AlexanderScharf

"Talking New York Rangers Hockey, since 2007"

New York, NY • United States • 23 Years Old • Male

Rangers Fall to Isles Again

I did not have the privelege of catching the game, largely as a result of my van being pulled over for speeding on the way back from school. Nonetheless, the Rangers lost 3-2 after leading by a goal twice in the 3rd period. The Islanders got goals from Fedotenko and Satan to make it 3-2 after alternate scoring by Drury, Hunter, and Mara.

From looking at the stats, I have a few observations.

1. This third period breakdown seemed similar to the ones that plagued the Rangers last year. In the 1st and 2nd periods, the Rangers allowed only 12 shots and took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Chris Drury. But the game seemed to fall apart in the final frame as the Isles managed 15 shots on net, 3 of them finding their mark. Maybe they were tired in back-to-back games, maybe not. But clearly they were outplayed in the 3rd.

2. The dicipline seemed to be an issue. The Rangers took 2 penalties within thirty seconds of each other with a 2-1 lead. That lead to the game-tying goal on a 4 on 3 man advantage for the Isles. Discipline is very important, especially late in games and especially in close games that the Rangers have been having. This is all speculation based on the box score and not on the real-game situation but from what I observed, it is certainly disappointing.

3. The Avery-Gomez-Prucha line was on for both even strength Islander goals. In all honesty, they are not the most defensive oriented line and with their great speed (and a goal scored tonight), seem to be the high-risk, high-reward line. I dont know what to make of this for the future but is an interesting observation.

4. Does Henrik need a break? Hes played all 15 games this season and it is unlike him to give up 3 goals on 15 shots in one period. Hes been standing on his head every game so maybe its time to give him a breather.

I am sure there are positives to take out from the game but as usual, that is much easier to do after wins. Credit the Isles for sticking it out and pulling off the comeback. They continue to have sucess this season, to the surpise of many and he "i told you so" of the fans.

Please let me know is any of my "educated guesses" are correct or incorrect. I look forward to hearing from you. The next game is Thursday against the Penguins.

[P.S. To BBMoney: Nobody is interested in your trolling so grow up a little. As far as your oft repeated claims of too many chiefs, come up with something orignal and with the times, as the Rangers have won 5 out of the last 7. And I actually wrote a blog about how good Nolan is, check out the archive. But then again, you probably cant read, as evidenced by the fact that you thought this was an Islander blog (HINT: It says New York Rangers, Rangers Recap and has a picture of Lundqvist at the top of the page.)]

For now,
R2R

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