The New York Rangers did what they had to do Thursday night, beating the Penguins 5-2 in a game that was closer than the score. Although they won by three goals, it was a one goal game until midway through the third period and the Rangers were barely hanging on. Once again, it was the heroics of their goaltender as he made made amazing stops on Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby to preserve the lead.
The Rangers finally broke it open when Artemi Panarin’s pass deflected off a Pittsburgh skate and into the net. Under two minutes later, Frank Vatrano scored, the final dagger in the hearts of the Penguins.
As good a win as it was, Coach Gerard Gallant was not pleased. “Offensively we had some great chances. We created. But I just think we gotta be better defensively, stronger defensively. When we’re quick in the D-zone we’re a real good team. We’re sitting in the slot too much They’re getting too many chances from their point, creating stuff. We gotta be quicker. We gotta be better.”
Gallant is a master. He would never say this after a tough loss, but after a win, he’s quick to temper the enthusiasm with a critique of their play in the defensive zone.
All criticism aside, the Rangers played almost a complete 60 minute game. They made a few mistakes, the most egregious when they allowed Sidney Crosby to walk into their zone and score with under two minutes left in the second period to pull the Pens within a goal.
That goal was the impetus for an incredible push by the Penguins to start the third period, precisely what Gallant was talking about.
No matter, the Rangers did a lot of things right in this game. They won the special teams battle, they never stopped hitting and their best players stepped up. Still, the night belonged to their best player, Igor Shesterkin.