Too little too late for Rangers in loss to Islanders

The Rangers wanted to go into the All-Star break with a positive feeling. And after Sunday’s late loss to the Blue Jackets, tonight’s game against the Islanders was going to determine how the Blueshirts would end the “first-half” of their season. Unfortunately, the Rangers are going into the break on a two-game losing streak.

Pavel Buchnevich – The Rangers got on the board with a power-play goal from Buchnevich. The power-play, which was set up by Brendan Lemieux goading Scott Mayfield into a four-minute penalty, resulted in Buchnevich getting his eighth goal of the season and his second goal in the last thirteen games. Buchnevich redirected Adam Fox’s point shot past Thomas Greiss.

Chris Kreider – The veteran made things interesting pulling the Rangers within two just 1:47 after Buchnevich’s goal. Kreider got the rebound of Mika Zibanejad’s shot and slammed it into the net.

Whether or not Kreider remains a Ranger after the trade deadline remains to be seen, but he’s playing some of his best hockey in recent memory. If he does get traded, Jeff Gorton should be able to get a nice return for the veteran winger.

Bad Breaks – The Rangers were the victims of numerous bad breaks in this one. Two of the four Islanders goals deflected off of Ryan Lindgren, one came from a Brady Skjei misplay, and another after a shorthanded chance was denied by Greiss. The Islanders were able to take advantage of their chances while the Rangers were not. The Blueshirts had 42 shots against the Islanders goalie, but they couldn’t catch the breaks they needed to win.

Alexandar Georgiev – The Rangers’ goaltender didn’t have much of a chance on any of the four goals he surrendered. Georgiev is having a strong season for the Blueshirts, and this was just a rough night for the 23-year-old Bulgarian.

Next Game: The Rangers are back in action on January 31st when they host the Red Wings. Puck drops at 7!

LETS GO RANGERS!!

OFFICIAL: Rangers send Shesterkin and Di Giuseppe to Hartford

The Rangers announced after the game that the team is sending forward Phil Di Giuseppe and goalie Igor Shesterkin to Hartford.

Shesterkin played in three games with the big club, going 2-1-0 with a 2.68 GAA and a .929SV%. Di Giuseppe did not suit up while he was up with the Rangers. With the team off for nine days, Shesterkin and Di Giuseppe will get some game action before the Rangers reconvene after the All-Star break.

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