Rangers Lose Via The Shootout

For awhile it looked like the Rangers were gonna get embarrassed again at home.   They were down 3-1 in the third, with the third goal coming on a terrible misplay by MDZ, who will either be traded tomorrow, or sometime after the Christmas no movement thing is over.  Yikes.   But plucky little MZA scored on a put back, to make it 3-2 then Brasssard scored a power play goal to send it into OT. The big line had some chances, but Stepan couldn't convert them and he ended up with the best shots.  MZA had almost scored the game's first goal, but he was stoned.  Marc Andre Fleury just plays well against the Rangers. It went to a shootout after the Rangers couldn't score with a man advantage in the OT.  Hank was, once again, not what we're used to in the shootout.  It may be time to give him more rest.

Other than the comeback, the most encouraging thing was John Moore, assisting on 2 goals, and the fact that Hags, MZA and Brass were the goal scorers in regulation.  We were counting on all four of those guys to contribute and tonight all four of them did.

The discouraging thing was that the Rangers went back to playing soft, without McIlrath in there.   Hank even appeared to get punched in the face at the end.   That was just ridiculous.   Falk had an assist but was also on ice for a goal.   McIlrath could have done both, and made sure no liberties were taken with Hank.   Also, MDZ may have played his last Ranger game, which is a shame considering the talent and potential he seemed to have when he debuted.