d-men. New York has just enough cap room and it would be wise to add someone just in case on an injury or illness when out West. Emerson Etem is the extra forward but Tanner Glass hasn't done anything egregious to lose his spot in the lineup, though I do expect Etem to get another chance soon.