First Period:
Second Period:
- Jeff Skinner (29) Assists: Ilya Lyubushkin (11), Tage Thompson (44)
- Patrick Kane (18) Assists: K’Andre Miller (25), Jacob Trouba (17)
Third Period:
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Overtime:
- Artemi Panarin (20) (Power Play) Assists: Adam Fox (49), Mika Zibanejad (36)
Stats:
- This was a lot like many of the found a way to win games last season where the Rangers struggled defensively for long stretches, Igor Shesterkin was outstanding and ultimately the PP came through.
- Overall the Rangers were, again, not at their best for a lot of this one. They struggled defensively, they went really long stretches without creating much offense, but Igor Shesterkin looked like himself and the jumbled lines in the third period got some offense, and some poor defense, going.
- I’m guessing that the lines will revert to what they have been, but I am definitely intrigued by Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Patrick Kane. The Kid line has sort of gone a bit stale and usually after they separate for a few games they come back stronger. Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Vladimir Tarasenko is how things were potentially going to look at one point, and Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck and Kaapo Kakko can be a forechecking line that goes to the net and protects the puck. Again, I’m guessing the lines will revert for tomorrow, but those were some interesting combos in the third.
- At some point you’d hope that the Rangers will tighten up, as best they can, especially in close and late in games. They were lucky that Igor Shesterkin was on his game because the Sabres had some huge chances late in the game. A returning Ryan Lindgren will help, but it’s more of an overall team issue.
- They visit Pittsburgh tomorrow for the first of three against the Pens this week.