When the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders play each other you know there is going to be some bad blood. Maybe because a big storm was in the midst of hitting New York City, because this game seemed like it was lacking intensity. Over the course of 11 days, both teams will be facing one another three times, so hopefully things will get more interesting.
The NY Rangers looked like they were going to blow the game wide open scoring quick goals in the first period. The first two goals were scored by Rick Nash. He had a nice shot from the slot assisted by Chris Kreider and break away that was also assisted by Kreider. Up 2-0, the NY Islanders scored a goal to cut the lead in half. You would think the Rangers would look in control of the game but the Islanders were the ones who were dictating the pace.
The majority of the game was played in the Rangers defensive end, which definitely took a tole on rookie goal tender Cam Talbot. He saw a number of pucks, screens and shots. It was only a matter of time before they started going in.
Hopefully the Rangers get things back on track for their next game. They had won three games in a row and were mounting serious surge up the standings. This game shouldn’t knock the wind out of their sales, but I am sure it gave the Islanders a lot more life as they are near the bottom of the NHL standings.
It is great to see Chris Kreider getting more playing time on the top line of the Rangers. He was in the doghouse with previous head coach John Tortorella. Tortorella felt Chris came into the league too soon and needed time to develop. Well I guess that time in the AHL has paid off because Chris Kreider is making a serious impact for the Blueshirts. He is out muscling players to the puck and scoring and assisting on a number of plays. He is a key player in the Rangers system this year and should only continue to improve.
