Game Day Review – Oct 10, 2015 and Why McDonagh and Girardi Need to Be Split Up

It finally happened!! The Rangers won their home opener for the first time since 2007-08. Again it wasn’t easy. I don’t believe the scoreboard has been entirely indicative of the way the Rangers are playing. We can be a lot better, particularly on defense. But let’s look at this positively: we’re still putting up wins despite not clicking at 100%. They’re easier to get now than later when teams are desperate. Plus, there’s plenty of time to get it going.

The Good

The Start

Last night I criticized how the Rangers started the game in my “bad” section. They responded tonight with three goals in the first 5:48 of the game. They must read my work. I am truly honored.

Lindberg Leads the Way

The last time a Rangers rookie scored in each of his first three games was 1992-93. It was Steven King. No, not the writer. He’s a guy who went onto have a pretty lousy NHL career. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t give Lindberg the Hart just yet. That said, I believe with his mix of skills and smarts, Lindberg will go on to have a fantastic NHL career.

Klein Shines

On a night when the Rangers as a team had some deplorable possession numbers, Klein was only a -1 in shot attempts. He’s been the Rangers best defenseman thus far. Solid regular season play has become something expected of Klein, though. The thing with him has always been taking a step back in the playoffs. Can Klein continue his form come May this time? That would be absolutely massive for the Rangers if he can. Time will tell.

Glass Didn’t Stink

The waiting is over! The Rangers only had two positive possession players tonight: Dominic Moore and Tanner Glass. I still don’t want Glass regularly in the lineup, but hey, good for him for putting together a nice game. Way to go, Tanner! Still, can I have Fast back next game, please?

The Bad

Dan Boyle

Boyle, probably my favorite player last year, is continuing to have an abhorrent 2015-16 so far. He was -12 in shot attempts tonight. It’s time for Dylan McIlrath to get a game.

Nash Needs to Get Going

Nash had another okay, but not spectacular game. He has yet to tally a goal. Oscar Lindberg is currently on pace for 109 goals. I love the kid, but he’s not scoring 109 goals. If the Rangers want to keep their scoring pace up, they need Nash to get his big butt in gear. Earning a penalty shot tonight was a start.

The Glass (Who Didn’t Stink Tonight) 

The Top Pair

Since Glass was good tonight, I should call my “worst” section “the McDonagh.” McDonagh and Girardi were horrid again tonight, going -8 and -7 in shot attempts respectively. Columbus constantly had the puck in the zone against these two, and McDonagh took another brain-dead penalty. Something needs to be done. This has been our top pair since the 2011-12 ECF run, but I think their effectiveness has run out. Performances like this are nothing new. It’s time for AV to split them up. I think one major problem is the pairing is stale. They’ve been together for years and everyone has them scouted. I notice McDonagh double-teamed when he has the puck constantly. I think it’s because Girardi -who is horrible at moving the puck- incessantly throws it around the boards. This is scouted and the league knows it’s coming. It allows the point man on the Girardi’s side to cut off the pass, so both wingers can go to McDonagh’s side. McDonagh, in turn, struggles to move the puck in traffic. It’s also a huge problem if both defensemen on a pair have the same weakness. Both McDonagh and Girardi are poor at positioning themselves in front, and way too much is going on right in front of Hank when they’re together.

I’d go with McDonagh-Klein and Yandle-Girardi. I think the red hot Klein, playing a steady and confident game, can get McDonagh going and provide a crease presence that McDonagh and Girardi both lack. Yandle is awesome at moving the puck in traffic and will be able to cover Girardi’s inability to move the puck.

I still believe Ryan McDonagh is very good hockey player. Sometimes though, lines and pairings just get stale and I think that’s happened here.

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Overall, there’s a lot of work to be done, specifically on defense, but we have plenty of time. And we get to start that work at 3-0. That’s a very good thing.

Three Stars

1)Henrik Lundqvist

2)Oscar Lindberg

3)Viktor Stalberg

Go Sweden!

Was there pizza? In 5:48 there was pizza! Pizza Record: 3-0-0