Rangers vs Penguins the Mismatches you Need to Know about
The New York Ranger travel to Pittsburgh on November 22.2023, to take on the Penguins.
It’s a Game of Numbers…and Mismatches.
Puck Drop 6pm est.
Location: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
The New York Rangers are in First, while the Penguins are tied for Fourth, in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers started the season with a bang, while the Pens have sputtered out of the gate. Apparently, their BIG FREE AGENT PICK UP, Karlsson, did not magically fix all their pre-existing problems.
We know exactly who the Penguins are …
A Team with Weak Goaltending. Period.
A Team with Suspect Defense. Period.
A Team that is Soft and cannot hold a Lead. Period.
Coach MP says, here are the Mismatches the Rangers can take advantage of.
Read. New York Rangers Shesterkin is thinking ’bout Turducken. light
Penguins Line 2:
It is well known that you can get under the skin of Malkin #71 and Rakell #67 quite easily. Doing this rattles them and gets them off “their game”.
Coach MP says: Play NYR Lines 3 and 4 against these guys and bug ‘em. Bingo.
Penguins Line 3:
O’Connor #10, Eller #20 and Zohorna #63, is there checking line, and does not strike fear in anyone. Not as checkers and not as Hitters.
Coach MP says: Play NYR Lines 1 and 2 against these guys and let ‘em loose. Bango.
Penguins Line 4:
Carter #77 is showing his age over the last two seasons.
Coach MP says: NYR Play #93, #10, anytime you see the Pens #77 on the ice. And boys skate the puck to where #77 is defending and take it right to ‘em. Bongo.
Pittsburgh Defense Mismatches
Letang #58 is beatable to the outside, plays questionable Defense and turns the puck over under pressure.
Karlsson #65 is weak on D as well and likes to sneak up into the play, meaning upon a turnover he is out of position.
Pittsburgh is weak in Overall Team D. Period.
Coach MP says: NYR lay a body on any and all Pens D. Take the puck wide on all Penguins D and make a play from there. Dump it into Letang #58 and Karlssons #65 corners. Make them work for the puck and hammer them any chance you can.
Pittsburgh Goalie Mismatches
Goaltending has been a weakness in Pittsburgh for a long time.
Coach MP says: NYR boys, get shots on net, no matter who is between the pipes. ‘nuf said.
Coach MP’s Quick Scouting Report
Offense
NYR Goals For: 54
Pitts Goals For: 58
Defense
NYR Goals Against: 39
Pitts Goals Against: 46
Must Read. The New York Rangers Power Play Makes Me Wanna GAG. light
Special Teams
NYR PP%: 32.7%
Pitts PP%: 15.2%
NYR PK%: 83.7%
Pitts PK%: 84.9%
Faceoffs
NYR Faceoff Win %: 55.3%
Pitts Faceoff Win %: 55.5%
Goals Against Average
NYR: 2.44
Pitts: 2.71
Key Injuries
NYR – Fox
NYR – Chytil
Pitts – None
New York Rangers Record as of November 21.2023
12-3-1=25pts
1st – in the Metropolitan Division
2nd – Tied in Eastern Conference
4th -Tied Overall in NHL
Notes:
Pittsburgh is 4th -Tied in the Metro, and 7th -Tied in the Eastern Conference.
light. Trending. The New York Rangers Win When They Do This
My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
Coach MP says:
Always be aware of Crosby #87, when he is on the ice. His level of compete is off the charts…still.
Always be aware of Letang #58 and Karlsson #65, when they are on the ice. They love to be the trailer on any offensive play, so back check on them boys. Always pick up the trailer.
Offense: Pittsburgh
Defense: New York Rangers
Special Teams: New York Rangers
In my humble opinion, comparing and analyzing the data listed in my scouting report above, the stats say the NYR should win this one, and my eye test also tells me, it’s a NYR W.
Pen’s Pick: NYR to Win.
Quote of the Day:
“It infuriates me to be wrong when I know I’m right“
Moliere – Actor / Playwright