On Monday, the New York Rangers set offense back 50 years with their lackluster performance against the Senators. Until a stat change Tuesday, New York notched just nine shots – yes, just nine, in. 2-1 loss to Ottawa. Igor Shesterkin, like Dylan Garard, making his NHL debut, the night before, was the sole reason why the game was even close. On a night where Mika Zibanejad was rightfully honored for reaching the 1,000-game mark, the Blueshirts were 1,000 times more pitiful than what we are even used to seeing. Another disappointing team playing out the string, Toronto is on the docket tonight.
Rangers lines and D pairs at morning skate today:
Perreault-Zibanejad-Lafrenière
Kartye-Miller-Sheary
Cuylle-Trocheck-Sýkora
Raddysh-Brodzinski-Chmelař
Gavrikov-Fox
Schneider-Borgen
Robertson-Iorio
Drew Fortescue took a rep with Matthew Robertson and there was some rotating on D.
A few thoughts:
1) Monday’s game – Avoiding the game recap highlights as usual, so that it won’t nauseate the readers. The team is playing out the string; we all get that. But here is the part all of them should know and remember: everyone is always watching. If you don’t have enough pride to put forth your best performance, keep in mind that based on what somewhat sees in how you played could impact your future earnings. Clearly knowing that this was a big milestone for Mika did nothing for the product in the ice, seeing as you could have taken naps in between the shots New York posted.
2) M1KA was one of the few who can look in the mirror and know he gave all. He had a few chances stoned by James Reiner, showing continued chemistry with Gabe Perreault. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to write a happy ending.
The Rangers did a nice job, as they almost always do, with the pregame ceremony. Included therein was the players wearing Mika wigs and milestone T-shirts into the arena. Mika’s daughter stole the show and has video memories to last forever.
3) Lineup: Just when you think all will make sense, the rug is pulled out again. New York has been trying to get Adam Edstrom comfortable with playing center. He has been utilized in that spot on the fourth line recently. With nothing to really play for other than personal pride and individual growth, Edstrom should remain in that spot. What does coach Mike Sullivan do? He scratches him today and slides Jonny Brodzinski from wing to center to make room for Adam Sykora to make his debut.
Let me be clear. I have no issue with Sykora playing, as the team should see what he can provide and get a sense of him at this level. But why scratch Edstrom? We know Brodzinski is and will be. If the goal is to check out the younger players and facilitate their growth, Edstrom and not Brodzinski should be playing.
Fortescue signed his ELC last week and the New York native is working out with the team until they feel he is ready to play. Tonight looks like it won’t be that night, but Friday may be. Let Fortescue play on the third pair and make mistakes so he can learn from them. Meaning, don’t bench him immediately when those errors happen.
4) Prospect Rankings: Scott Wheeler is ranking each of the 30 teams in the NHL prospect pool. New York slots in at 18, which is up from last season, aided by the additions of Liam Greentree, part of the Artemi Panarin deal, and Malcolm Spence (selected in the 2025 draft). I would hope the team moves up the ratings again next season since they’re have a pair of first-rounders and other early picks in the upcoming draft.
5) Ping Pong Balls: With a loss to Toronto, New York will be finally eliminated from the playoffs. In addition, the point spread between the Maple Leafs and Rangers would be 10 points with 10 games remaining, solidifying the team’s hold on the last place in the Eastern Conference. Florida is eight points north of New York and will have two games in hand after tonight.
Calgary and Chicago each have 67 points in 71 contests played with New York at 65 in the same number of game prior to tonight. Vancouver has locked up the worst record in the league. The Rangers have a shot at having the second best lottery odds.
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