New York Rangers blow a late lead, lose in overtime again

The New York Rangers have had a hard time allowing quick, consecutive goals in this postseason. The issue has plagued the team and has robbed them of a couple of leads.

The Rangers once again watched their opponent score two goals very quickly yesterday afternoon.

Just before the halfway mark in the second period, Mike Hoffman and Tom Pyatt scored 33 seconds apart to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead for the Senators.

Allowing quick goals like this can ruin a season. There have been several instances this postseason where teams have fallen apart late in games because of multiple goals. The Rangers are the worst among remaining postseason teams at this.

The second round against Ottawa has been particularly bad.

Game Two

The Rangers comfortably led the Senators 5-3 in the third period of game two with under five minutes to go in the game. It was a situation where the Rangers should have walked away with a win.

Instead of tying the series the Rangers found themselves in a 2-0 series hole thanks to J.G. Pageau. The first coming with just under four minutes left. The tying goal came with a minute to go.

What came next was a long overtime stretch that bled into the second overtime period. Pageau recorded his fourth goal of the game in the second overtime to beat the Rangers 6-5.

This collapse was a devastating blow for the Rangers. Instead of heading home looking to take a lead in the series, they needed two wins to even the series.

Game Five

The Rangers defended their home ice well and found themselves entering game five with the series tied. They came out fast and scored twice early in the first period.

It looked like the Rangers did a good job holding onto the momentum built up at home. That would change at the 12-minute mark of the second period.

The Senators held onto that lead for roughly eight minutes until the Rangers tied it and eventually took the lead.

The Rangers then blew the lead with less than three minutes left and then lost in overtime for the third time this postseason.

Going Forward

The Rangers will never have a chance at the Stanley Cup if this kind of play continues. They need to figure out a plan for holding leads going forward. Otherwise, it would be best for their use of time if they just packed their bags and went home.

Next: Rangers have shut down the Senators stars

Game six will be Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The New York Rangers have dominated the Senators there during this series. If that’s not the case in game six, the next game will be in October.

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