Deprecated: Automatic conversion of false to array is deprecated in /var/www/hockeybuzz.com/classes/clsBlog.php on line 243 HockeyBuzz.com - Jan Levine - Rangers defeat Minnesota in wild 5-4 overtime game, Perreault debut
The Rangers, despite a myriad of defensive breakdowns and turnovers as well as a power play that was brutal to watch, found a way to notch a 5-4 overtime win over the Wild. Artemi Panarin put New York on his back, notching a goal and two assists, including one of Vincent Trocheck’s game winner. With the victory, the Blueshirts tied Montreal for the second wild card spot, though the Habs have a game in hand and face the Bruins tonight. Columbus, two points back with two games in hand, are scheduled to face Colorado.
A few thoughts:
1) Gabe Perreault and the kids were alright: Perreault had his family and BC friends in the house last night. Watching him up close and live, you can see how well he thinks the game and his vision. He just missed connecting with Alexis Lafreniere on a pass that likely would have been a goal.
Coach Peter Laviolette trusted Perreault late in a close game way more than he trusted Brennan Othmann, who was robbed by Filip Gustavsson in the first period. As Larry Brooks noted, Othmann got only 3:18 of ice in the third that included one shift worth 0:14 over the final 12:10 of regulation. Using Perreault late in regular surprised me a lot especially since Perreault had defensive issues, which were expected as he just learned the system a day before. He was in the wrong place on the first Wild goal but improved as the game went on.
I know you all dislike advanced metrics, but this shows how good three of the kids were. Berard was noticeable when on the ice, Othmann physically as well.
Gabe Perreault: 73.3 xG% in all situations: 13:38 TOI
Brennan Othmann: 95.5 xG% in all situations: 11:47 TOI
Brett Berard: 75.2 xG% in all situations: 9:20 TOI
2) Panarin - per Brooks: “Since joining the club, Panarin has a sum of 543 points (183-360), which is 123 more than runner-up Mika Zibanejad’s 420 (175-245). He is fourth in the NHL over that span in points trailing only Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon.
Yes, he has a spotty playoff record and may I remind you that so did Mr. All Rise, No. 99, Aaron Judge.”
The playoff narrative will remain a narrative until Panarin fully changes it. In addition, defensively, his effort and coverage comes and goes. But if not for his regular season production, New York would not even be in contention. Last night, as the Rangers twitter account noted, Panarin secured his fifth 80-point season with New York, tying Mark Messier for the most in team history.
3) Trocheck and K’Andre Miller were like the girl with curl. When good, they were very good. When bad….:
Jim Cerny summed it up well: Trocheck’s weak clearing attempt turned into a terrible turnover that led directly to Minnesota’s first goal on the power play in the first period. Then in the second period, he was stripped of the puck in the neutral zone with New York on the power play, (with all of us screaming he had no one to pass the puck to and just dump it on the offensive zone) and Minnesota turned it into a short-handed goal that tied the score 3-3. But he tallied the game winner to redeem his night. The turnovers and lack of defensive zone coverage was exasperating.
Miller’s decision to exit the defensive zone to get a new stick from the bench, leaving the Rangers short another man and vulnerable down low on the PK lowlighted Minnesota’s first goal. His blind giveaway in the opening-minute of the third period led directly to Marco Rossi’s game-tying goal. (a play Inam not sure what he was thinking). But he snuck a left-circle shot past Gustavsson, top shelf, short side, to open the second period and got the puck to Panarin to assist on the OT game-winner
4) Power play - i am not sure it could have looked any worse. Failure to capture the offensive zone. Turnovers in neutral zone. Inability to create open looks. You name, they all were on display yesterday. At this point, if they have a lead, decline the penalty and ask for the two minutes to come off the clock. Perreault at least found Jonny Brodzinski for a shot that hit the post, which was their only real threat on all the man advantages.
5) Mats Zuccarello wore a customized Wild jersey with #40 on it to honor Sam Rosen. He also had a goal, though that was overturned due to goaltender interference on Ryan Hartman. Classy move by Zucc, which is another reason why we love him, and Minnesota.
Former #NYR Mats Zuccarello is wearing a No. 40 jersey with a Rosen nameplate in honor of Sam Rosen! pic.twitter.com/JLnbOoeT8k
Zuccarello on Sam Rosen: “It's about the respect. He’s been in the game for 40 years. He’s a legend in the game, especially here in New York. So it was out of respect that we all signed a jersey for him. Obviously I spent some time with him and around him. So, for me it’s kind of… https://t.co/lYlSm5gfKS
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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