New York Rangers Defeat Jets on Late Power Play Goal

Without many lineup regulars, the New York Rangers secured a victory over the Winnipeg Jets 2-1.

In a feature here at Blue Line Station, we will be providing thoughts and analysis following every Rangers game. Make sure to stop by after games to see what you might have missed!

Game Action:

Antti Raanta and the Rangers took on Michael Hutchinson and the Winnipeg Jets with a makeshift lineup. They were without Rick Nash, Jimmy Vesey, and Matthew Puempel, on top of Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich.
Nicklas Jensen was appearing in his first game with New York since being acquired for Emerson Etem last season. He started the game on the Rangers fourth line.

The teams exchanged spending time in each other’s zones before Raanta was forced to make the game’s first tough save around the six-minute mark.
A minute later Brady Skjei crashed hard into the boards on a hit by Mark Scheiffle. The Rangers were handed the first power play of the game.
The Rangers utilized quick puck movement and a series of cross-ice passes to open up the Jets defense. Derek Stepan found Chris Kreider in front of Hutchison for an easy tip in, Rangers lead 1-0.
New York seemed to have rekindled some of their breakout abilities, as Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider all had great scoring chances.
With the Rangers sustaining pressure and creating chances, Andrew Copp took a hooking call, and the Rangers were given their second power play opportunity of the period.
Through one period the Rangers were dominating play and led in shots 10-6.
The early part of the second period saw both teams exchange chances. Both goalies were bailed out by the help of the crossbar on shots by Dan Girardi and Dustin Byfuglien.

More from Analysis

After a Brady Skjei icing, the Rangers were pinned in their zone for a stretch of two minutes. After barely clearing the puck, Nikolaj Ehlers caught the Rangers trying to make a change for a breakaway opportunity but Raanta made the stop.
Winnipeg continued to apply pressure in the Rangers zone. Mark Scheiffle tied the game for the Jets on a rebound goal, 1-1.
With under five minutes to go in the period, Nick Holden sent the puck into the stands for a delay of game penalty, handing Winnipeg their first power play opportunity.
45 seconds into the power play, Michael Grabner used his speed to cause havoc for the Jets. Jacob Trouba was caught slashing him, putting the teams on 4 on 4.
Neither team was able to convert on the 4-on-4, and the Rangers shortened power play only generated one chance.
The second period ended with the scored tied, 1-1. 18-15 Rangers in shots.
The first six minutes of the third period were played primarily in the neutral zone with both teams tightening up defensively. Josh Jooris was sent to the penalty box on a tripping call, but the Rangers followed with a strong penalty kill.
Yet again the Rangers were sent to the penalty kill when Michael Grabner took a high-sticking call with 8:32 to go in the 3rd period. New York killed the Jets power play cleanly.
Late in the period Winnipeg gave the Rangers a power play opportunity of their own. Dan Girardi caught a stick up high from Drew Stafford.
After spending nearly the entire power play chasing the puck, J.T. Miller controlled the puck and found Ryan McDonagh at the point. His rebound was picked up by Kevin Hayes who found the back of the net for his 11th goal of the season. Rangers lead 2-1.
Immediately after the goal, Michael Hutchinson left his net to give Winnipeg the extra skater. Their efforts went unrewarded.
Final Score: New York Rangers 2 Winnipeg Jets 2. Rangers out-shot the Jets 24-18.

Final Thoughts:

This game was won on special teams. Both New York goals were scored on the power play, and the Rangers went 3/3 on the penalty kill. It’s important to see the team win games like these.
Possibly the biggest positive to take away from this game was the Rangers ability to create odd-man opportunities. New York generated four breakaway chances in the first period alone and more as the game went on. This is the Rangers greatest strength when firing efficiently.
Antti Raanta continues to make his coach’s decision easy when he puts him in. The defense seems to play tighter in front of him too.
Alain Vigneault also scored a moral victory in tonight’s game. He reassembled the line of J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, and Michael Grabner and the trio quickly regained their chemistry. When the Rangers are healthy, this line will be even more effective.
The Rangers felt the effect of their injuries in tonight’s game, however. As the bottom line of Brandon Pirri, Niklas Jensen, and Josh Jooris all saw limited ice time.
Marek Hrivik had a strong game despite being placed in a difficult role.. This team will have a logjam on the 4th line when healthy, but Hrivik may be making a case to stick with the team.

Next: New York Rangers: After Strong Start, Brandon Pirri has Been Invisible

The Rangers will play again tomorrow night in an Original Six matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.