The Rangers dropped their third game in their last four contests, 7-3 to the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. New York trailed 4-1 following a brutal first period but rallied to make it a one-goal game after the second. Toronto carried play again in the third, extending the lead and sending the home team to their local beds in defeat.
For New York, the main story, even beyond the third loss in four games, is the continued struggles of Igor Shesterkin. I felt after the loss to Ottawa, that the Rangers should have gone with Jonathan Quick, coming off another strong game Sunday against the Kings, between the pipes. Shesterkin looks off mentally and technically and might need a reset.
After last night’s performance, it’s even clearer that Igor just doesn’t look right. Confidence begets confidence and struggles lead to you further questioning yourself. Watching Igor, his mental state leaves a lot to be desired right now driven off his struggles in net. New York likely will split the back-to-back this weekend between Quick and Igor Shesterkin, but if Quick starts and plays well against Anaheim on Friday, does coach Peter Laviolette, despite saying all the right things publicly, go with Quick again Saturday in Boston?
Thursday, Laviolette gave an update on the walking wounded and absent players. Granted, he didn’t break any new ground or really provide any new information, but at least it’s an update. For all, there is no timetable for their return.
– Filip Chytil – “nothing has really changed.” Still skating on his own, but not practicing with the team. Chytil has been sidelined since colliding with Jesper Fast on November 2. He has been skating on his own for a bit but not yet progressed to wearing a non-contact jersey in practice. If Chytil does not return this year, New York will need to acquire a third-line center.
–Kaapo Kakko is not skating yet. Kakko was injured November 27 against Buffalo. Based on the way his leg twisted and pain he was in, the absence likely will be measured in months not weeks. It’s quite possibly he misses the remaining portion of the regular season. New York misses Kakko’s presence defensively even though his offense had been missing in action prior to his injury.
– K’Andre Miller -no update on his return date. “I’m just going to leave that alone as what we said yesterday (which was he is sidelined for personal reasons and no timeframe for return).” Zac Jones dressed in place of Miller and was paired with Braden Schneider. That duo had a rough first period. Erik Gustafsson moved from playing with Schneider to skating with Jacob Trouba. We could see Matthew Robertson make his NHL debut Friday but I expect Jones will get at least another game.