New York Rangers Daily: A really bad day, Connor Hellebuyck reaches NHL milestone
The New York Rangers have had a string of really bad days this season, especially the past two months during their 6-16-1 spiral. But Tuesday? Definitely one of their worst days so far.
First, Chris Kreider landed on IR with an upper-body injury, likely to his back, since the 33-year-old has publicly discussed dealing with back issues this season. Then the Rangers went out and turned a feel-good night into a disaster at MSG, blowing a 3-0 lead early and a 4-3 lead late in a disastrous 5-4 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. And in that game, Filip Chytil sustained an upper-body injury and didn’t play in the third period.
Another injury is bad enough for the depleted Rangers (18-20-2). But with Chytil there’s always fear that “upper-body injury” means “head injury” or a concussion. Let’s hope that’s not the case. But the fear is always real considering the 25-year-old’s history.
Anyway, that was a real capper to a real crapper of a day for the Rangers.
They practice today in Westchester, and we’ll monitor all the latest with Chytil, as well as plans for Arthur Kaliyev and the rest of their news, here at Forever Blueshirts.
For those keeping score at home, the Rangers have not won consecutive games since a three-game winning streak Nov. 14-19. Tuesday was the sixth time since then that they followed a win with a loss, and the ninth time this season they’ve lost after a singular victory.
Six points and six teams separate the Rangers from the second wild card in the Eastern Conference as they reach the midway point of the schedule on Thursday against the Devils.
New York Rangers news
Our three takeaways from the Rangers’ latest loss is low-lighted by a rough night for Adam Fox, and also includes the latest on Chytil.
Kaliyev took part in the morning skate but wasn’t in the lineup against the Stars. The 23-year-old did say coming to the Rangers is a “dream come true” and there’s hope he can juice the offense a bit moving forward.
In a chat with me on the Rink Rap podcast, LA-based NHL insider Dennis Bernstein questioned what Kaliyev will bring to the Rangers lineup, noting he’s a “one-dimensional” player with severe limitations.
Here’s a link to watch the complete interview with Dennis Bernstein on YouTube and another to listen on Simplecast.
On the injury front, yes, Kreider was placed on IR, but the good news is that Igor Shesterkin skated with the Rangers on Tuesday morning. The 29-year-old goalie missed his fourth game but appears to be on the road back.
Our Nick Vazquez detailed why the Rangers need more from their two newest defensemen, Will Borgen and Urho Vaakanainen.
NHL news
Connor Hellebuyck became the third-fastest goalie to reach 300 NHL wins when he led the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 victory against the Nashville Predators.
However, in that game, Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey sustained a lower-body injury when he crashed into a goal post and is considered day to day.
The Columbus Blue Jackets — yes, the Columbus Blue Jackets — moved into the second wild card spot in the East with a 4-3 shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan was forced to leave that game with an upper-body injury.
More injury news, Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber exited a 6-4 win against the St. Louis Blues with an upper-body injury.
Former Rangers forward Patrick Kane kept the good times rolling in Detroit. His overtime goal lifted the Red Wings to their fifth straight win, 3-2 against the Ottawa Senators.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also won their fifth consecutive game, 3-2 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Edmonton Oilers are streaking, as well. They won their fourth straight game, riding Adam Henrique’s two goals to a 4-0 win against the struggling Boston Bruins.
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