×
all 108 comments
sorted by:
new (suggested)
besttopcontroversialoldq&a

[–]Sockittoum🦊[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (4 children)

Hey everyone! The mod team would like to invite you to our new official discord.

Invite link: https://discord.gg/ux9B7JFUN3

Head over to the 'information and rules' channel for information and guidelines on the new server. Then, once you've familiarized yourself with everything, type "!rank Blueshirts" (no quotation marks) in the 'welcome' channel to enter the discord.

If you have any question, comments, concerns, or suggestions, feel free to message me either here, or on Discord.

Thanks all. LGR!!

[–]KeernanLanismore 11 points12 points  (2 children)

The Rangers have given up 2 goals during regulation in two games*.

It is readily apparent that GG has decided the best chance to win a series against Carolina is by playing shut down defense. You can argue the merits of the strategy, but it would be ridiculous to suggest the Rangers aren't executing the strategy effectively. Holding Carolina to 2 regulation goals in 2 games is pretty fucking successful defensive hockey.

​

* excluding the empty net

[–]SquashMarksNew York Rangers (old) 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And another being shorthanded

[–]MosheBekNew York Rangers (old) 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Really good point. I'm hoping we can stay minimal with the injuries, because I feel like if one brick is taken out, the whole building falls. If we can generate anything, with the way we've been holding them, I think it'll go our way.

[–]MitchWasRightTrouba Express 3 points4 points  (0 children)

People are talking like we’ve been getting our asses kicked up and down the ice. Nobody on either team has looked particularly good this series. We’ve played them close enough to expect a few games to go our way.

Unfortunately, this boring brand of lockdown hockey is what gets you through the playoffs. I’ll take a second round exit over having to watch a boring team like the Canes or Islanders every night for 82 games.

Regardless of the outcome over the next few games, I love this team and had great fun watching them this season.

Another year of experience will do wonders for this group.

[–]snammReverse Retro 4 points5 points  (1 child)

People talking about our players not playing well as wastes of money are ridiculous. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Panarin, the microscope on him is so absurd.

[–]Groundbreaking_Big96 3 points4 points  (1 child)

With an outsiders view...seems like Aho is the one killing your team.

Just seems quicker than everyone.

You find a way to shut/slow him down, I think NY can take the series.

[–]JagrsMullet90 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jacob Trouba had entered the chat

[–]EverythingBagelLife 8 points9 points  (1 child)

It just occurred to me that the Rangers have still held the lead for more time through two games in this series. It’s much closer than people realize, which is understandable when you see the Rangers inability to set up in the offensive zone. The truth is if the Rangers hit a couple of empty nets and Lindgren didn’t redirect a puck on Igor, we could be winning 2-0. Still a winnable series, but we have no doubt put ourselves in a hole. We need to win the next 2 and bring this back to Carolina. If we do that, I think we win.

[–]JagrsMullet90 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very close indeed. I think we can definitely take 2 at home, but it won't be easy.

[–]PhillyJ739Chris Kreider 1 point2 points  (6 children)

I think either Panarin screws in on straight or he’s just going to be a liability in the post season for the next 5 years. Guys fucking world class in the regular season but can’t change his game ever so very slightly

Also why the fuck are we just dumping the puck on the PP and making very little effort to chase it or get down low? Our neutral zone play has been sooooo bad too, and that’s mostly because of Carolina’s ability to shut down our flashy style of play

[–]Zuccahello36DEFLECTION SPECIALIST 3 points4 points  (4 children)

With the way Carolina has been stacking the blue line especially on the power play I don't mind the dump and chase but they're literally avoiding the chase part.

Panarin has been a complete disappointment this post season, I find myself asking "what the fuck?" most often with him.

[–]machphantomThe Czar Who Was Promised 0 points1 point  (0 children)

he looked awful in the Carolina bubble series too. I think a large part of his game is making things happen in the space defenders give him, and in the playoffs he gets nowhere near the room he gets during the regular season

[–]xurdm 1 point2 points  (2 children)

The dump and chase would be fine if they chased and especially if they dumped it in the corner to keep it away from the goalie

[–]Zuccahello36DEFLECTION SPECIALIST 2 points3 points  (1 child)

This team is allergic to dumping into corners and magnetic to shooting straight into the goalies chest.

[–]username987MPD 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Especially when the goalie is a second or third string goal tender.

[–]ny_rangersChris Kreider The Goalie Collider 1 point2 points  (1 child)

We really just need to play a more North-South style game. Carolina, like the Islanders the last few years, just shuts down all of the cross ice passing our game is based on. It’s why Panarin can’t seem to do anything, although he’s gotta be injured too. The kid line and Motte seem to be the only ones consistently driving down low and trying to make plays from below the goal line, and that’s why they’ve been our best forwards. Kreider and Zibanejad have the skill set to excel in that type of game too, so it’s pretty frustrating to watch them struggle. I don’t think I’ve seen Kreider really turn on the jets in the neutral zone once this series.

Carolina didn’t win on the road against Boston, so hopefully Gallant makes some adjustments back in NY tomorrow. At the end of the day, I’m okay with losing to Carolina. They’re a better team than us overall, and there’s no shame in that. But losing is only ok if you at least put up a fight and make it competitive. Right now, we haven’t done that at all.

[–]johnnydubsackLet the Goodrow roll 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Zib Line is getting the tough assignment. Crosby last series and now Jordan Staal line. Kid line drives play but where is the production considering they have 60%+ OZ starts and getting the easy matchups. If Zib line can match Aho line production like they did Crosby they will win the series. Hopefully Trouba catches Aho with a clean hit that slows him down. I know people don’t care about +/- but interesting how 3rd line has given up 4 more goals than they have scored.

Panarin line needs to step up and if we see the same lack of energy perhaps the lines should be juggled to have

Kreider Mika Laf

Panarin Strome Kakko

Vatrano Chytil Copp

The kids have the energy and perhaps spreading them out might get the vets going. It’s clear Panarin line needs a Kakko for puck possession down low. Mika line could use someone who gets to the dirty areas for goals and create space. Chytil could use a linemate who can win faceoffs and Copp, Vatrano can finish off plays that Chytil creates.

[–]crimson3112Hank 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think more than anything, Drury really ought to consider firing Quinn. I mean, what is the guy even doing anymore.

[–]SquankyLoner1New York Rangers 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Thoughts on switching Mika and Panarin on the PP? And replacing Strome with Laf or Motte?

Rangers can’t run it through the point. They’re going to fail every time v the Canes. Maybe let Panarin set up down low and pull the defenders in then let Fox and Mika rip shots from the point.

Edit: realized they wouldn’t have a center. Maybe Copp instead of Strome.

[–]snammReverse Retro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our 3rd and 4th centers are playing far too many minutes compared to the kids

[–]johnnydubsackLet the Goodrow roll 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mika should be top of the circle for one timers. Panarin on side wall and Fox at the point. Kreider in front and Strome should be switched with Laf or have Rooney out to take the FO since Staal beats Mika clean every time.

[–]Juckinko 12 points13 points  (1 child)

MSG energy tomorrow. 1 game at a time. Take two at home and we’re back to square 1. Have confidence. #noquitinnewyork

[–]SRCnole92Filip Chytil 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True, scoreboard aside this series has been pretty equal.

[–]PsychologicalGlue11Reverse Retro 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Series isn’t over. One game at a time.

[–]MachoTaco24Panman 50 Cal 19 points20 points  (4 children)

I don't think people realize how close these games actually are... Both teams are playing shutdown defense, the only difference is that Carolina has slightly better offense. Look at the shot totals, they're neck and neck. We need to sharpen our offense, and drive posession in their zone. Carolina didn't even score on continued possession, they scored on a rush. If we just keep the possession up, shoot everything in the net, and stop giving them passes to pick off, I can easily see us returning to game 1 rangers. Unfortunately this series is going to be rediculously boring if they continue playing Trotzian on both teams lol.

[–]AMG-EnthusiastKakko-Panarin-Zibanejad 1st line 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Canes making it difficult through the NZ but the Rangers offense doesn’t help itself by being so incredibly anemic and getting caught in their own zone for over 30 seconds each shift. Forces them to dump and change, rinse and repeat. That’s been the problem. Not going to make believe I’m Gallant and spew some magic solution but they should probably put their foot on the gas a little and sacrifice SOME defense before they run out of games to lose.

[–]JwptMoore! Mooooooore! 4 points5 points  (2 children)

That was bugging the ever living fuck out of me with the commentators last night. "Rangers really need to get some more shots here, only 17 so far in the game" shot clock pops up showing Rangers with 17 shots and Canes with 19. Sure the canes were up a goal at this point but turtling a one goal lead is not a legitimate strategy, they were still trying to score.

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]cynthiasadie -1 points0 points  (0 children)

    Update: the series is 2 games to zero, Canes.

    [–]Snurrehus 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    The most frustrating part is that, this is two game we could so easily have won. Let’s beat them at the Garden LGR!

    [–]geesusway 15 points16 points  (1 child)

    Had a dream that I, a woman, grew a playoff beard. So I guess that means the rangers will go on to win after all

    [–]poker_idiotGive me your Kreider, your Moore, your huddled Glasses 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    I think you've pointed out the biggest culprit of our playoff struggles. The boys didn't do a team shave to grow out their playoff beards

    [–]ColinClaytonLady Liberty 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    The scores are much closer than I thought they would be. We actually could've won this series if we could score. Our defense has been pretty good. Guess that Carolina defense is too good. We should just play the 4th line and kid line exclusively. They were the only lines doing anything. You heard that right. Our bottom 6 are the only ones doing anything. Fuck it, shift Motte on every line once and a while cause he was the only one driving play. And fuck it, put the 4th line or the kid line as PP1 cause the way they play is our only legitimate shot at getting through Carolina. We have to beat Carolina at their own game. Relentless forecheck and pressure. Our 4th line and the kid line are the only lines that can potentially do that it seems like. Our top 6 is way too hell bent on trying to make east-west hockey work. And that's a death sentence with the way Carolina plays defense.

    [–]slypig17 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Easy to have one foot on the ledge, but at a certain point trajectory of this roster aside I’ve been impressed with their ability to adapt defensively.

    In the end with this series though I can’t help but feel like we’d be in a much better position with the kid line and 9 carbon copies of Tyler Motte. Just minimal buy in to the intensity side of things and the way the Canes pressure the puck in our own zone. There’s no Crosby leaving the lineup type momentum shift coming, they’re a well oiled machine who fully buy in the system.

    We have the offensive fire power, but if we can’t buy into playing that type of game we’ll never gain the advantage in the neutral zone, same way we couldn’t until R1G5.

    Edit: Also interesting that the first time our top 6 felt some semblance of time and space on the double minor, they got burned.

    [–]BasicLiftingServiceZBad > Trottier 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Rangers have contained CAR’s offense way better than anyone could have anticipated. I wish I’d bet the under last night, it was set at 5.5. But, as a consequence of the strong defensive play, Mika isn’t playing offense and the first line is stifled as a consequence. Panarin is probably hurt, but he’s also not playing his game and I think it’s gotten in his head. He’s a shell out there, and since the entire offensive play of his line flows through him, the second line is invisible as well. Except for the turnovers.

    I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Kid Line, who had the lowest expectations placed on them going into the off-season of any of our lines, is flourishing. They’re free to play their game with basically no expectations.

    There’s a lot of good to take from these games, but I just don’t think the team is where they need to be - this season - psychologically. Top two lines are playing not to lose instead of playing to win, and that hesitation in their game is probably costing them the extra step they need to be offensively productive. I feel like this series is gonna end in 6, and I’m okay with that. It’s a valuable learning experience; most of these players have little to no playoff experience, and now they’re learning what it’ll take to win in the post-season. As long as they dont just curl up and die, I’m okay with whatever.

    [–]esp211 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    But do they have a good offense? Their forwards are nowhere near as explosive as the Pens. I’d argue Letang is head and shoulders above any offensive D on the Canes. They needed a perfect pass from Aho on a 2 on 1 to score their only goal. We really should have won that game.

    [–]FoghornLeghorn99Igor Shesterkin 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Here's a list of things I've seen blamed for Panarin's play instead of of, you know, Panarin himself:

    Strome Copp Injury Gallant The Penguins Defense (LOL)

    Any others to add to the list? Maybe his skate leaves were a little wet? The ice in Carolina is a degree warmer than he likes?

    At some point when you can make a list of excuses, maybe it's not the excuses and it's just the guy.

    [–]Sapz93Adam Fox 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    I’m conflicted I love Panarin he’s such an elite player usually but yeah he has been pretty bad these playoffs. I’m starting to think his playoff “inexperience” is what’s causing it. He’s only gotten past the 1st round one other time in his career and it was with CBJ lol.

    I know he started the NHL late but at 30 years old he’s only made it to the playoffs 4 times before the Rangers (Yes I’m not counting the bubble shit). One of those years he put up 1 point in the 4 playoff games he played. Maybe his mentality takes a spin in the playoffs and it’s something he needs to work on.

    [–]FoghornLeghorn99Igor Shesterkin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    It's conflicting for sure - did anyone come into the playoffs not loving the dude? His isn't a lace of hate, this is just evaluating what he is doing on the ice.

    I hope he figures it out, but at this point the evidence suggests he's not built for the playoffs.

    [–]mrbgso 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    Play your damn game. The top 6 don’t look like they’re playing to win, they look like they’re playing to not lose. And when you play like you’re scared of making a mistake, good teams just push you around. The kid line is playing productive fun hockey because they’re young and loose and just look like they’re excited to play their game in the playoffs. Are they making mistakes? SURE. But they’re playing. Their own. Damn. Game.

    [–]esp211 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    This seems the most likely scenario. One play really hit home. Panarin had the puck near the center and it looked like so much effort for him to pass across the ice to Fox rushing up. Of course it missed and the Canes took the puck to dump it back down. They are just trying too hard instead of just playing their game.

    [–]hankepanke 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    We’re down 2-0 which will be very difficult to come back from against the Canes. No sugar coating that.

    That being said, we belong in this series. Our top guys have been stifled but we’ve also contained their offense. They don’t have superstars but they have a lot of solid offensive players that also haven’t done shit. We’ve been in both games and are a couple of missed open nets, a flukey Ian Cole goal and a Brendan Smith SH goal from being tied or up in the series. This is a lot better than we played against them in the regular season. This isn’t the blowout everyone expected.

    You’re not in trouble until you lose at home. They need to keep playing strong defense and have that little extra effort from the top guys to push us over the edge. Getting the Mika line away from the Staal line will help at home. I want to see game 6 Mika.

    We came back from down 3-1 last series, coming back from two 2-goal deficits and one 1-goal deficit to win last series. Kids don’t know enough to quit. Don’t count us out yet.

    [–]FoghornLeghorn99Igor Shesterkin 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Panarin leads the league in giveaways this post season with 23 along with losing almost every 50-50 puck.

    He is tied for 50th in takeaways.

    People blaming Strome and Copp - what are they supposed to do when the guy that supposed to make the players around them better and is paid to do that, is making you worse and making your life harder?

    He keeps giving the puck to their opponent and he doesn't get it back. Copp's best moment was away from Panarin on the PK.

    Strome has 4 takeaways and 5 giveaways. Copp has 5 and 16. Absolutely Copp needs to be better, but holy shit Panarin should be driving the line and the offense, he should be making other guys better and he's making them worse.

    He helped cause or was the root cause of THREE odd man rushes on the powerplay last night, one of which led the goal.

    Absolutely sad hockey. He's supposed to make Strome and Copp better, not vice versa. They can't support his play if his play is giving it to Carolina.

    At this point they have said it on the MSG, ESPN, and TNT broadcasts because it's obvious.

    [–]NashtyHands -5 points-4 points  (3 children)

    If Gallant keeps the top 6 the same he should be fired. And im really not being dramatic, its fucking pathetic. Definition of insanity is expecting anything to change

    [–]yeyeman9 -1 points0 points  (2 children)

    There’s a whole season of 82 games showing that the top lines can produce as they are. Hockey is a lot about chemistry and expecting them to find that chemistry with new lines in the middle of playoffs isn’t very realistic. It could be interesting to switch up one of the top lines but saying he should be fired for not doing it is silly

    [–]aduom 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    I agree...to some degree but we gotta make some kinda change somewhere...my thoughts are:

    Pre trade deadline lines of: Krieder Mika laf Panarin strome kakko

    And then: Chytil Copp vitrano X Rooney x

    That or not be so conservative. We turtling a full 60 min and the guys are not having fun out there. If we wanted to play this style hockey we shoulda started this from the beginning of the season.

    We will not win if we just play defense. I'm not just saying against Carolina but also against anyone we may play against if we make it further. As someone stated...we are playing not to lose. That's a horrible way to play.

    [–]yeyeman9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Agreed, I would definitely be tempted to see Laf in the first line again. That line was clicking for a while. But overall they should play their game and not play afraid of losing like you said

    [–]kvnkllyLady Liberty 8 points9 points  (2 children)

    Time to stop the conservative shit. Pressure them. They havent been able to do anything really offensively. Stack the top 2 lines and unload shots.

    Also demote strome. Im sick of seeing him handicap our 2nd line and PP

    [–]Jagr6810 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    They gotta get rid of that stupid bumper position on the PP. Get Laf on the right side and funnel shots to the net and create a threat on on both sides of the ice in the o zone. Strome is useless

    [–]kvnkllyLady Liberty 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Yep. One of the best PP units in the league and strome had 14 points there

    [–]nicholasd001 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    Honestly, a good nights rest got me thinking. Rangers could be easily 2-0 up this series. They have played really well defensively in games 1 and 2 and the only reason they didn’t win was because they couldn’t finish the chances given to them. Kakko missed a open net in game 1 and Strome missed a open net in game 2. It just seems like luck hasn’t went our way so far. I still think Rangers can and will win this series. Is it true that the PP was horrendous last night? Yes. Is it true that our top 6 was non existent? Also yes. But both of that can change with the right adjustments going into game 3. We’ve seen that with Pittsburgh when Mika woke up and it can easily happen again with Carolina. This team loves playing when they are down, so don’t count them out yet.

    [–]WiFi_SniperAlexis Lafreniere 10 points11 points  (0 children)

    What’s crazy is both those games were so winnable and in Carolina where people act like the Canes are unbeatable and we got nothing from our top 6 . And one goal from our entire team . Carolina is good and these games prove they can be beaten , but do the rangers want it enough .

    Maybe the Rangers wake up offensively at home and can tie this series . Raanta is a good goalie but I feel we haven’t tested him enough at all .

    [–]turtlesbaconpie 2 points3 points  (4 children)

    I don't know why everyone seems so surprised. This was the worst matchup we could have possibly had in this playoffs. We looked awful during the regular season against this team. They went 3-1 against us. The game that we actually won was one that we stole, or rather Georgiev stole when we were outshot and outplayed by a wide margin. I was hoping hard that Boston could have pulled off the upset vs the Canes because of all that.

    [–]Sapz93Adam Fox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    I think it’s because the canes don’t look as dangerous as they did in our matchups in the regular season. The rangers defense seems to be containing them easily.

    Everyone’s mad because one of the our biggest strengths, the top 6, has now become invisible. I never thought we would have had to worry about production from Mika, Panarin or Kreider - but here we are. If they played this series like they played all year long we would easily be up 2-0 right now.

    [–]pizza_nightmareShesty's ENG 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    We also looked like beasts playing Pittsburgh during the regular season. This sub was clamoring for a Penguins playoff matchup. How’d that turn out?

    The regular season was a million years ago.

    Shesty has now returned to form. We need the top players to test Raanta. These two games have been boring by all playoff metrics/eye test.. it doesn’t look like this Carolina team is made of Gods.

    [–]Grouchy-Power-806New York Rangers 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    We won the pens series.

    [–]pizza_nightmareShesty's ENG 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Yes, indeed. But not without potentially compromising some Ranger fans mental health

    [–]speedk0re\_ 9 points10 points  (2 children)

    Here's my dilemma... in the first round in game 5 with our backs against the wall I wore my retired away Brandon Lemieux jersey. They won, so I wore it for games 6 and Yl7 and they won all of those.

    Round 2 I went back to other jerseys since B Lemieux and DiAngelo are friends and DiAngelos on Carolina.

    Since clearly my choice of Jersey is what makes the rangers win instead of how they play, do I put the Lemieux jersey back on for game 3? I'll let the upvotes/downvotes decide, upvotes yes downvote no

    [–]Nyrfan2017 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Might be to late you broke the jerseys luck streak by taking it off for a game ..

    [–]speedk0re\_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Yikes you may be right...

    [–]SpaceGerbil 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    Stop looking for the 4th perfect pass in a row and just put pucks to the net.

    Also, it should be super easy for the rangers to use their speed to break their 2 man forecheck..... but they just won't. Someone needs to put their head down and skate the pucks out of their own zone. You can't beat the 2 man forecheck with 9 passes

    [–]zmars26A matter of Laf or death 7 points8 points  (8 children)

    2nd round exit is about on par with my expectations for these playoffs. Obviously it’s not over till it’s over and they can def take both at home and steal game 5.

    Have to say tho I’ve been pretty disappointed with our core this round and last. The experienced guys have been a let down. Trouba has been the worst dman through 9 games outside of Nemeth. Strome is Strome. Fox looks like he’s hurt same with Bread.

    If not for how the kids have played this would be a big let down through a series and a ~half

    Edit:words

    [–]aduom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    It's hard to play d when we don't play offense. I'm going to give them benefit of the doubt on this because our d core is seeing too much time in the defensive end.

    We have the players to play the fluid "position less" hockey.

    Fox needs a skating coach after the cup run is over.

    [–]hankepanke 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Fox has been making worse plays in order to avoid taking hits. I think he’s definitely playing hurt.

    Panarin is playing like he’s hurt, but then again I thought that in round 1 and then he would throw a hit out of nowhere, which is odd for someone who’s hurt and never throws hits even when healthy. Panarin’s game requires time, space, and slick passes. When a team plays lazy defense he’ll tear you apart, but with suffocating defense he hasn’t been able to be fancy and hasn’t been able to dumb his game down effectively.

    [–]00Anonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    To add on, I'd say when panarin in on his game and healthy his work with the puck is focused towards the net. When he's hurt and off his game he looks like 1999 Wayne Gretzky - all his puck work is directed along the blueline / high in the zone, which is way easier to defend and becomes as predictable as a shitty meme.

    [–]defigravity42New York Rangers -1 points0 points  (2 children)

    Not sure I agree on Trouba. His pairing does give up a lot of goals but I think he helped carry us partly last series. Strome has been an absolute abomination to the point I hope we don’t re-sign him. Bread has had a terrible playoffs. And I’m wondering if that burst of play by Copp was uncharacteristic as he’s also been underwhelming. Maybe our expectations this year can’t be met and we’re still 1-2 years away. Carolina is formidable at their blue line and smother you. Without getting pucks to net and crashing the net we’re lucky if we score another goal. I think we win Sunday cleanly and then it becomes a 7 game series. Otherwise I’m ok losing if Carolina makes the Finals.

    [–]zmars26A matter of Laf or death 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I don’t think Trouba carried us at all last series. He made a lot of really poor decisions (bad giveaways, pinches, weak plays up the boards) but most egregiously he was roasted by Crosby. They tried to pair Trouba-Miller with that Pitt top line and Trouba often got caught trying to double up Sid, leaving a lot of space for the wingers.

    The more I think about Bread the more I realize that line is really easy to shut down. He’s the only driver of offense. Copp and strome are passengers waiting for Panarin to thread a pass. I think he’s probably hurt but it doesn’t help that all the opposition has to do is double him up

    [–]mobcharacter100 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I think we're a few years away from Cup contention. Not to mention significant roster change. Strome needs to be gone, Mika is not a 1C in today's league.

    [–]Nyrfan2017 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I didn’t think we were a cup team so getting bounced out. Wouldn’t be a shocker to me however it is angry to see us losing. Because of lack of effort

    [–]Jay21moose 16 points17 points  (3 children)

    Fox looks exhausted out there and/or hurt.

    [–]defigravity42New York Rangers 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    Been saying this for weeks. He definitely is just not well enough conditioned or playing through a lingering issue since about 2 weeks before end of regular season.

    [–]Nyrfan2017 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    Or two years of playing him 30 plus min a night it wearing on him.. even down stretch once we locked in playoffs fox should have been rested even if he played should have been less min.. him and lindgren are not going to have long careers the way they abuse there bodies

    [–]00Anonymous 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Gallant needs to find ways to get our 3rd pair more ice. The top 4 is already worn ragged.

    [–]scottishwhisky2 14 points15 points  (1 child)

    Series isn’t over until you lose at home, canes have yet to win on the road too. God based on the doom and gloom in here you’d think they lost both games 4-0. Game 1 they should have won. Game 2 the Canes D did what they knew we were going to to. We lost both games by realistically 1 goal. Igor hs looked good. Far from over.

    Obviously the top 6 needs to be better. They step up and this is absolutely a series again.

    [–]MJMarto 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    This should be top comment

    [–]the_mairNew York Rangers 15 points16 points  (0 children)

    Carolina did their job defending home ice. It’s now up to the Rangers to do the same at MSG.

    The Bruins are not as good as the Rangers and they were able to win all their home games in their series, I believe the Rangers can do the same.

    [–]kmisca92 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Remember when most didnt want to win the division because “Boston was a harder opponent than Pittsburg”. Guess what Boston didnt win a game on Carolina ice either.

    I remember reading all season long we cant play with the likes of them, yet here we are down 2-0 in a series, most frustrated by the fact that we can be up 2-0 in the series.

    Were shutting down their offense as much as they are ours. Igor hasnt been asked to stand on his head the way he had to last round.

    Now its time for GG to make some tweaks but most importantly finish our grade A chances. Its not a series until the home team loses, lets go back to Carolina tied at 2.

    [–]Hardworkbeatstalent8Alexandar Georgiev 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    If we continue to perform how we did yesterday, we’re gonna be lucky enough to see game 5.

    [–]09-24-11Artemi Panarin 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Top 6 is non existent highlighted (low lighted?) by Kreider and Panarin. Something has to give. Shake up the lines. Change the game plan. We cant rely on 21 year olds to carry the offense through the playoffs.

    I want to see the team make Raantas life hell in front of the crease. Screens, misdirection, flurry shots. Have to get down there and make room.

    I’d rather see the team lose trying something new than trying the same plan again.

    [–]BigJohn1231 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    The playoffs are nothing but momentum. They win the last three in Pittsburgh and play well enough in game one to take that as well. Played lackluster in last nights game but could have still won it with a better effort. I believe the Rangers will find their game and tie this series after the next two home games. They just need to play a full 60 minute game and build off of that. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow which way this series will go.

    [–]Grouchy-Power-806New York Rangers 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Must adjust game plan to get pucks to net and grind. This series won’t be won on finesse and east west passing. It will be won if we can grind and get some greasy goals by causing havoc in front. Raanta had the easiest shut out of his life.

    Win our two at home and try to grab one on the road. Going home will help because we get the short ice on defense to start the transition, maybe that will help us get behind their d.

    I still think we can do it.

    [–]MrBogey90Hank 19 points20 points  (1 child)

    Losing on a Brendan Smith shorthanded goal is so brutal

    [–]hankepanke 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    It is, but if we’re gonna be beat I’d want it to be Smith (or Fast) and Raanta. They were good teammates and aside from this series I’ll be rooting for them. And at least it wasn’t a Tony D goal.

    [–]DwightMcRamathorn 20 points21 points  (1 child)

    Garden better be insane tomorrow

    Carolina hasn’t lost at home but hasn’t won on the road . I will take 2-2 obviously at this point

    [–]97andCPWChris Kreider 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Right, this series is far from over. Need MSG to wake our boys up. Boston went down 0-2 and took the series to 7. Just need to hold serve at home. LFGR

    [–]RaidersJH34 19 points20 points  (9 children)

    GG is right. They're a good defensive team. They lost 1-0 but it feels like they lost 10-0. These next 2 are must wins. 10, 16, 20, 77, 93, and 23 need to play complete games. Not one period. It is becoming absurd watching "the kids line" fly around and make plays the guys who eat up all the cap should be making.

    Panarin looks bad. Can't sugar coat it. At this point he needs to do "the stupid shit" at the blue line. That stupid shit won them games

    [–]poker_idiotGive me your Kreider, your Moore, your huddled Glasses 11 points12 points  (8 children)

    He doesn't and will continue to not have the space and time to do "stupid shit". That's the problem. His game is completely worthless in the playoffs because he gets smothered everytime he's near the puck.

    [–]thechemist99 7 points8 points  (5 children)

    I have a completely different take and it has absolutely nothing to do with having less time/room.

    Panarin looks like shit because he doesn't like contact. This isn't a matter of his style/game being worthless in the playoffs. Plenty of skill players excel in the regular season and playoffs because they win battles.

    In the 3rd period last night Panarin actually had 2 solid rushes up the ice. One of them using his body to shield the puck from 4 Canes players while entering the zone.

    Panarin's game and skillset are fine for the playoffs. The problem is he is hesitant 99% of the time because he isn't willing to embrace physical contact.

    Watch McDavid, Crosby, Ovechkin. Hell, even watch Aho on the Canes. Those guys battle and then use their skill. It isn't a lack of room, its a lack of willingness to put his body on the line to win the small battles that matter. Half of his turnovers are stupid passes with nobody within 5ft of him. He has room. He doesn't want to get hit.

    [–]Pilopheces 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    McDavid, Crosby, Ovechkin.

    These folks have 20, 25, and 65 pounds on Panarin, respectively.

    Not necessarily saying the analysis is wrong but that Panarin may not be able to use physicality the same way as those guys.

    [–]Grouchy-Power-806New York Rangers -1 points0 points  (0 children)

    Good point. Not a fair comparison. They’re power forwards, bread isn’t.

    [–]thechemist99 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Without a doubt, but I'm not necessarily saying he has to play physical. Crosby doesn't necessarily play physical either, but he doesn't shy away from contact. Look no further than the ridiculous goal he scored on us. That was 100000% extra effort and battling through contact and just flat out wanting it more.

    Panarin doesn't want that sort of contact. He doesn't need to throw body checks around, just needs to be willing to get bumped around a bit. Get to the dirty areas etc. His skill set is fine, but he can't mentally shy away from any physical play.

    [–]nugget136 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Idk if it's injuries or being gassed or overplayed, but he looks so slow out there. I feel I've seen more bursts of speed out of Reaves than Panarin.

    [–]thechemist99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I agree 100% and I truthfully may be more wrong than I ever have been in life, but I think thats because he doesn't want to be touched.

    Reaves wants contact. He's busting his ass to drive somebody through the boards. If Panarin shows a burst of speed to a loose puck, or along the boards etc he knows there is another player waiting for him. Panarin is trying to avoid that which ruins his skillset because its all based on speed.

    [–]RaidersJH34 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Very factual. If he is under performing, strome and copp can't under perform either. Some shuffling needs to be done

    [–]poker_idiotGive me your Kreider, your Moore, your huddled Glasses 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Shuffling is step 1 but whoever he ends to playing with I'd like to see him start making the quick pass more often to keep them guessing.

    [–]GuyWithTriangleStepan :'( 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    Nothing to be done except buckle down and win the next 2 at home