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Another Ranger Comeback Falters At The Hands of The Vancouver Canucks

Like Saturday, another Rangers comeback falters to a Canadian organization. The Vancouver Canucks still have 1994 on their minds and ousted New York 6-3. Thirty years ago, the New York Rangers climbed Mt. Vancouver to win their first Stanley Cup in 54 years. Times have changed a both clubs have reached the Finals since then, both being unsuccessful. Fast forward to the present and the two teams in Monday’s contest are two top tier organizations regarding the current season. The Canucks entered Monday leading the league in even strength goals. New York would have their hands full with an offense highlighted by former Blueshirt J.T. Miller.

For New York, they fought back to earn a hard-fought point against the Montreal Canadiens. Although resiliency was shown, New York still failed to play a complete 60 minutes of hockey. A trend that needs to be nipped in the bud could be a crutch that can limit the future success of Peter Laviolette’s hockey team. After Monday’s game, it is still evident.

 

Rangers Comeback Falters against Canucks

First Period Takeaway: Not One, Not Two, But Three Unanswered

The start from New York was nearly flawless. When you move your feet, your chances of drawing a penalty skyrocket, and that’s exactly what happened. Minutes into the opening period, the Rangers would earn themselves an early powerplay.

Peppering Thatcher Demko early, New York started the scoring thanks to Vincent Trocheck and his eleventh goal of the season. Bailing out his penalty kill, Demko was fooled by the misdirection of Mika Zibanejad’s pass.

While Joe Tolleson was announcing Trocheck’s tally, an old friend silenced the fans that used to cheer for him night in and night out. J.T. Miller was left open and fired a one-timer past Igor Shesterkin. His nineteenth of the year makes him missed greatly by Blueshirts fans alike.

The scoring would not stop for Vancouver as Nils Höglander notched his eleventh goal just two minutes later. A perfectly placed shot beat Shesterkin with no defencemen in sight.

Just when you thought New York would end the period only a goal down, enter Brock Boeser. One of the league’s best goal scorers exposed the dreadful puck-watching from New York. His backhand past Shesterkin found twine for his twenty fifth of the campaign. Letting up that late of a goal his unacceptable and fans at Madison Square Garden were not pleased whatsoever.

Second Period Takeaway: Same Old Story

There was slight optimism concerning the start from the Rangers in the middle period. The physicality and creativity of New York was on full display. For once, Vancouver was skating on their heels.

So much so that Artemi Panarin sniped one to cut the Vancouver lead to 3-2. The play starts with the defensive awareness from Alexis Lafrenière. The block and the feed were both heads up plays that emphasize his impressive season thus far.

It seemed as if Vancouver took that one personally because their response came in two world-class goals. The first from Elias Pettersson was a goal that many young hockey players should watch on repeat. He followed his shot saw and tucked in his rebound past Shesterkin. His eighteenth doubled their lead to 4-2.

Just over a minute later, Höglander earned his second of the night. This one might find its way onto Sportscenter’s Top Ten. The between-the-legs deke plus the backhand finish was just jaw-dropping. The lackadaisical defense from New York continued in the middle frame. A wake-up call was long overdue.

Third Period Takeaway: Vancouver Wins By (Dem)KO

The wake-up call made a slight appearance via Trocheck’s second goal of the night. New York began testing Demko high-glove and Trocheck’s shot found the back of the net. The 5-3 lead, although steep, seemed achievable in the eyes of New York.

After letting in Trocheck’s second, Demko turned into the brick wall he’s been this season. The former Boston College Eagle stood tall in his crease. With the Rangers throwing every chance in desperation, Demko limited his rebound control which translated to no more goals allowed.

An empty netter and a second goal for Pettersson sealed the deal for Vancouver and escaped with a 6-3 victory. For only the second time this season, New York has dropped consecutive games. The Blueshirts will look to end the skid on Thursday in St. Louis as they take on the Blues. The Rangers will matchup against another former Blueshirt, Pavel Buchnevich. Buch has been nothing but dynamic in “The Lou”, earning 29 points in 36 games played this season.

Puck drop on Thursday is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST from Enterprise Center.

Main Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

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