X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

NHL New York Rangers

New York Rangers Must Continue 60-Minute Efforts

By

Getty Images

Getty Images

The New York Rangers snapped the Pittsburgh Penguins’ seven-game win streak with a 5-0 rout at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night. It was a completely different looking team than the Ranger squad that got embarrassed at home by the Edmonton Oilers just two days prior.

While a convincing win against the hottest team in the NHL builds confidence, the most impressive thing was New York’s sustained pressure for three full periods. The Rangers have had a decent amount of dominating periods during the season, but they often haven’t been able to keep it up for 60 minutes. On Tuesday night all phases of New York’s game came together, and the Rangers made a 10-3-1 Penguins team look mediocre.

New York must use this game as a reminder of how tough they can be when the whole team gives a 60-minute effort. Considering the Rangers’ fast-paced style, New York can simply wear out the opposition if they maintain pressure and tempo throughout the game. The Rangers thrive on their aggression, and they need to stay aggressive with the lead instead of sitting back.

If the Rangers can start executing their game for a full three periods, the team will start to play with more consistency. As their last two games have shown, it’s obvious that the Rangers have trouble being consistent. The Rangers looked lost at times against the Oilers and only compiled 21 shots in the game. Tuesday against Pittsburgh, the Rangers had 29 in the first two periods. New York can beat any team if they can start to maintain this level of play.

The Rangers have to be happy with the way they dominated the Pens, but they also must realize that they can’t just play to their competition. They have to treat every game the same and underestimate no one. The best teams are the ones that handle teams they should beat. It’s tough in the NHL because there is such parity, but the Rangers need to focus on sticking to their offensive game plan for the entire three periods regardless of the opponent.

They did exactly that against Pittsburgh, and the Rangers desperately needed to show up against a Pens team that’s unforgiving when you make mistakes. The Rangers get another shot at the Penguins this weekend, and New York needs to show that Tuesday was no fluke. In order to do so, the Rangers need to continue to give a strong effort from the opening faceoff to the final horn.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on