The New York Rangers will skate against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at Madison Square Garden. The 7:00 PM game can be viewed on MSG.
The slumping Rangers enter this contest having lost 4 of their last 6 games. Their latest loss was against the 6th place Philadelphia Flyers, who embarrassed the Blueshirts at the Garden in a 3-0 decision on Saturday.
New York Rangers Denied Fly-By Against Philadelphia
The 16-6-2 Rangers have been bumped to 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division by the Washington Captials, who are now in the lead with 35 points.
With the exception of Rick Nash, who has tallied 6 points in the last 5 games, the Rangers production has gone cold.
Mats Zuccarello, who started off the season white hot, hasn’t produced a point in his last 4 games. The situation is worse for Chris Kreider, who hasn’t tallied a point in his last 6 games.
The Rangers best chance to improves however, may be against the 8-11-4 Caroline Hurricanes, who are currently in 7th place in the Metropolitan Division with only 20 points.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Special teams has not been kind to Carolina this season, as they have the worst power play in the league. The Hurricanes have only scored 10 goals on the advantage, with a 13% success rate. Carolina also ranks 28th in overall goals scored, with 47.
The Rangers will want to test Cam Ward, who has had a mediocre season thus far with a .903 save percentage and 2.44 goals against average. Justin Faulk should be on every Rangers’ radar, as he is Carolina’s top point earner with 8 goals and 10 assists.
Keys To Victory
Outwork The Opponent
For years, the identity of the New York Rangers was their work ethic.
While they weren’t the most talented team, they would outwork just about every opponent. It was this hard work that propelled them to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011-2012 season.
Lately, the team just hasn’t been working as hard as they need to. Marc Staal agrees:
They need to get this work ethic back, because they have looked complacent. Players aren’t back checking hard, or going to the net with authority.
If there was ever a team for the Blueshirts to impose their will, it’s Carolina. Pay attention at the 10:00 minute mark of the 1st period. This is often when teams start to relax after a strong start. Look for a 60 minute effort tonight.
Crash The Net and Shoot Often
When teams are slumping, you will often hear coaches discuss simplifying the game. Keeping the game simple could help jump start players like Kreider and Kevin Hayes.
Dec 20, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider (20) skates with puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Rangers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The offense can improve tonight by taking every open shot, and driving towards the net. At the very least, players will be in position for a tip or rebound. “Garbage” goals count just as much as the pretty ones do.
Rick Nash has scored a couple goals in his latest surge by following this strategy. In the game against Montreal, the puck deflected off of his back and went in off of a Ryan McDonagh shot.
The Rangers will get back on track tonight if they keep their game simple.
Cover The Far Post
This defensive coverage is officially a problem with the Blueshirts.
The Rangers are just not covering the slot area like they need to, and on many occasions we’ve seen the opponent score as a result.
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The solution however is simple: one defenseman needs to cover the back post when the puck is in the corners. This means that there should never be 2 defensemen chasing the puck carrier.
This coverage ensures that an opponent will not be left alone in front of Henrik Lundqvist.
Enjoy the game everyone, and as always, Let’s Go Rangers!!!