What we learned from the 3-1 win over the Islanders

The New York Rangers got on the winning track with a solid 3-1 win over the Islanders at Madison Square Garden.

The New York Rangers fielded a lineup with more of their regulars and looked much better than they had in their first three games.They played a  solid game defensively, chipped in with timely goals and had excellent goaltending.  It was a satisfying win and laid to rest some doubts that had been developing.

Both teams had 30 shots on goal, but the Rangers dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 63% of the draws.  Both teams were unsuccessful on the power play.  The Rangers killed four penalties and couldn’t score on a two man advantage for a minute and a half in the first period.

Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev split the goaltending duties for the Blueshirts while Thomas Greiss played the whole game for the Isles.

The Blueshirts had their fair share of defensive breakdowns, but their overall effort was much better than what they had displayed up to this game.  There were some lessons to be learned.

What we learned

Artemi Panarin is going to score 123 goals. Okay, he won’t.  But it certainly looks like he will score a lot.  It makes you wonder how he scored only 28 goals last season in Columbus and has never had more than 31 in a season.  He looks like a sniper.

Panarin has great hands and his empty net goal was a shot from the defensive zone.  It was hard shot and there was no doubt it was going in.

The Kravtsov goal couild have been a Kakko goal as Skjei passed in front where both Rangers were waiting.  Kravtsov got to it first.

Vitali Kravtsov can play left wing. The second line of Brett Howden, Kravtsov and Kaapo Kakko had a very good game, considering it was their first time together.   It poses an interesting conundrum for the Blueshirts who had Chris Kreider penciled into that second line.  Kravtsov may prove that he deserves top six minutes.  At the very least, it could make the idea of trading Kreider at the trade deadline a lot more palatable.  He was so serious after scoring, until Brady Skjei told him to smile.

Henrik Lundqvist isn’t done yet.  He was very, very good in goal.  He was his usual self with excellent positioning and anticipation.  His series of saves in the first period were as good as any he has every made.

Alexandar Georgiev is a solid 1A.  Georgiev continues to play a calm game and will be well suited to splitting duties with Lundqvist.  He had no chance on the Jordan Eberle goal in the third period.

Jacob Trouba and Brady Skjei are getting better as a pair.  They need to be given time, but they showed signs that this will be a good combination. Skjei joined the rush and set up the first Ranger goal.

Marc Staal is better if he doesn’t play top pairing minutes.   He was overused and in the wrong role last year, enough said.

Micheal Haley played in his fourth straight game.  He didn’t get into a fight.  The Rangers won the only game he didn’t have a fight. Hmmm.

Lias Andersson is trying to prove that he can be a valuable player by adeptly killing penalties, playing solid defensive hockey and standing up for his teammates.  He may have a future on this team after all.

Ryan Strome played an excellent game centering the third line with Brendan Lemieux and Jesper Fast.  Strome could be a really good depth player for the Rangers now that he has overcome the expectations that come with being a fifth overall draft pick.

Brendan Smith didn’t do anything to earn a trip to the AHL.  Similarly, Joseph Morrow didn’t do anything to take him out of the running for a job with the Blueshirts. David Quinn is going to have some tough decisions to make over the next few days as he figures out who has a job on defense.

It was only an exhibition game, but the team looked very solid.   They have two more games to get it together before the home opener next week.   Next game is Thursday night at Madison Square Garden against the Flyers.   Expect more roster cuts Wednesday.