Even when the Rangers play well, they can’t seem to get over the hump. Last night was the kind of game that would normally add up to a dominating win. The hockey gods decided to have the last laugh instead, as the Rangers lost in regulation 3-2 while outshooting the Leafs 35-17. Despite being banged up, the Rangers played very well and probably deserved to win, and a loss like this so close to the deadline might have some repercussions on the personnel in the coming days.
Igor Shesterkin is a fantastic goaltender, and when his game is on, he’s the best goalie in the NHL. But he arguably cost the Rangers two points with his aggressive decision to play the puck behind the net when Zac Jones and Braden Schneider were already there. It’s one of his strengths, but that decision was costly as the breakout attempt was deflected and it led to a Matthew Knies goal, since Jones and Schneider were behind the net. That play was a microcosm of a season where nothing has gone right for the Blueshirts.
There were other issues, like Alexis Lafreniere’s disappearance since he signed his contract extension. He earned the extension, but this slump is poorly timed. He’s on pace for less than 50 points, and is only at 14 goals on the entire year after almost hitting 30 last season. It’s frustrating to watch players seemingly coast after getting the bag, and we hope that’s not the case with Lafreniere. I have zero doubt that Lafreniere has the talent to pull off becoming a great everyday NHL player, but this is certainly concerning.
Know what else really grinds my gears? Why did the Rangers pluck Brennan Othmann–a player who finally was putting up a really good showing at the AHL level–bring him up to play in place of Chris Kreider, and then instead reward that ice time to Jimmy Vesey?
Othmann played 6:31 and should have been playing more, especially after his line with Jonny Brodzinski and Matt Rempe dominated the Islanders the other night. He was noticeable with his speed, his forecheck, and his unrelenting will to shoot the puck. I just do not understand the lineup and ice time decisions with rookies this year.
Othmann gets no power play time when the power play has been atrocious virtually all year long, he is deployed as a fourth liner and despite playing well, isn’t rewarded for his efforts, and lastly, it’s clear the coaching staff doesn’t want to develop talent on the fly. So I ask again, why is Othmann even here? Such a shame that the team can’t figure this out, because the raw tools look pretty coachable too.
Maybe this was a showcase for Vesey and others whom the Rangers are likely (hopefully?) selling at the deadline, and the ice time will come. We shall see.
