After decisive wins in Games 1 and 2, it looks as if the New York Rangers have lost their footing after falling to the New Jersey Devils in Games 3 and 4. In New Jersey. For the Rangers to move on to the next series and live up to the high expectations placed on them at the start of the season, they must stick to what worked for them and adapt quickly to change what caused them to relinquish a 2-0 series lead.
What works: the penalty kick and the kill
The Rangers’ biggest strength is still goalkeeping. It’s no surprise that Igor Shesterkin has been a bright spot in the Rangers’ post-season so far. In four matches, Shesterkin gave up only six goals. 941 save percentage (SV%) and 1.44 goals against average (GAA) are the best among starting goaltenders per game. Even when the Devils found their offensive stride, Chesterkin stuck his ground, saving his teammates when giving up high-risk chances. According to him, he stopped 4.1 more goals than expected MoneyPuck, making him one if not the best goalkeeper in the playoffs to date. It’s times like these when it’s worth remembering how special Shesterkin was. In a volatile and identical series like this one, Shesterkin’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. It will give them a chance to win every game, which is invaluable at this time of year.
Likewise, the Rangers’ mass killing unit has prevented demons from taking over the games. The Devils played thirteen power plays, but only got advantage in two of them. In Game 1, they didn’t even score a shot on goal in any of their four power plays. Given the amount of penalties the Rangers have taken, it is reasonable to think that even Games 1 and 2 would have been ugly for the team had the death penalty not been as successful as it was.
What doesn’t work: Inconsistent offense
With Shesterkin in goal and a powerful penalty kick, the Rangers offense would largely determine their fate. So far in the series, we’ve seen Rangers live and die due to their ability or inability to generate constant pressure. Gerard Gallant will have to find a way to get his team to produce a more consistent offense if they are to take back control of the series.
Related: 3 Rangers predictions for the rest of the series vs. the Devils
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In the first two games, the Rangers were able to create scoring chances that constantly put pressure on their opponents, particularly on power play. Things were going Rangers’ way especially as they played to their strengths. For example, Chris Kreider, one of the most prolific net forward players in the league, scored four goals in his first two games and broke two franchise records while doing so. (“Chris Kreider sets up shop on power play and sets record-breaking Rangers match,” athlete, April 20, 2023)
Conversely, the Rangers haven’t been able to generate many scoring chances since returning home to Madison Square Garden. They’ve only scored twice since returning home, compared to their 10 goals on the road in their first two matches. The Rangers don’t necessarily get fewer shots on goal, but lower quality scoring opportunities, which is especially worrisome given the sheer number of rebounds starting goaltender Akira Schmid gave up in Game 3 and 4 in a playoff series against a team Equally, the Rangers can’t pass up chances to get quality shots. To move on to the next round, the Rangers, particularly the star-studded top six, need to start playing to their potential again.
I look forward
The Rangers quickly lost their chance to dethrone this series. Now, they would have to play six or seven matches if they wanted to move on to the next round. Winning this round won’t be easy, but this team is no stranger to adversity. With flexibility, goalkeeping and solid penalty killing of their own, it’s really up to their top six players to generate the offense necessary to overwhelm a young and dynamic New Jersey side.