The New York Rangers’ playoff hopes took a big hit following their 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Sq. Backyard on Monday evening. The Lightning scored three energy play targets to sink the Blue Shirts on dwelling ice.
Mika Zibanejad obtained an influence play objective to place the New York Rangers on the broad. In the meantime, Brayden Level scored twice for the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Nikita Kucherov (PPG), Yanni Gourde and Brandon Hagel (EN) getting the others for the Bolts.
So, right here’s a have a look at the three least spectacular New York Rangers gamers from their loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning:
Three least spectacular New York Rangers gamers from loss to Tampa Bay Lightning
#3 Carson Soucy
Carson Soucy had an unimpressive recreation towards the Lightning on Monday evening. The towering defenseman performed practically 16 minutes over 21 shifts and obtained a shot on objective and registered three blocks.
Nevertheless, it was his general defensive play that left the New York Rangers in a troublesome spot. As an illustration, Yanni Gourde’s objective on the 13:45 mark of the primary interval left a lot to be desired from Soucy.
Right here’s a have a look at Gourde’s objective:
Soucy was caught puck-watching as Gourde made a robust play to get to the puck and beat goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Soucy’s response mentioned all of it as he skated again to the bench.
#2 Vincent Trocheck
Vincent Trocheck has been some of the constant gamers for the New York Rangers this season. Nevertheless, he wasn’t at his finest towards the Lightning. In 22:26 of ice time, Trocheck did not register a degree regardless of getting 4 photographs on objective.
Nevertheless, it was his lack of effort on Brayden Level’s first of the evening that underscored Trocheck’s tough outing.
Let’s have a look:
Rangers blue liner Braden Schneider lined the entrance of the online, leaving the far aspect unprotected. When Trocheck realized that the spot was open, Level had already moved in to shovel the puck previous Shesterkin.
Trocheck was unable to do a lot towards Level, leaving him wide-open for his fortieth of the season. Shifting ahead, Trocheck will look to be extra impactful because the Blue Shirts cling on to their slim playoff hopes.
#1 Igor Shesterkin
Igor Shesterkin wasn’t at his finest on Monday evening. The Rangers netminder gave up 4 targets on 22 photographs, together with three energy play targets. Whereas he can’t be blamed for each objective, the Shesterkin of earlier seasons would have stored the Rangers within the recreation.
As a substitute, he surrendered largely smooth targets on Monday. As an illustration, Level’s second energy play objective of the evening was one Shesterkin would have preferred to get again:
Shesterkin was unable to react in time to cease Level’s redirection, resulting in the Bolts’ fourth objective of the evening. Total, Shesterkin’s efficiency wasn’t indicative of the NHL’s highest-paid goalie.
The Rangers shall be again in motion on Wednesday evening after they host the Philadelphia Flyers, hoping to climb again into the Japanese Convention wild card race.