Jan Levine: Rangers blow chance at second place, mistakes and coaching decisions Rough loss to New Jersey

Are people on twitter really blaming igor? Good lord what the hell were they even watching - game would've been over before the 2nd if it wasn't for him.

If zib could hit the net at all and goodrow didn't make arguably the worst pass/play i've ever seen, we would have won that game.

I know others have said this and nothing will likely change, but i am over PP1. They had chances yesterday but i feel we need a different look.

I'm surprised no one has been talking about how Igor looked after taking that shot to the mask. He seemed to be clearly shaken up, and even though he stayed in net it looked like his movement and positioning was slightly off compared to the first 50 mins of the game. He was definitely the only reason we got a point yesterday, but I'm more concerned about any potential lasting effects after that blow to the head.

Are people on twitter really blaming igor? Good lord what the hell were they even watching - game would've been over before the 2nd if it wasn't for him.

If zib could hit the net at all and goodrow didn't make arguably the worst pass/play i've ever seen, we would have won that game.

I know others have said this and nothing will likely change, but i am over PP1. They had chances yesterday but i feel we need a different look.
- Mtlca66

That was the turning point, PP1 could of made it 4-1 but failed and the devils scored right after to make it 3-2 on their PP

Are people on twitter really blaming igor? Good lord what the hell were they even watching - game would've been over before the 2nd if it wasn't for him.

If zib could hit the net at all and goodrow didn't make arguably the worst pass/play i've ever seen, we would have won that game.

I know others have said this and nothing will likely change, but i am over PP1. They had chances yesterday but i feel we need a different look.
- Mtlca66

Ive been pushing to break up PP1 all season. That 1 trick pony we had last season was out of control fortunate for us.

I think Zib needs to have a PP to himself where they focus on him shooting from the left hash, like Ovi and Stamkos, but also still have Kreider for the tips and screens in front of Fox. Panarin should have PP2 to himself.

Kreider, Zib, Kakko, LAF, Fox
Panarin, Trochek, Kravtsov, Chytil, Trouba

Good write up Jan.

Your perspective on the acute, situational criticisms from each game from some of the fan base was spot on IMO. As a whole the season in the NHL is a trial of figuring out how to win on a consistent basis that will lead the team to the Cup. By and large, based on the Rangers performance from beginning to now, the Rangers are doing just that. Learning to win tough games. Who can argue that this isn't progress or a positive towards their playoff potential.
With that, I hope they figure out some of the kinks that occur in the games. This is a good team with a lot of talent that may need another piece and a few players to step up. But so far so good.

I'm surprised no one has been talking about how Igor looked after taking that shot to the mask. He seemed to be clearly shaken up, and even though he stayed in net it looked like his movement and positioning was slightly off compared to the first 50 mins of the game. He was definitely the only reason we got a point yesterday, but I'm more concerned about any potential lasting effects after that blow to the head.
- t-dawg

I totally agree. After that moment, I said to myself “he needs some shots asap to regain his focus or something”. It didn’t happen, and I think that plays into his positioning, timing, etc. it was a turning point I think.

I totally agree. After that moment, I said to myself “he needs some shots asap to regain his focus or something”. It didn’t happen, and I think that plays into his positioning, timing, etc. it was a turning point I think.
- fish_hoof

Yeah it definitely seemed like a turning point watching live. It's not like the goals afterwards were bad ones or anything, just seemed to shake him up a bit. As long as he was okay and no lingering symptoms after the game, that's what matters most

The 17th overall pick in the 2020 draft looks pretty darn good

The 17th overall pick in the 2020 draft looks pretty darn good
- picklerick

I'm not sure who you mean or what point you're trying to make:

Schneider was the 19th pick for the Rangers.....

I'm not sure who you mean or what point you're trying to make:

Schneider was the 19th pick for the Rangers.....
- TommyGTrain

I didn’t say 19

I didn’t say 19
- picklerick

Reichel?

Reichel?
- aecliptic

this wasn’t meant to be a guessing game since I gave all the requisite information but yes

this wasn’t meant to be a guessing game since I gave all the requisite information but yes
- picklerick

Im clearly not guessing since he was the 17th pick in that draft. Its just very random.

Im clearly not guessing since he was the 17th pick in that draft. Its just very random.
- aecliptic

He scored a between the legs goal for his first career and put up 3 pts. Yes it was also a playful dig at laf

He scored a between the legs goal for his first career and put up 3 pts. Yes it was also a playful dig at laf
- picklerick

Just a tip pickle...

When a joke needs to be explained, Its not a good joke!!!!

Just a tip pickle...

When a joke needs to be explained, Its not a good joke!!!!
- Brukie

Hes just a pickle, not a comedian.

I hope I’m wrong on Laf, but I just don’t see what he does exceptionally well. He’s an average skater, looks terrible with the puck on his stick, I’d say is middle of the pack when it comes to passing, and this shot he’s supposed to have I haven’t seen it. Kid really needs to look in the mirror and decide how he’s going to handle the next few off seasons bc they will make or break his career. I don’t want to hear he changes wings for 15 games or that he doesn’t get PP time, u don’t even notice him when he’s on the ice. That’s up to him to change, go out have a few high energy shifts, throw the body around, show more hustle etc. Every shift Kakko is out there u notice him hounding the puck, or Chytil battling along the boards and hustling, I don’t see that with Laf.

I hope I’m wrong on Laf, but I just don’t see what he does exceptionally well. He’s an average skater, looks terrible with the puck on his stick, I’d say is middle of the pack when it comes to passing, and this shot he’s supposed to have I haven’t seen it. Kid really needs to look in the mirror and decide how he’s going to handle the next few off seasons bc they will make or break his career. I don’t want to hear he changes wings for 15 games or that he doesn’t get PP time, u don’t even notice him when he’s on the ice. That’s up to him to change, go out have a few high energy shifts, throw the body around, show more hustle etc. Every shift Kakko is out there u notice him hounding the puck, or Chytil battling along the boards and hustling, I don’t see that with Laf.
- nyrangers9479

When he was drafted the report was he did everything very well. Right now his game just isn’t translating to the nhl bc of speed of the game and confidence. Once he finds his role he’ll be fine. Just don’t think it happens tbis uear.

I hope I’m wrong on Laf, but I just don’t see what he does exceptionally well. He’s an average skater, looks terrible with the puck on his stick, I’d say is middle of the pack when it comes to passing, and this shot he’s supposed to have I haven’t seen it. Kid really needs to look in the mirror and decide how he’s going to handle the next few off seasons bc they will make or break his career. I don’t want to hear he changes wings for 15 games or that he doesn’t get PP time, u don’t even notice him when he’s on the ice. That’s up to him to change, go out have a few high energy shifts, throw the body around, show more hustle etc. Every shift Kakko is out there u notice him hounding the puck, or Chytil battling along the boards and hustling, I don’t see that with Laf.
- nyrangers9479

Both Chytil (last year) and Kakko (this year)took a big step forward in their 4th season, so by that logic next year is the key for laf. Maybe it’s my positive nature, maybe you’re right, but we can’t just give up on him yet imo. Kakko was scratched late last year and we almost were ready to give up on him. I brought up sending him the Hartford but he has clear waivers which is ridiculous if that’s true

Here is one for you tho, would you trade Laf for Chychrun? If they do trade him that’s who I could see it being for because his salary isn’t overly high

I'm surprised no one has been talking about how Igor looked after taking that shot to the mask. He seemed to be clearly shaken up, and even though he stayed in net it looked like his movement and positioning was slightly off compared to the first 50 mins of the game. He was definitely the only reason we got a point yesterday, but I'm more concerned about any potential lasting effects after that blow to the head.
- t-dawg

Devils fan here and goalie of 20 years or so. I 100% agree with this. That shot was a direct hit to the cage which REALLY rattles you. He looked slow to get up and move in the minute or two afterwards once he was hit. Probably should have definitely taken time to skate to bench or talk to the trainer/coaches - even to just give himself some extra time to regain composure.

Also - for any NYR fans blaming Igor for the L are insane. The guy stood on his head for 2/3 of the game. Without him you guys aren't even in the game - let alone getting a point.

Great game (glad the Devils won, of course) but even more glad to see the rivalry back in full effect!!

Devils fan here and goalie of 20 years or so. I 100% agree with this. That shot was a direct hit to the cage which REALLY rattles you. He looked slow to get up and move in the minute or two afterwards once he was hit. Probably should have definitely taken time to skate to bench or talk to the trainer/coaches - even to just give himself some extra time to regain composure.

Also - for any NYR fans blaming Igor for the L are insane. The guy stood on his head for 2/3 of the game. Without him you guys aren't even in the game - let alone getting a point.

Great game (glad the Devils won, of course) but even more glad to see the rivalry back in full effect!!
- hockeybocc

You guys are gonna be a problem for years

Not sure if any of this was covered. Game was areal kick to the gut. Rangers have nobody to blame but themselves. Here's a full of the game impacts via HSC and just the Rangers.

Also not to harp on it, but there is something a miss when this team has a lead now.

Look at this. No way it should be this flawed when up 2-0 and then 3-1.

Also not to harp on it, but there is something a miss when this team has a lead now.

Look at this. No way it should be this flawed when up 2-0 and then 3-1.


- tomburton99

You know for years and years and years of NHL hockey, sometimes a game gets away from a team. Saturday is evidence. I know that without looking charts, I’m a genius

11-2-2 last 15 games. They beat the Canes, Isles, Devils, Avs, Vegas and Leafs in those 11. You try to make things terrible regarding the NYR when they really aren’t 🤷🏻‍♂️