Welcome back to another year of Rangers hockey. After a swift and convincing 6-0 fisting of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers opened up the season against the Utah Who? and dropped their first game on Garden ice in overtime 6-5. I’m going to be doing quick little write ups throughout the course of the year to not only gather feedback from Rangers fans who follow The Morning Skate, but also to properly vent so I don’t go completely bat shit crazy. This is by far the most toxic relationship I have ever been in and oh sweetheart, I just can’t get enough – abuse me, please.
Real cool moment at the beginning of the game where Joe tells the listeners that Wes McCauley is pointing up to Sam to thank him for his years in the booth. He also said that after the first stoppage they would gather the puck and bring it up to Sam, however I don’t know if I’m the only one who caught it but they did no such thing. Sam ended up getting a puck but you have to think Wes McCauley was behind this botching. Why? Because Wes McCauley cannot be trusted. I’m sick and tired of all the new age fans who think it’s cool that Wes does cool theatric improv exercises when announcing penalties – it’s not cool, it’s not funny and to be completely honest he’s one of the worst referees in the entire NHL. Goalie interference?
The above picture was actually deemed legal at one point – who would’ve thunk it?
What on Earth is Cuylle supposed to do here? Listen Wes, if you don’t want to be here and don’t want to do your job then don’t show up.
Speaking of not showing up..
That’s probably the worst game I’ve ever seen Mika Zibanejad playing donning a Rangers sweater and that’s including when he got outplayed by Erik fucking Haula on the Devils in the post season a few years back. He played slow, without urgency and did not at all one time make the game harder for anyone on the Utah Hockey Club. Yes, it’s game 2. Yes, he’ll probably score over 25 goals. Yes, it’s a very long season. Having said that, I just do not care. Does Marchand take games off? Does MacKinnon? Does McDavid? Does Barzal? Does Hughes? How can you possibly wear an A on your jersey and take on a “leadership” role when you dogged it for 60+ minutes? Absolutely pathetic but par for the course for good ol’ number 93.
The Rangers have to play with a little more urgency and purpose in the defensive zone but that will come with time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and glass half full – they still collected themselves a point. Enough with the negative, let’s talk positive.
Adam Edstrom?? Where did that come from?
He definitely has no idea what he’s doing but it doesn’t matter when you’re 6’7/6’8. Carrick is everything we thought Goodrow would be in terms of just always being willing to drop the mitts and the funniest thing about this entire exchange is just imagine you’re the unlucky nerd who has to be paired off with Rempe there. No thanks, I’m full.
Things we love to see: Artemi Panarin starting the season hot.
That third line of 24, 72 and 50 – with some work and reps could be one of the best third lines in hockey. Cuylle is always super heavy on the forecheck, Kaapo will continue skating the puck into the corner and do his best not to score, and Chytil will hunt pucks and hunt them heard. I wish our forwards wanted the puck half as much as Chytil. Please god allow this guy to remain healthy this season.
Speaking of healthy, how good does Adam Fox look? Give me that for 80 more games please and thank you.
Don’t look now but after just two games Alexis Lafreniere is on a PPG pace. *insert smirk*
In just game 2 there were some good things, there were some bad things. Stripes did not help the Rangers but they also did not do any favors for themselves. You can’t spend a full 60 playing catch up and expect to be successful.
The Rangers move on to play the Red Wings Monday night at the Garden – 7pm where they look to right the ship and bounce back. Hell, maybe 93 will even show up.
You can follow me on Twitter @MorningSkateKed . Let’s Go Rangers.
The Morning Skate 
How much do you think Shesterkin will get ? and what would you offer? for me max 11.5 tops given he has won the Vezina hasn’t done much to merit north of 12M.
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