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New York Rangers vs Calgary Flames: More defensive breakdowns in a 4-3 loss

By Steve Paulus

CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 2: The New York Rangers celebrate after a goal against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 2, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 2: The New York Rangers celebrate after a goal against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 2, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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CALGARY, AB – JANUARY 02: Calgary Flames Center Elias Lindholm (28) bodychecks New York Rangers Defenceman Ryan Lindgren (55)
CALGARY, AB – JANUARY 02: Calgary Flames Center Elias Lindholm (28) bodychecks New York Rangers Defenceman Ryan Lindgren (55) /

Notes on the game

  • After the game, the Rangers veterans were clearly upset about the defensive breakdowns.  Marc Staal put it best: “We need to play a better defense. We’re giving up too many goals.  You can’t score five goals every game and expect to win like that.”
  • Quinn said that he was encouraged by the play of the Chytil line with Kakko and Brett Howden and he also singled out the fourth line of Brendan Smith, Greg McKegg and Steven Fogarty. He has a strange way of showing it by giving Fogarty just over five minutes of ice time and benching Kakko for extended stretches in the third period.
  • Adam Fox was booed every time he touched the puck.  Apparently Calgary fans have a long memory and remember that he made it clear he wouldn’t sign with the team after he was drafted.  He responded with an outstanding game and three assists.
  • This was only the sixth game this season that both Zibanejad and Panarin were held scoreless in the same game.  They’ve lost them all.
  • The Rangers were able to keep their nemesis Matthew Tkachuk off the scoreboard.
  • New Jersey native Johnny  Gaudreau had a goal and an assist and now has six goals and 11 points in 11 games against the Blueshirts.
  • Kaapo Kakko’s goal was his first in 20 games and the first time he has had two points in a game since November 20.
  • Jacob Trouba scored a power play goal and had seven shots on goal while leading the team with over 24 minutes of ice time.
  • Adam Fox is creeping up the rookie scoring standings.  His 22 points are sixth among rookies and third among rookie defensemen.  Cale Makar leads with 29 and Quinn Hughes is second with 28 points.  He is fourth in assists among rookies.  Fox is tied with Kakko for fourth place among rookies with ten power play points.
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