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Will the Rangers goaltending benefit from Jacques Martin defensive structure?

By Jason Katinas

PITTSBURGH - MAY 8: Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin addresses the media after Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Mellon Arena on May 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - MAY 8: Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin addresses the media after Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Mellon Arena on May 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 07: Igor Shesterkin facing one of many high danger chances (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

One-timer from the slot … again

Shots against are broken down into five categories: Overall, low danger (LD), medium danger (MD) and high danger (HD) and shot distance. Overall the Penguins allowed 332 fewer shots on goal than the Rangers, equal to nearly five (4.74) shots per game. On average, per game, the Rangers surrendered 2.38 LD shots, 0.54 MD shots and 1.83 HD shots more than the Penguins. The Rangers also allowed the opposition to shoot at closer range to the net more frequently.

The opposition shot against the Rangers net from an average distance of 35.8 feet, scoring goals from an average of 20.8 feet. The Penguins conversely allowed shots from a distance of 36.7 feet and goals from 22.3 feet, on the average. Yet though the Penguins performed better defensively as a team, their goaltenders did not perform as well as the Rangers in net. Combined, Rangers goaltenders posted a .911% save percentage (sv%) versus the Penguins net minders who recorder a .909sv%.

Many questions about New York Rangers defense. light. Related Story

The major difference is in their individual performances when facing HD shots. While Matt Murray posted an individual .899sv% overall, his .816HDsv% was far better than Tristan Jarry’s .805HDsv%. The Rangers were easily better with Alexandar Georgiev posting a team low .826HDsv%, while facing the second most HD shots between the two teams. The Rangers deficiencies in net however were on the medium and low danger shots.

Between the Rangers three goaltenders during the 2019-20 season, they surrendered 97 goals when facing a medium or low danger shot. Their combined for a .939sv% while allowing 65 MD and 32 LD shots. By comparison, the Penguins goaltenders recorded a .942sv% while allowing 80 MD and LD shots to go in.

The difference is in the stress of the workload. More shots equals more opportunity to score. Looking deeper, by being required to perform at higher levels based on shot quality, fatigue and focus become an issue, providing a greater chance for let down goals, especially late in periods. Further, higher quality shots lead to rebounds and additional scoring opportunities.

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