New York Rangers Unable to Control Penguins, Lose 7-2

The New York Rangers went into Tuesday night’s game with a two-point lead but left tied for first with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Metropolitan Division. Six players had multiple points for the Penguins.

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 started the game for the New York Rangers in place of Henrik Lundqvist. The team was also without Rick Nash, who sat with a groin injury.
• The Rangers iced the puck on the opening faceoff and were pinned in their end of the ice for the next two-plus minutes. Then, Kevin Klein was called for high-sticking on ex-Ranger Carl Hagelin, a four-minute double minor for drawing blood.
• New York’s penalty kill looked strong through three minutes of Klein’s penalty, keeping the Penguins to the outside and gaining shorthanded opportunities. Pittsburgh won an offensive zone faceoff and found Sidney Crosby in the slot for his 22nd goal in 27 games this season, the Penguins led 1-0.
• The first signs of life out of New York came nine minutes in. The third line, led by Jimmy Vesey, controlled the zone and had multiple chances stopped in close. Penguins goaltender Matt Murray stood tall.

• With 3:01 left in the first period and the Penguins dominating play, Matthew Puempel entered Pittsburgh’s zone and fired a shot from the right circle. The puck knuckled in and found its way over Murray’s head to even the score, 1-1.

• New York looked overmatched throughout the first period despite the score. They were unable to transition out of their zone and were giving up too many turnovers. Although they were playing a step behind, the score was tied heading into the intermission 1-1. The Penguins led in shots 22-9.
• The second period started much better for the Rangers. They were making quicker, smarter decisions and were controlling the play. Again, the third line was working down low when Derrick Pouliot was called for tripping to give the Rangers their first power play opportunity.
• The Rangers power play unit did not convert. Shortly after, the Penguins gained the Rangers zone and Evgeni Malkin started a give and go with Chris Kunitz. Malkin finished the play to score his 14th of the season, Penguins took the lead 2-1.
• Soon after, the  Penguins converted for the second time on the power play. Phil Kessel floated into the slot unscathed and picked his spot with ease for his 11th goal of the season. 3-1 Penguins.
• There were a string of penalties that killed the pace of the game, including 45 seconds of 4-on-4, but neither team scored. The period ended with the Penguins leading 3-1 on the scoreboard and 30-24 in shots.
• Alain Vigneault made changes to his lines to start the third period. Two minutes in, Michael Grabner playing alongside Derek Stepan on the top line gained the zone and fired a puck over Matt Murray’s shoulder for his first goal in 8 games. The Rangers cut the Penguins lead 3-2 early.
• The pace of the game began to pick up, and the Penguins were able to control the offensive zone. Justin Schultz put a puck on goal from behind the net which banked off of Ryan McDonagh’s skate. The Penguins regained their two-goal lead, 4-2.
• The Penguins were pulling away and playing as the faster team. They scored twice more quickly and were relentless on the attack. The score was 6-2 Pittsburgh with 7:38 left to go in the game.

• With the game already out of hand and the Rangers playing in a lull, Nick Bonino poked a puck past Raanta, his second of the game.
• Final Score: Pittsburgh Penguins 7, New York Rangers 2; Shots 47-28 Pittsburgh

Final Analysis:

• This was one of those games where the Rangers’ defense got outworked and outskated. Against lesser opponents the goaltending keeps them in the game, but the Penguins brought the house all night.
• Injuries are going to define these middle months of the season for the Rangers. If they can make it until February in the top two of the Metropolitan when Mika Zibanejad returns, they will be a scary team heading into the playoffs.
• Michael Grabner is one of those players that could get a boost from finding his scoring touch again. He had multiple breakaway opportunities again, with the difference being that those shots aren’t finding the back of the net as often. He did get his team leading 14th goal of the season on a beautiful shot.
• The Rangers power play came back to earth in this game as well. For the first time this season this unit gave up two or more goals when down a man, going 2/5 tonight.

Next: New York Rangers 3, Devils 2 (SO)- Stepan Sparks Comeback Win

• The Rangers get a chance to right the ship Friday night against the Minnesota back at Madison Square Garden.