Shoot Out. Need I say more? When two teams need to play 5 extra minutes of extra play to even out a tilt, and then you have to go one on one against a goalie, you know it has been a good game.
The best thing that came out of this game, besides the W on the stats sheet, was the Rangers came back from a 1-0 deficit to a 1-1 game which ultimately lead to a shoot out victory over the Carolina Hurricanes .
But in my opinion, it shouldn’t have had to go to Over Time. In fact, the Rangers had plenty of chances to win the game in regulation; they just couldn’t get the puck in the back of the net.
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Rick Nash could have won the game for the Rangers in the 3rd period hands down. Also, he was the best skater for New York in the final 20 minutes. Even in the Over Time, it seems his legs have gone and other player’s hasn’t.
Kevin Hayes has so much potential, and I’m really sad to say this, but he isn’t living up to what he can be. He’s trying to do a little too much out there and it is showing up. It seems that every time he gets the puck, he’s looking to get rid of it. Or if he’s going in on a 2 on 1, he’ll make the pass instead of taking the shot that has a great chance to be a goal.
Turn overs might have been the reason the Rangers needed extra time to get the win last night. Early in the 1st period, Ryan McDonagh had a bad giveaway to the Hurricanes, and what was the result? An onslaught of offense by a team who has yet to win a game: the Canes. Henrik Lundqvist came up big time in that moment, as he did for the whole game.
Another example of this: Over Time. With about 4:30 left in the OT Period, Dan Girardi made a bad turn over outside of the defensive zone. This lead to an odd man rush, but nothing came of it. Either way, it’s something that has to be cleaned up ASAP.
Rick Nash was the top player last night, and rightly so. But Derick Brassard is right behind him. The top scorers are two players who show up every single night. Brassard was the game tying goal in the 3rd period, where he deflected a shot taken by defensive veteran Dan Girardi.
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All in all, the Rangers fought for this win last night, and good for them they earned it. Some might say what was mentioned above is the downfall of a hockey team, but no. These Ranges overcame their inconsistencies and fought back to get the win at the end of the game. Look up and down the line-up, most players who made a mistake in the game came back and did something great to fix it the next shift.
This is a hockey team that many people have doubts about, especially after the way the season has opened up for the Broadway Blueshirts. However, when you look at what they did, and they will continue to do in this season, you’ll see that the Rangers are a hard-nosed team who will be ready when the time comes. The Blueshirts have fire power in the AHL, as well as in the locker room every night. Just wait and see, the New York Rangers will be one of the best teams in the NHL this year.