Rangers look to avoid losing 3 straight; Lundqvist to start; Depth scoring problems; Kreider hurt
Bantering Points for Monday December 8, 2014.
The New York Rangers lost to the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Saturday night. They took a two goal lead in the first period, lost it, and then couldn't capitalize on late powerplay chances. Make no mistake, the Wings are solid. But this was a game the Rangers really could have and should have won. [Blueshirt Banter] [Winging it in Motown] [NY Post] [Newsday] [NY Times] [NY Daily News] [Detroit Free Press] [Blueshirts United]
Take a look at the even strength shot attempt battle:
Credit: hockeystats.ca
Now compare that with the "all situations" shot attempt battle. I've circled the critical last ten minutes:
Credit: hockeystats.ca
You can't have nearly a minute of 5 on 3 and a stretch of PP time late in the game like that and not put the puck in the net. Poor zone entries, poor shot selection, and poor in-zone execution. Yick. [Blueshirt Banter]
For all of the problems with the Rangers defense, depth scoring has dried up. And the top-end production of Mats Zuccarello just hasn't been there this season, despite his otherwise quality play. [Blueshirt Banter]
Henrik Lundqvist got an extended break with a full week off. In the least, it gives him a chance to regroup with goaltending coach Benoit Allaire. Take that for whatever it's worth. [NY Post] [NY Post] [NY Daily News] [North Jersey]
Chris Kreider collided with Carl Hagelin at practice and was "shaken up." He is day-to-day. [Newsday] [NHL]
The Rangers host the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. They are trying to avoid losing three straight. [NHL]
AV spoke to reporters on Sunday about Monday's lineup, Kreider's status and more:
<iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=693554&site=rangers" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>
The Rangers are going to need to do something about Marc Staal, one way or another. If they go the trade route or not, there isn't exactly a surplus of top-4 worthy guys available out there. [Newsday]
Here's a fun Q and A with Martin St. Louis. [NY Post]
Mumps. Mumps mumps mumps mumps mumps. [NY Daily News]
The Islanders are good. Really good. Will this reignite the New York rivalry? [NY Post]
