Coming off of a west coast sweep, the boys in blue returned to the Garden to take down the Hurricanes 2-1. While winning a 6th game in a row provides plenty of optimism, potentially losing the teams best player and a centerman who seems to be finding his game certainly make you hold your breath.
- The boys in blue outworked the cry babes from Raleigh at the dot 32-30. Trocheck was 14-6 while Bonino was 6-4. I don’t know if the Rangers have ever been a quality faceoff team since I’ve been alive but bringing in Michael Peca has certainly helped. The team faceoff percentage this season is at 54.5% which is good for third in the league. In comparion, last season the Rangers were 49.1% which say 20th in the league. Faceoffs mean possession, possession means having the ability to set yourself up in the O zone or help manage breakouts in the D zone. Kudos to the guys playing center.
- Cuylle scored the game winner and seems to be settling in well to the NHL pace. 50 has been able to find the seams the last few games and hasn’t been timid at putting pucks on net. He is a north south player who finishes checks and limits mistakes which impressive for a 21 year old rookie.
- Trouba had a good hit on Necas and was the catalyst for the boys, especially after losing Fox. The Cuylle goal doesn’t happen if Trouba doesn’t take the puck down the wall, take a second, and find the rookie alone in front. Captains going to captain.
- Life is so good when you have Igor in net, isn’t it? 6th time this season allowing 2 or less goals. Is that good?
- Adam Fox left the game after a knee on knee from certified little bitch Sebastian Aho. Just an absolutely unnecessary play from a guy who couldn’t have more cement inside of his gloves.
- Good on Lafreniere stepping up and trying to do something about it.
- Rangers might be fucked if Fox is gone for an extended period of time but like Trouba said in the postgame – It’ll be time for people to step up.
- Is this the best hockey we’ve seen Panarin play? 10 is out there dancing again, fully engaged in puck battles and is ready to put the puck on net as much as we have seen. What a pass to Kreider to open things up.
- How much longer do you keep 24 on the first line?
- The whistle blows and the game is over and the Hurricanes are still complaining.. is anyone else surprised? The guys in red take on the identity of their leader behind the bench who needs a lifetime supply of Kleenex. They come in waves and battle hard but are so difficult to root for when they spend a majority of the game crying with their hands up.
- This game seemed like a playoff game didn’t it? Love seeing this on November 2nd if I’m being honest. Keep your foot on the gas.
The Rangers return to action Saturday night at Minnesota. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for Foxy and Chytil 🤞🤞
The Morning Skate 