Shaky Shesterkin costs Rangers a win, Zibanejad not happy as they lose to Penguins 3-2
The Rangers lost another one goal game. That’s now three in a row dating back to the 4-3 loss to the NJ Devils. Whether it’s a 47 save performance by MacKenzie Blackwood, or lucky comeback goals in Pittsburgh, this is going to get old quick.
Mika Zibanejad not happy with another loss
“It’s 56 games and we can’t afford losing these points,” an upset Zibanejad said afterwards.” That’s something we have to take to real quick and change that.”
The Rangers top center, started camp late due to COVID-19, but reiterated it’s had no impact on his game. All he was focused on was blowing leads and fixing that. “One mistake and they take advantage we can’t allow that to happen.
“We know our roles, we know our responsibilities,” he answered about the slow start. “Can’t just lie down and feel sorry for yourself, you just have to work through it and get going.”
Igor Shesterkin’s shaky third costs Rangers dearly
The Rangers need more from their two goalies. It’s that simple.
Igor Shesterkin was playing a very solid game up until the third period where he was caught looking around instead of focusing on the shooter. The game was tied on a knuckler from the wall that he should’ve stopped, and it was lost on a late tally by Jake Guentzel with just 91 seconds left in the game.
The red flag was Shesterkin’s inability to close a game up 2-1 heading into the third, and only facing 4 shots. All and all the Rangers gave up just 19 and not winning this one is inexplicable.
After the game, David Quinn remained confident in his goalies. “These two guys play with a swagger. It’s early, I know we’re going to get really good goaltending, but it is different. It is definitely a little bit different.”
Filip Chytil injured
The Rangers were also dealt another blow in the contest as Filip Chytil went down hard on a check and was having issues with his left wrist. He will be re-evaluated today.
Bright spots for the Rangers as Ryan Strome finally scores
The Rangers did get a goal from newly inserted forward Colin Blackwell. He scored on a pretty deflection, and if Chytil is out for an extended period will need him in the lineup.
Ryan Strome also picked up his first goal of the season. He converted a mad scramble in front and was happy to get the monkey off his back.
Post Game Notes:
- The Rangers held Pittsburgh to a single-game season-low 19 shots on goal in tonight’s contest. New York has held its opponent to 28 shots on goal or fewer in each of the last four games. The Rangers have also held their opponent to 10 shots or goal or fewer in each of the last 12 regulation periods, dating back to the start of their second game of the season on Jan. 16 vs. NY Islanders.
- The Rangers were not assessed a penalty in tonight’s game. New York was not assessed a penalty in a game for the first time since Jan. 31, 2020 vs. Detroit and for the first time in a road game since Mar. 16, 2016 at Anaheim. In addition, the Blueshirts were not shorthanded in a road game for the first time since Nov. 25, 2016 at Philadelphia. The Rangers have not been shorthanded more than twice in each of the last three games (four times shorthanded over the span).
- Colin Blackwell and Ryan Strome each registered their first goal of the 2020-21 season in tonight’s game, while Blackwell, Strome, Brett Howden, and Jacob Trouba each notched their first point of the season. Through five games this season, nine different Rangers have tallied at least one goal and 14 different Blueshirts have registered at least one point
*Post Game Notes courtesy of the New York Rangers
The Rangers will have practice today, 12:00 p.m. at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY
Blueshirts next game is set for Tuesday, Jan. 26 at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. ET – TV: MSG 2)
All the exciting action from yesterday
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