New York Rangers: A good 5-1 win over the Red Wings

Notes on the game

The Red Wings dominated the Rangers in a number of areas.  They had more shots (36-31), outhit the Rangers (23-14), had fewer giveaways (9-18) and won 35 of 60 faceoffs (58%).

The Rangers won the game because of special teams, scoring two power play goals in three attempts and adding the shorthanded backbreaker.  They took two penalties and allowed five shots shorthanded.

Kaapo Kakko played 19:32, second most among forwards and behind only Chris Kreider with 19:50 and believe it or not, almost three minutes more than Panarin.  While Kakko had only one shot on goal, he played a very solid two way game.

McKegg took advantage of his start to play an active game.  His shorthanded goal was opportunistic and by scoring, he will present David Quinn with an interesting question about getting Lias Andersson back into the lineup.

The Rangers had a bizarre night on faceoffs.  They totally dominated in the first period, winning 13 of 18 (72%), but were able to win only 12 of the final 42, a 28% success rate. No doubt that contributed to the Red Wings ability to maintain possession for most of the game.  Brett Howden had a bad night, winning only 28% of his 13 draws.

Marc Staal was back in the lineup and played 18:19 quiet minutes.  He did nothing to keep him out of the lineup against Carolina. After the game, David Quinn said “he had a solid night.”

Dylan Larkin played a game high 24:49 and his line (Tyler Bertuzzi and Anthony Mantha) combined for 12 shots and were a combined minus five while being held scoreless.

After winning only four of 14 games on national television last season, the Rangers are 2-2 this season and have won two in a row.

Henrik Lundqvist evened his season record at 3-3.  His goals against average dropped to 3.00 and his save percentage is now .916 on the season.  There’s a chance he could get the start Thursday in Carolina.  He spoke to reporters after the game.

Quinn was asked about Lundqvist’s lighter schedule.  Quinn said “He understands why we’re doing it.  It certainly isn’t punishment.  It’s load management, game management…whatever you want to call it… for someone his age, the way the position has kind of changed a little bit.  Most teams are going with a two goalie situation where one guy might play 60 percent and the other guy 40 …that will be the case for us…He’s a a smart guy and understands changes and adapting as you move further in your career..”

Adam Fox recovered from a rough game on Monday night with an assist as he led all defensemen in minutes played with 19:56.

Filip Chytil didn’t get on the scoresheet, but his line was the best for the Rangers with a Corsi for percentage of 63.6% at even strength, outshooting the opposition 10-4.

The Rangers moved into third place in the NHL with three shorthanded goals.  Vegas leads with five.    The empty net goal was the third for the Blueshirts this season.

On a positive note, they’ve now won four of their last six games and moved ahead of the Devils and Blue Jackets in the Met Division standings.