First Period:
Second Period:
- Jimmy Vesey (10) Assists: Barclay Goodrow (5), Tyler Pitlick (3)
- Jonny Brodzinski (3) Assists: Chris Kreider (23), Blake Wheeler (12)
Third Period:
- Brandon Hagel (17) Assists: Erik Cernak (6), Nikita Kucherov (54)
- Jimmy Vesey (11) (Empty Net) Assists: Barclay Goodrow (6)
Stats:
Adam Rotter:
- This was a nice, playoff-style, win for the Rangers.
- It was very low-event at times, but that is the style that the Rangers need to get back to. They got strong goaltending when it was needed, but they were solid in limiting Tampa from generating a ton of big chances. You still want to see the Rangers create more and/or convert on the PP, but defense has been a much bigger concern over the last number of weeks and they have been much stronger defensively through the first two games after the break.
- Much like how the best version of the Rangers is one that is strong defensively, the best version of the Rangers also includes Jimmy Vesey, and Jonny Brodzinski or the person in that spot, contributing offensively. Depth scoring has been an issue this season and anything they can get from the bottom-six will always be needed.
- I was a little surprised that Jonathan Quick started, but it made/makes sense for Igor Shesterkin to get more practice time and time to work on technique or whatever has been plaguing him. Now the question is whether Quick goes again on Friday against Chicago after he had another strong game. They play on Friday and then not again until Monday, so going with Quick again would give Igor a full week of work since the All-Star game.
- It’s two pretty good wins against two good teams since the All-Star break. They need to keep up with his defensive style, but figure out how to get the offense clicking again. The PP will come back around, but 5-on-5 scoring still needs to be better.
- It’s Chicago on Friday and then Calgary on Monday.