The Rangers spotted the Canadiens a 3-0 lead before rallying to earn a point in the 4-3 shootout loss Saturday. New York’s inability to get the puck out of their own zone was a major factor in the three goals against. The Blueshirts cleaned that up enough to limit the Habs to just six high-danger chances in the contest, allowing them to rally. Samuel Montembeault was brilliant for Montreal, stopping 46 shots in regulation and the overtime and all three shootout attempts to pick up the win. New York plays Vancouver at home on Monday.
In the game, there were two positive signs beyond the play of the true first line, Artemi Panarin–Vincent Trocheck–Alexis Lafreniere, which has been stellar almost all season, one negative and one neutral. The first positive was the play of the Will Cuylle–Barclay Goodrow–Jimmy Vesey newly constituted fourth line. That trio was dominant in the contest, with Cuylle being the most noticeable of the three. Cuylle’s fine play landed him on the top line in the third period, with Blake Wheeler moving down the lineup.
The second positive was the play of Adam Fox. He has not looked the same since returning from his injury, showing some rust along with a lack of defensive instincts and ability to get out of trouble in his own zone. Despite being on the ice for two goals against last night, Fox had a jump in his step we haven’t seen for a while and also showed offensive wherewithal that had been lacking. The latter goes way beyond the goal he scored last night, his first in 20 games, as it encompasses his ability to read and react quickly, creating chances while breaking up the opposition’s play in his own zone.
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Neutral was the play of Brennan Othmann. After a brilliant debut, he returned to earth Saturday, seeing just 7:16 in playing time. A large driver for that decline was coach Peter Laviolette shortening the roster to assist in the comeback. The future is still bright for Othmann, but show patience, as he is a rookie and on the fourth line. He will have up-and-down games, but like Cuylle, the talent is certainly there.
The negative was the play of the Erik Gustafsson–Braden Schneider defensive duo. That pair has struggled, especially since being repaired following the return of the Fox. The early-season fine play of Gustafsson, which hit a peak while Fox was sidelined, has faded substantially, while Schneider has mixed moments of growth with several regressions. This duo will be one to watch as further issues could result in a change at or by the trade deadline.