New York Rangers lose in New Jersey Despite J.T. Miller’s Effort
By Frank Pickel
The New York Rangers first game back from break was last night in Newark, New Jersey. The Blueshirts looked to take down the Devils, a division rival. Unfortunately, that did not happen and worse, it could have happened.
Scoring Breakdown
1-0, Rangers
- The All-Star break did not calm down J.T. Miller who put the Rangers ahead in the first period. This goal was his sixth in seven games. Miller is one of, if not the only player for the Rangers who consistently shows up ready to play professional level hockey. Miller’s goal was the byproduct of solid defense. Crazy right? Jasper Fast beat the Devils to a loose puck and shuttled a pass to Brassard in the neutral zone. Brass brought the puck up the right wing while Miller flanked on the left. Breaking away and developing a 2-on-1, Brass approached the crease and passed the puck on the money for Miller.
1-1, Tie
- The Devils tied the game very early in the second period. This goal came off a power play. A power play that seems to be the bane of my existence as a Ranger fan, but we will get to that a little later. The goal was scored by Lee Stempniak on a rebounded puck that bounced off of Lundqvist.
2-1, Rangers
- J.T. Miller yet again found the back of the net with a fire one timer, putting him at 7 goals in 7 games. Not to shabby for a young buck. Credit Yandle and Boyle with the assists.
- 2-2, Tie
- J.T. Miller’s goal, and the lead, were all forgotten moments (1:07) later when the New York Rangers successfully made Blandisi look like the fastest skater in the NHL. Alain Vigneault blamed this goal on a poor timed line switch, but the Rangers players that were on the ice looked like statues. Blandisi skated through the neutral zone untouched. Blowing by Zuccarello and Girardi, he then beat Hank to his short side, which is a goal Hank should block. This was a crucial time in the game and every Rangers player on the ice mentally and physically crumbled. Including the highest paid goalie in the NHL.
- 2-3, Devils
- The final goal was scored during another power play. Typical. Schlemko won it for the New Jersey Devils, 2-3.
New York Rangers Special Teams
The New York Rangers special teams, or lack there of, is what lost this game. The Devils had two power play goals, while the Rangers posted another goose egg. The New York Rangers desperately need to figure this out. They look miserable on power plays. The Rangers have scored an utterly underwhelming and unacceptable amount of power play goals over their last 14 games, with a total of two.
Fans dissatisfaction only intensifies when the Blueshirts go on the penalty kill. As my favorite MSG announcer, Walter “Clyde” Frazier would describe it, the Rangers play a solid “matador defense”. They have allowed two power play goals six times in their last 18 games and over that stretch of games they have allowed a total of 16 power play goals.
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- Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
- Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle Set to Shine in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase
- Chris Kreider has had quite the Summer
- Andy Hosler Takes Helm as Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Rangers, Succeeding Jim Ramsay
If it were possible, you could pay me half of the league minimum and I would gladly skate out on the ice and let teams run over me on penalty kills. Just saying, Gorton. I would be just as effective.
The New York Rangers could have won this game. At times they were dominant. The Devils had zero scoring chances when playing 5-on-5, through two periods. The mental and physical breakdown on defense cost them a goal and the lack of accountability and effort on special teams were the main reasons why the New York Rangers lost in New Jersey and why they have lost several games over the last month and season.