New York Rangers: Another OT, another loss as Edmonton wins 3-2

Notes on the game

In looking at the schedule and discounting empty net goals, the Rangers have played 38 one goal games this season with a record of 16-9-13.

There was a crazy moment in the third  period when Alexandar Georgiev left the net and went to the bench.  No one, including the Ranger coaches, knew what he was doing and it looked like the Oilers would have an empty net to shoot into.  Georgiev was actually making a smart play as the Rangers had the puck and the net was off the moorings.  There was no way that Edmonton could score and the whistle wouldn’t come until the Blueshirts lost possession.

The Rangers only had one power play and of course, they didn’t score.  That makes the streak 22 in a row over seven games.  The Rangers need to do more to draw penalties, especially against a team like Edmonton with a lousy penalty kill.

The Rangers should have had a power play after Connor Brickley checked Brad Malone into the boards.  He was immediately challenged by Kyle Brodziak and the two fought. Brickley was called for an illegal check to the head, a very soft call on what was a solid bodycheck.

The Oilers went one for three on the power play with Connor McDavid scoring.

The second Oiler goal was initially waved off due to goalie interference.  Ken Hitchcock challenged the ruling and on review, the goal was counted.  While an Oiler did make contact with Georgiev with his stick, it was Fredrik Claesson’s stick that hit Georgiev and turned him around so the Oilers could score.

What on earth is going on with Tony DeAngelo?  He was a healthy scratch and coach Quinn had this to say before the game

"“There are certain things that are non-negotiable. He’s made a lot of progress and a lot of strides, we’ve all watched what he’s done on the ice and he’s made a lot of strides off the ice just like all young players have to make, but there are certain things that are non-negotiable…I told all of them, I’m looking for reasons to take people out….he gave me a small reason to take him out…he’ll be back soon.”"

He wouldn’t elaborate on what DeAngelo did, preferring to keep that between the two of them.  It makes you wonder.

Lias Andersson was the other healthy scratch as Brickley got into the game after suffering from the flu bug.

Former Ranger great Harry Howell was  honored with a moment of silence before the game.  He was also a scout for the Oilers, winning a Stanley Cup ring with them in 1990.

The Neal Pionk/Marc Staal defense combo was reunited for this game and both played well.

David Quinn reported that Libor Hajek had an MRI and his shoulder injury is less serious than they thought.  It’s doubtful he will play again this season, but he won’t require any surgery.

The Lemieux goal was a result of quick snap shot after he took a pass from Kevin Shattenkirk.

Howden’s goal was a second effort goal as he followed up a Lemieux shot, chipping the rebound past a surprised Mikko Koskinen.  Howden looked

very

relieved to finally score.  It must have felt great for the Alberta native to score in Edmonton.

The Rangers were credited with 49 hits to 21 for the Oilers.

The Rangers had a bad night on faceoffs, winning only 26 of 61 (43%).

Jesper Fast was moved up to the top line and had a wide open net late in the third period, but missed the one-timer.  Chris Kreider had another so-so game.

Lemieux must like playing the Oilers.  In four career games he has three goals and an assist.

In the overtime it was the McDavid-Draisaitl show with a little help from Darnell Nurse.  McDavid’s feed to Draisatil was perfect for the game winner.