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New York Rangers analysis : Frustrating 3-1 loss to the Sabres

By Nicholas Zararis

BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 6: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers makes a save during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 6, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 6: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers makes a save during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 6, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 6: Brett Howden #21 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first career NHL goal against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on October 6, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 6: Brett Howden #21 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first career NHL goal against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on October 6, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Three stars of the game

Number three: David Quinn

It may be a cop out, but the night and day difference between last year and this year’s Ranger team is stark. The coaching staff is consistently in the ear of his players up and down the bench after pretty much every single shift. This change is fueling growth in the team’s young players and a formula for long-term success.

While Quinn could eventually wear out his welcome, the Boston University alumni knows his job is to get these players trending in the right direction. There is a clear jump in the step of certain players and the team was close in both of its two games. Given New York’s play, the team could realistically be 2-0 instead of 0-2.

Number two: Brett Howden

The surprise that made the team out of training camp scored his first NHL goal and gets a star. While Howden has played as advertised using his size and skill set to be a presence on the ice. An effective fourth line center should serve as a change of pace and occasionally a contributor in the offensive zone.

The team got a pleasant surprise in the former Moose Jaw Warrior during the preseason, but now tangible results are another step. If Howden continues to play well there is a serious argument that he should get to stay the entire season in the same role regardless of the health of Boo Nieves.

Number one: Henrik Lundqvist

The scorpion save at the home arena of NHL Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek gets a goaltender the number one star regardless of the fact his team lost. Both of Buffalo’s meaningful goals came on plays in which Lundqvist did not have a realistic chance to make a play on. Both were the results of odd-man rushes and cross-ice passes.

Given the age-related concerns about the Swede, it was nice to see Lundqvist play well in his first two starts of the season. If the team continues to play sufficiently well in front of him, the Rangers will be able to hang around in all of its games even if they do not win.

Don't sleep on this young fourth line. dark. Next

The Rangers have a quick turn around and will return to action this afternoon in Raleigh, North Carolina against the Hurricanes.

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