Kreider Breaks Jaw and Proving Doubters Wrong

Last night they showed they can finish. They proved they can finish chances and for one night at least they proved the doubters wrong (myself included). The victory over Ottawa last night showed how the Rangers need to play offensively to get back to (consistent) winning ways. While Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov’s goals were well taken, Mats Zuccarello’s and Vinny Prospal’s goals were the type of goal the Rangers will have to produce more of.

First there was the Prospal goal; Following excellent play by Sean Avery near the boards, the puck came to Prospal who then fired it on net. The key however was how Avery had migrated toward the net to provide a presence in front which surely distracted Craig Anderson. Simple hockey, effective results. Then there was Zuccarello’s goal. The little Norwegian has quickly become a fan favourite, not just for his high end skill and vision, but for his never give up attitude. Following good work down low by Wolski and Stepan, Zuccarello had gone to the net and picked up a rebound and had a simple job of finishing it off (although he did show good poise). Zuccarello refused to give up; he was waiting for the rebound and was rewarded for his presence around the net.  Again, simple things done well. This is what the Rangers need to do. Play simple but be aggressive. Go to the net and get on the rebounds first. It sounds oh so simple and it is. Providing the work rate and willingness to get into the key areas is there. Last night it was.

Against the Flyers on Sunday, given their physical opponent and the makeup of their defense, its unlikely the Rangers will get many (if any) clear cut chances like the one that Stepan scored on Friday night. It’s unlikely they’ll get much space or time in front of the net so it makes it even more important that the players go to the net and get in the face of the goalie. It makes it even more important they react first to rebounds and it makes it even more important they get shots to the net. We’ll see whether the Rangers can follow up one good performance with another, against a team they’re yet to solve. At least last night they proved they could finish.

Kreider Breaks Jaw

In the game notes of Boston College’s match report from their win last night it was confirmed that Rangers prospect Chris Kreider had indeed broken his jaw. Kreider left the ice bleeding as he took a puck to the side of the face. More specifics are yet to be released but it’s another injury to a prospect for the Rangers. It seems it doesn’t matter how a player is affiliated to the Rangers this season they still get hurt. With no timetable for his return yet, Kreider may well have played his last game as a college player if the Rangers really do intend to convince him to turn pro this summer.