4 Rapid Takeaways from the Rangers' 4-3 Loss Against the Carolina Hurricanes

While the New York Rangers certainly put up a fight against the Carolina Hurricanes, it wasn't enough. It wasn't enough in a game that felt like it mattered most.

Despite having a lead at the end of the second period, New York (12-8-1) simply couldn't hold on against the Hurricanes (16-5-1) and fell 4-3 in regulation on the road.

Although it was a loss, in many's eyes the game did feel like an improvement over the past three. This is likely due to several key moments.

Let's take a look at four key takeaways from the Rangers' Wednesday night game.

1. Starting Off Stronger than Normal

The Rangers were going into this game on a three-game losing streak. The first of those two losses — the first being against Calgary and the latter being against the Oilers — New York trailed by the end of the first period. This was not the case on Nov. 27, with it being tied at 1-1 by the end of the first period.

This was thanks to Jonny Brodzinski who take a slick feed from left winger Jimmy Vesey and went bar down.

By the end of the second period, the Rangers had the lead for the first time at that point of a matchup since they were in Seattle on Nov. 17.

2. The Kid is Good

In his second career NHL game, Brett Berard logged his first career goal with 10:47 remaining in the second period. At the time, the Rangers were trailing 2-1. His goal tied it up at 2-2.

This followed Berard's first career point — recorded in the Blueshirts' 5-2 loss against the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 25. He tallied an assist on Will Cuylle’s second goal of the night.

In fact, he becomes the first Blueshirt two start his NHL career with a two-game point streak since Lias Andersson in March of 2018.

3. Not Enough

While the Rangers battled hard and the first two takeaways have been fairly positive, it simply was not enough.

This marks the Rangers fourth loss in a row. Additionally, New York returned to Madison Square Garden on Monday, Nov. 25 with a loss as well. Clearly, returning to MSG didn't have the normal motivating effect it usually does and this stayed with the Blueshirts as they returned back to an away slate.

Though transitioning back to Wednesday, the Blueshirts were plagued by simple, inefficient errors. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin (30 SA, 4 GA, .867 SV%) was a bit off, apparently getting caught sleeping one on of the goals. Not to mention Mika Zibanejad making errors and causing lines to be reworked.

4. Where To Go From Here?

Not to sound too optimistic, but there's really only one way the Rangers need to go in, and that's up. After Thanksgiving, the Blueshirts quickly return to action on the road at the Philadelphia Flyers. With Phili holding a 9-10-3 current record, hopefully the Rangers can do something.

Something, or anything, would be good.