Rangers have a laugher in Vancouver, look to continue in Edmonton (NYR 5 v. VAN 1)

Anthony Scultore Updated: Dec 14, 2014

J.T. Miller scores on Ryan Miller - Dec. 13, 2014 (AP: Jonathan Hayward)

Ryan McDonagh opened the scoring 2:36 into the game and NY was off and running. In a game where Canucks’ captain, Henrik Sedin said there were “mistakes all over the ice”, the Rangers had a laugher.

RANGERS 5 v. CANUCKS 1

The Rangers had a 3-0 lead after the 1st period, thanks to about a baker’s dozen worth of odd-man rushes. Vancouver’s defense looked absolutely lost for two periods, and the Blueshirts headed into the 3rd period on cruise control up 5-0.

McDonagh scored his first of the year, followed by JT Miller’s gorgeous partial breakaway tally just 43 seconds later. Mats Zuccarello would get his first of two on an odd-man rush, while Marc Staal sandwiched in his first of the season. The offensive outburst gives the Blueshirts 81 goals on the year and they rank 5th in the NHL for GFA (goals for average) at an even 3.

Still, the Rangers are on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. Why? Start with the fact that was the Rangers 27th game of the season, the least games played by any team in the league. In contrast, of the 9 teams ahead of them in the standings 3 have played 31 games, 2 are at 30, 3 at 29 and only 1 has played 28 times. The other issue, NY ranks 17 in the league at goals against with a 2.70 average.

“We competed for 60 [minutes],” Derek Stepan told reporters. “When we got the lead, we continued to pay attention to detail(s) and do all the dirty work.” The ability to play a full 60 has eluded them 8 times this season in games they held a lead and lost 13 valuable points.

Marc Staal who wore the Broadway hat said afterwards, “we are fully aware.” He was speaking of being out of the playoffs and stressed getting on a roll with this road trip that continues in Edmonton tonight.

GAME 28: NY RANGERS at EDMONTON OILERS, Rexall Place, Alberta 9:30 EST

NY will look to build momentum against the Oilers, who have lost 3 straight.

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FULLTILT FORECAST

Record now at 13-14, getting to .500 in style. Looking for more offense from the Blueshirts and a 6-3 triumph.

NOTES:

.@NYRangers‘ Rick Nash has a 9-game point streak (6-5—11), marking longest active streak in NHL & matching his career-high (9-7—16; 2005-06)

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 14, 2014

Can’t imagine that Vigneault will change lineup Sunday against Oilers, but Cam Talbot likely to go in, although not official — Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) December 14, 2014