The New York Rangers traveled north to take on the Buffalo Sabres, and they did not bring their “A” game to say the least. The Blueshirts got pummeled 8-2, dropping their record to 27-25-2, four points out of a playoff spot.
How It Happened
The Sabres pounced on New York early in the opening frame, putting up a five spot in the first period. The floodgates opened just a minute and 46 seconds into the game after the Blueshirts failed to clear the zone, resulting in a Jack Quinn goal. Four more goals from Buffalo followed by Ryan McLeod, Tage Thompson, and Rasmus Dahlin (2). Rangers’ goalie Igor Shesterkin was bounced from the contest after allowing the fifth goal on 16 shots.
The blame for this game is two-fold. Shesterkin looked bad. Despite the bad turnover, the first goal he should save ten times out of ten. He looked uncomfortable in the crease and had trouble tracking the puck. On top of Igor not being on his game, the defense was sloppy. They couldn’t push anyone out of the slot which screened Shesty on multiple goals. Adam Fox basically invited Thompson to walk right into the crease on the third goal. All around poor performance when in the defensive zone.
The Rangers did have a solid second period, netting two goals to cut into the deficit (Chris Kreider & Mika Zibanejad). However, the Sabres shut down any comeback attempt in the third period with three more goals from Thompson, McLeod, and Jokiharju to take the game 8-2.
Stats
New York: 28 shots on goal, 49.2% faceoffs, 28 hits, 1-4 power play, 2-3 penalty kill.
Buffalo: 33 shots on goal, 50.8% faceoffs, 29 hits, 1-3 power play, 3-4 penalty kill
Next Game
The Blueshirts will look to bounce back tomorrow as they travel to Pittsburgh for a Metropolitan clash with the Penguins (23-26-9). Pittsburgh won the most recent game 3-2, but the Rangers hold the season series 2-1. Both teams remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. Puck drop at 3:30 EST.