The Rangers hoped that their full lineup, including newest addition Patrick Kane, would give them a better idea of their team’s true potential. However, their game against the Canadiens showed just how much work they have left to do.
Despite facing a last-place Canadiens team that is out of the playoff race, the Rangers struggled to secure a 4-3 shootout win with Mika Zibanejad as the lone goal scorer.
The team’s list of excuses for their struggles has dwindled, as only Ryan Lindgren and Tyler Motte remain sidelined. The Rangers also had a four-day break, which may have affected their performance.
The team struggled with their transition game and defensive zone coverage, and goalie Igor Shesterkin has yet to make clutch saves when needed.
Despite the additions of Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, the Rangers still have significant areas to improve upon. Shesterkin made the last big stop in the shootout to secure the win, but the game was highly competitive. The Rangers were able to respond to each Canadiens goal with one of their own in the first two periods.
Jacob Trouba scored the second Rangers goal early in the second period, and Kane tied the game at three-all with a goal from the left faceoff circle.
Kane recorded an assist on Trouba’s goal and took a slashing penalty in the third period. Although the Rangers had a full roster for the first time since February, their overall performance did not improve as expected.
Even with K’Andre Miller’s return from suspension, the Rangers’ defensive structure left opportunities for the Canadiens to score, as they did just 35 seconds into the game. Overall, the game revealed the team’s weaknesses and highlighted the work they still need to do to become a stronger contender.
»Ranger’s Patrick Kane scores his first goal and helps win shootout against Canadiens«
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