Rangers stifling defense in 3-1 win over Devils
By Steve Paulus
It was obvious going into this game that the New York Rangers really needed to win. They also needed to play a solid defensive game and not get into a track meet with a Devils team that may be missing the postseason, but has some skilled forwards. The Blueshirts did exactly what they needed to do, stifling the Devils and winning 3-1.
The Rangers used the formula that has been so successful for them all season. They fell behind early then used the power play to get the lead back. Then they played shutdown defense and added a timely insurance goal in the third period. Gerard Gallant called the game, especially the second period “tough to watch.”
The Rangers had only 17 shots on goal including only one in the second period and three in the third, but it was enough as they held the Devils to 21 shots and killed both New Jersey power plays.
While the prevent offense worked in this game, they will need to be more proactive offensively on Thursday against the Penguins. Any team with Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel and Rust will break through if given enough opportunities.
Gallant addressed that after the game, “I wish we would have created more, the first period was pretty good, but after that we slowed down, we didn’t forecheck as hard, again, I’m not going to complain about a win.” He did say that he would be a lot more concerned if they had been dominated by the Devils, but they weren’t.
The power play came through big time and it may be no coincidence having Ryan Strome back in the lineup. While Gallant was quick to compliment Andrew Copp who had replaced him, he pointed out that Strome is a righthanded shot and the unit is used to that.
Chris Kreider talked about Strome’s impact. “He brings so much to our team on the ice…we missed him like crazy, it was great to have him back.
The Rangers will be experimenting with the lineup as the season winds down. Gallant teamed Justin Braun with Braden Schneider with Braun playing on the left side. The veteran had a good game, playing almost 16 minutes including 49 seconds on the penalty kill. The bonus was the seeing eye goal he scored in the third period, his first as a Ranger.
So, the recipe is set for Thursday night’s showdown with the Penguins. The Rangers will need to play the same kind of shutdown defense, but improve their transition game just a bit.
The best news is the Penguins lost their second in a row to the Avalanche and dropped four points behind the Blueshirts. No matter what the outcome on Thursday, the Rangers are going to be in second place.