The Rangers beat the Capitals tonight by a score of 2-1 in a shootout. It was the Rangers second straight shootout win, and it was also the end to their three game road trip. The Rangers ended the roadtrip 2-1-0, winning against both Washington and Atlanta, while losing to Carolina 4-1 last Thursday. It was a very rough outing for the Blueshirts, as the Capitals forwards seemed intent on bringing a physical game. With this showing of brute force, the Rangers could not get much going in terms of offense throughout most of the game. 1:27 into the second period the Caps had made it 1-0 when Marcus Johansson made an excellent pass through the offensive zone that found linemate Matt Hendricks at the goal-side for an easy tip in. The Rangers' lone goal came off of a crazy bounce. Brian Boyle shot the puck at rookie goalie Braden Holtby (28 saves), and it bounced in the air, off of a defender, then off of Marian Gaborik's hand and into the net. That tied the score at 13:19 of the third period. Overtime saw many good chances, but Holtby held strong in net, displaying good reflexes. His rebound control was a little shaky, but the Capitals team in front of him was able to keep any of those mistakes away from the net. Martin Biron had a quiet night in net, making 22 saves in regulation and overtime. In the shootout, the Rangers got contributions from several sources. Wojtek Wolski used a beautiful fake-out backhand move to fool Holtby, Zuccarello scored (now 4-4 in his career) and Artem Anisimov used his speed to power the puck past the rookie goalie. Biron made saves on Alex Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson to preserve the win, while surrendering goals to Matt Hendricks and Nicklas Backstrom.
A few thoughts on the game. Kris Newbury had an excellent game, despite playing just under ten minutes. Both of his shots on goal created chances for the Rangers, and he also showed good hustle and a willingness to hit. If Chris Drury is bought out of his contract this summer like some believe, then Newbury should be given a look in training camp for that fourth line role.
Michael Del Zotto had a very good return after eight games in the American Hockey League. The defenseman logged 15:07 of ice time and was one of the Rangers best defensemen of the night. Del Zotto was sent down to work on keeping it simple, and upon his return did exactly that. He did not try any fancy stick plays, and instead chipped the puck when necessary and played a calm game. He made smart decisions and even created a few offensive chances. In the offensive zone, instead of just passing the puck down the boards, Del Zotto took hard, low shots looking for a tip in front. It seemed that would be the only way to beat Holtby, who stopped every shot that he was facing. Matt Gilroy on the other hand did not have his best game. He was on the ice for the goal against in regulation, where he got lost in coverage. If he had defended Hendricks, that goal would not have happened. It will be interesting to see what John Tortorella, Glen Sather and co. do when Girardi comes back, as there are seven defensemen deserving of ice time on this squad.
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I know we are 51 games into the season, but I figured that I'd give out evaluations today and some more tomorrow for the performance that the Rangers players have put forth so far this season. It is a little late tonight, so I will talk about the defensemen and discuss some of the forwards tomorrow. I'll get to the goalies eventually, of course. And here we go...
Marc Staal is being recognized as one of the up-and-coming stars in the league this year, as he was selected to be a part of the NHL All-Star festivities in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has played in every game so far, scoring six goals and registering 19 points total. He has shown his potential as a shut-down defender as recently as tonight, constantly taking on Alex Ovechkin and shutting him down for most of the game. He laid several big hits on the Russian superstar, and did not allow him to score. To exemplify his importance to the club, one must only look at his ice time for tonight. Staal played 29:09 in the contest, or :51 less than half of the entire game. It is this willingness and dedication to the Rangers that has led him to wear an 'A' on his sweater this season and be one of the true leaders of this team.
Dan Girardi has been a mainstay on the blueline this season. He had played in every game up until tonight, and provided the Rangers with excellent offensive and defensive play. Girardi holds the team lead in scoring among defensemen with three goals and 20 assists, and has skated to a +8. More significant, it seems, are his defensive contributions. He has registered 108 hits and 143 blocked shots, which rank third and first on the team respectively. It is this defensive leadership that has shown Girardi is an important piece to this team now and in the future.
Steve Eminger was just thought to be something nice to get in return for forward Aaron Voros and prospect Ryan Hillier earlier in the season, but he has truly proven his worth this year with New York. Eminger has shown tenacity as a fierce and aggressive defenseman who will not hurt the club with his defensive play. Eminger has played for six teams in the last four seasons, but with this opportunity has cemented himself as an established NHL defenseman. Eminger used to be thought of as an offensive defenseman with a weak defensive game, but those roles have reversed themselves this year and he is proving to be an important part if the Rangers have aspirations to do well in the playoffs.
Mike Sauer has seemingly come out of nowhere as a Rangers prospect to become a regular defenseman with the team. With his emergence as an NHL-caliber defenseman, it was deemed that Michal Rozsival could be traded as he was moved for winger Wojtek Wolski. Sauer has been superb in his rookie season with the Rangers, playing very well defensively and showing that he can play physical as well. While one goal and four assists aren't exactly offensive powerhouse numbers, Sauer is really known for defensive prowess and making smart decisions with the puck. With Girardi out due to injury, Sauer stepped onto the first defensive pairing alongside Marc Staal and the pair did not disappoint. He played 24:22, and the pair effectively shut down the Caps offense. Sauer looks to be an important part of the Rangers' defensive stability going forward.
Michael Del Zotto's season has been a roller coaster so far. Del Zotto's defensive game seemingly got better, but he lost the offensive flair that got him onto the NHL roster as a 19-year old last season. Del Zotto's nine points in 36 games is a big drop off from the 37 points he posted as a rookie. Part of this can be attributed to the lack of a heavy point shot that was supplied by Ales Kotalik last year, but the simple fact is that Del Zotto had been trying to play a finesse game and make plays that had low percentages of being successful. After getting sent down to Connecticut, Del Zotto has been recalled and looks to have improved his game. As mentioned earlier, he played a simpler game that featured better results. Hopefully Del Zotto can get his game together and continue to improve on both sides of the puck.
Matt Gilroy has been another surprise this year, as his offensive awareness has created chances for the Rangers and he has settled firmly into a third pairing role for the Rangers. Gilroy only has eight points, but his speed allows him to join the offensive play and just as easily get back to avoid odd-man rushes. Gilroy seems to have learned from his rookie mistakes as well, becoming better in his own end to get the puck out of the zone. He sometimes gets lost in coverage, but luckily that can be taught. His blazing speed is a gift that can't, and he must utilize it to be successful in the NHL.
Last but certainly not least (cliche I know), Ryan McDonagh is another Rangers rookie who has surprised many and has reassured that the future is bright on Broadway. McDonagh has played excellent for a rookie so far this season, making plays that many would mistake for a veteran defenseman's mode of thinking. McDonagh plays with the poise of a 10-year NHL veteran, and has certainly shown to deserve more ice time with the big club. If he continues to develop, the Rangers may not need to dip into the free agent pool that has bitten them so many times (Wade Redden, who?). We will see once the All-Star break is over if McDonagh or Del Zotto will continue with the team or be sent to the AHL. It is one of those good problems to have, so I am sure Sather is happy either way.
That's it for tonight. Tomorrow, I'll post evaluations for some, if not all of the forwards and the goaltenders. We truly have an exciting team in New York this year, and if the players and coaches continue this level of excellence they can bring playoff hockey back to New York City.
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