How the Rangers Goalie’s Injury and Soft Response Continues to Impede Game Success

The New York Rangers once again failed to prevail offensively at home against the Utah Mammoth in a 3-2 overtime loss. Entering the game, the Rangers at 20-18-5 and the Mammoth, with a standing of 19-20-3 were holding similar records. The game opened with a more aggressive attitude from the New York as several players, including William Cuylle and Matt Rempe, delivered clean, hard hits on Mammoth skaters. What started as an evenly matched, high-hustle game drastically shifted when Utah forward JJ Peterka drove to the net, requiring goalie Igor Shesterkin to make a diving save. Shesterkin was injured on the play, which resulted in him being assisted off the ice and out of the game after only 13 minutes of action in the first period.

Rangers Defense Collapsed Late

The chaos continued into the second period when Mammoth forward Deniil But collided with Jonathan Quick, who shoved him and reacted emotionally to the contact. Yet another unintentional physical play was followed by a smooth passing sequence from Rangers Mika Zibanejad to Alexis Lafraniere, which gave New York a one-goal lead on the power play. After a weak defensive play by the Rangers, forward Dylan Guenther tied the game in the second period before centre Vincent Trocheck scored a power-play goal to take back the lead. The second period, defined by equal scoring opportunities, was altered in the third period when the Rangers’ defense crumpled. After ten minutes of the Rangers on their heels, unable to escape their defensive zone, Utah forward Michael Carcone scored, forcing an overtime where Sean Durzi earned the game-winning 3-on-3 goal. 

The New York Rangers Should Be Angry

After Shesterkin’s injury, the Rangers failed to show the defensive urgency and collective anger a united team should display when its goaltender is interfered with. Forced to take matters into his own hands, Quick came to his own defense when he was collided with, further displaying the softness of the skaters in front of him. Despite tempers flaring and physical plays taking place, the lack of toughness is present within this team. Coinciding with this issue is the lack of confidence within the team. The third period was defined by defensive failures and desperation to clear the puck, leaving Quick overworked. With only a one-goal lead, the team shows little interest in creating offense. Rather than chasing a win, this team is collectively afraid to lose. The difference in playing style between the second and third periods reveals the insecure nature of the Rangers, a recurring issue that has made itself known throughout this season’s progression.