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 blitz Habs early, roll to a 7-2 victory Tuesday
The Rangers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. New York had six goal scorers in a 7-2 win over Montreal, led by Filip Chytil who notched a pair in the victory. Jonny Brodzinski and Kaapo Kakko each tallied their first of the season as well. The Blueshirts return home Thursday to face the Panthers in a rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals.
A few thoughts:
1) Cuylle-Chytil-Kakko were a plus-six in the win. On the season, the trio is a plus-22. The chemistry between the three is palpable, as they are able to come through the neutral zone with speed and cycle in the offensive zone. If Chytil can remain healthy, a big if, the line has a chance to be very dangerous as they lengthen the lineup dramatically. Good to see Kakko, who was physical throughout the game, get rewarded with a goal.
The remainder of the lineup were dangerous as well. New York scored seven goals and hit six posts. In addition, Panarin and Mika, who scored 5x5, each had just one point, while Trocheck and Kreider ahd none, yet, the team still scored seven goals. The team has 31 goals in six games on the year, yet stilll look they have another gear or two to hit.
With a 5-0-1 record, the Rangers have set the franchise record for the longest point streak to begin a season. The Blueshirts have also tied the team record (4 GP - 1931-32) for the longest road winning streak to start a campaign.
2) Ryan Lindgren made his return to action tonight after missing the first five games of the season. His rust was very evident, as he was on for both Montreal goals against, even though the second tally by Nick Suzuki was on a beautiful move. The argument can and has been made as to why Lindgren, who clearly is still hampered by what might have been a broken jaw given the fish bowl on his helmet, was somewhat rushed back to the lineup when viable options exist. Unless the pain is too great, which for Lindgren is kind of an anathema to suggest, expect him in the lineup moving forward, though games off here and there would be a smart idea.
Overall, still work to be done by the defense, but hard to argue with a 7-2 win. Part of that was aided by the hot start while Igor Shesterkin was big when needed. Braden Schneider continues to excel on his offside, posting a goal, assists and plus-four rating. On the season, he is a plus-eight and showing the growth we expected last season.
3) The Trouba Train is back. It's been a while but Trouba had another of his patented big hits that resulted in him having to fight. This one came against Justin Barron who had just slid the puck forward, then slightly lowered his head, resulting in the point of contact coming to either the lower part of his chin with his chest or just the chest. The argument could be made that it was dirty, as the POC might have been the head, though it was aided by the lowering of his head while he puck watched. No penalty was called on that specific play, though Trouba did get five minutes for the subsequent fight and was targeted later by Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher.
Trouba with a big hit on Justin Barron. Trouba stared down Brendan Gallagher as he skated to the box. I guess it was one of those f**k around and find out. #NYRpic.twitter.com/nbBaK4myvk
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