The Ranger's first loss of the season comes at the hands of a thin Columbus Blue Jackets team. Here are a handful of takeaways from the match.
The New York Rangers lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 14th by a score of 5-3. After taking a first-period lead and having goal reviews strip a mounting lead, the Blue Jackets took control of the second period as team captain Boone Jenner notched a natural hat trick and rookie David Jiricek shelved his first career goal. Here are the quick hits from the tilt.
Early Dominance Negated: The Rangers saw goals from Filip Chytil and Mika Zibanejad get wiped from off-side reviews. Each goal could have broken the game open for the Rangers.
The Chytil goal displayed outstanding transition speed and passing from Gustafsson and Lafreniere. The second was from an individual effort forecheck from Mika Zibanejad. Two integral aspects Laviolette has integrated into team play led to goals that were stripped away. It's hard bouncing back from one goal review, let alone two.
Ever Ever Will Cuylle's in the Building: Will Cuylle buried his first NHL goal and did so in his second career game with the big club. He fought hard and earned a position in camp to the surprise of many, and within weeks penned his name on an NHL scoresheet. It wasn't a lucky bounce, Cuylle used his frame to his advantage and took a high-danger shot in the slot, a replicable and convincing play. He didn't just make the opening night roster. For now, he's here to stay.
Lindgren Vital to Success: I would expect a contract of reasonable value but for 7-8 years of the term this year. The Rangers simply can't lose Ryan Lindgren whether it is to injury or in free agency.
If Adam Fox is the yin, his good friend and defensive partner is the yang. Chris Kreider has gone on the record claiming the defender is "the straw that stirs the drink." Laviolette's response was strong after the game, stating Lindgren's absence is not an excuse. The numbers suggest otherwise, as the Rangers are 149-82-27 when he's in the lineup and 47-52-12 when the rearguard isn't. The 25-year-old's value is vital to New York's championship hopes.
Team Defense: The Rangers surrendered a streak of goals in a cluster, which is a sign of growing pains for any team. There is still more to be learned, and that was realized in this small sample size. The team's second period catalyzed the loss, where they surrendered 2 goals in rapid succession. A number of odd-man rushes, and too many bodies at the net front sank the Rangers.
The Spots on a Leopard: The New York Rangers allowed a natural hat-trick to a veteran grinder, followed moments later by a goal from David Jiricek in his first career NHL game. In the third period, the offense brought the heat but was stood up by another unestablished goaltender Spencer Martin who replaced an under-the-weather Elvis Merzlikins.
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