Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images
Here is my Quick Hits recap of the Rangers 3-2 SO loss against the Panthers.
- Chris Kreider – Kreider returned to his goal scoring form with a wicked wrist shot to put the Blueshirts up 1-0 in the first period. Chris used his speed to get in on the forecheck, and was noticeable all around the ice.
Chris Kreider is a stud. Goes short side, 1-0 #NYR. Assists to Stepan and Staal. pic.twitter.com/OCgNizidIF
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) November 21, 2016
- Mats Zuccarello – Zucc was his diminutive self tonight, making plays and forcing the Panthers defensemen into turnovers in the Rangers offensive zone. Mats made the play leading to the goal by Mika Zibanejad, where he just fired the puck to the front of the net and it banked in off of the skate of Zibanejad. He has 14 points on the season, and makes an impact every time he steps onto the ice.
- Mika Zibanejad – It was more bitter than sweet for Mika Zibanejad. After scoring the goal that put the Blueshirts ahead 2-1 in the third, Mika had two scary moments late in the game. The first came towards the end of the third period, after a stuff in attempt, Zibanejad was fallen on top of by the Florida player. While he was slow to get up, but remained in the game. The biggest blow came in OT. Zibanejad was defending Reilly Smith from getting to the front of the net, and got lifted into the air, and went feet first into the boards. AV said after the game that Zibanejad has broken his fibula and will be out for 6-8 weeks. This is a big blow for the Rangers. The team’s depth will really be tested now.
AV said Zibanejad has a broken fibula. He's expected to be out 6-8 weeks.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 21, 2016
- Nick Holden – Holden had a solid game tonight. He made some good first passes to get the Rangers out of the defensive zone, and was good all around. He had 3 shots on net in the offensive zone, and had four hits. For all of the uncertainty entering training camp and the regular season, Holden has ensured his spot in the lineup with his consistent defensive play.
- Henrik Lundqvist – For some good stretches in this game, the Panthers outworked and outplayed the Rangers.And had it not been for Henrik, this could have easily been a regulation loss. Hank had a couple of key stops, including this one on Jagr, to keep the game within reach. Now that the Rangers are coming back down to reality, they are going to have to figure out a way to score goals when it matters, and win the one goal games.
- Effort and Energy – From puck drop, the Rangers seemed to be lacking energy. And for a team coming off a loss in their last game, that is not something anyone wants to see. It almost seemed like the Rangers were trying to win with as little effort as possible, and wanted to save most of their energy for the game against the Penguins on Monday. If that’s true, then they have to come out hard for a full 60 minutes in Pittsburgh.
Next Game: The Blueshirts head to Pittsburgh on Monday to take on the defending champion Penguins. Puck drops at 7!
LETS GO RANGERS!