The Rangers, in a contest where they led 2-0, fell 6-3 to the Stars. After an even first period, Dallas started to take control of the game in the second, then dominated action in the third period. The Stars increased their pace and intensity, while also crashing the net, resulting in several of their goals, while Scott Wedgewood was solid between the pipes, resulting in the victory. New York is in Pennsylvania for a pair of games, Wednesday against the Penguins and Black Friday versus the Flyers.
Miller - Trouba
Lindgren - Gustafsson
Jones - Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
A few thoughts:
1) One bad game - for now, let's not make the result more than it is, one bad game. Granted, a few troubling signs remain that were apparent in the 11-game point streak. But before we throw out the baby with the bathwater, just breathe.
They lost to a quality opponent on the road in a game where their goalie was less than stellar and the Stars' netminder made lots of quality saves. While areas of need/uplift exist, I am not about to just toss out an 11-game point streak and say all is not well. That is far from the case
.
2) Two positives - Vincent Trocheck - while he was minus-three, he also extended his point streak to six games, during which he has four goals and seven assists. Trocheck has solidified the second line and almost had another point, as he sprung Alexis Lafreniere on a breakaway in the first period that Wedgewood stoned.
Jacob Trouba continues to do yeoman's work. His defensive partner - K'Andre Miller - was not particularly good last night and has been up-and-down this year. But Trouba punches the clock, game in and game out, providing leadership and a physical presence on the ice.
3) Two negatives - Mika Zibanejad's struggles continue. He looks to be fighting it on the ice, unsure when to shoot or pass. Goals in just two games, ironically back-to-back October 30 and 31, bookended by a pair of seven-game goal droughts. For New York to be elite, Zib has to be a first-line center. That is especially true 5x5, where his numbers leave much to be desired and questions of his performance against elite teams, which came to the fore again last year, will bubble up again. I am not ready to suggest line changes or moving Zib off the top PP unit, at least not yet. If the next three games on this road trip result in little progress, then maybe.
Igor Shesterkin had a second straight rough game. Rebound control, normally not an issue for the Czar, reared its ugly head yesterday, just like it did Saturday. Shesterkin's failure to squeeze a Mason Marchment shot resulted in a goal, eerily similar to the one Jack Hughes potted the other night. I am not overreacting to this, as Igor didn't play for 16 days and he is scraping rust off. Look for Jonathan Quick to likely go Friday in Philly with Igor between the pipes Saturday as well as tomorrow.
Losses happen. We as fans were spoiled the last month and a day. Now, they need to regroup, learn from their mistakes and move on to get a win against Pittsburgh.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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