12–4–0
Morning, all.
So the Rangers, on the second of back-to-backs and shorthanded without Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich in the lineup, defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3–1 in Oil Country.
A gutty win for a team running on fumes, particularly in the last 30 minutes.
Per the NY Post, “We had to grind it out, grease it out,” said Head Coach Alain Vigneault.
They did.
Here are my thoughts.
The Rangers only dressed 11 forwards, with Chris Kreider (upper-body) and Pavel Buchnevich (back spasms) out. Both have already missed multiple matches this season with injuries. Perhaps there will be a call up, depending upon if #89 can go for the next game. AV had to do a lot of screaming and juggling — and it worked.
Michael Grabner. What more can you say about him. He now has 10 goals in 16 games. Last night, he followed up the break in with a beautiful short side wrister past former Ranger netminder Cam Talbot. Then, on his second-period marker, he made a wonderful at the Ranger blue line — anticipated the cross-ice pass and scored on a breakaway. Grabner’s speed and skill are on display every night and he seems to be the ideal fit for the Rangers fast and furious approach.
From the NY Daily News: “When I signed here I knew the way they were playing and thought it would benefit my style of game,” Grabner said recently. “We’re trying to play a fast-paced game, and it’s been a perfect fit so far from training camp right to now.”
Dan Girardi. What was he doing at the net on that delayed penalty in the first period? Well, he scored the 2–0 goal, his third of the season, off a beautiful pass from Kevin Hayes.
Antti Raanta. Stopped 38 of 39 shots. Many of the difficult variety. The ideal #2. If the Rangers can get him into 25–28 games this season, it’ll keep Henrik Lundqvist fresh and ready for the long haul.
No power plays for the Rangers last night.
Connor McDavid. You think Michael Grabner is fast? The Oilers Captain plays at an even higher gear. Great play on the long Edmonton goal by Andrej Sekera.
Why did the Rangers even dress Adam Clendening last night? Didn’t see the ice at all.
Here are the Box Score and Game Highlights, courtesy of ESPN.
Here’s the Photo Gallery and Post Game Notes, courtesy of the New York Rangers.
Next up: Tomorrow night’s rematch against the Canucks in Vancouver — 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review. Let me know what you think.