Rangers Lose In A Shootout With Bruins

(NHL.com)

Despite all of the excitement surrounding the three-on-three overtime, the New York Rangers still found themselves in a shootout Thursday night in their third pre-season game of the year against the Boston Bruins.

Despite the loss, the Rangers have a lot they can take away from this game. As I noted in a previous article, the Rangers had some struggles on special teams but turned those around against Boston going two for four on the power play and stopping the Bruins all six times on their power play attempts.

Massachusetts native Keith Yandle registered a power play point while racking up just over 20 minutes of ice time, while Boston-born Kevin Hayes got a power play goal and was assisted by Brady Skjei. Hayes also outscored his brother, Jimmy, who plays for the Bruins one goal to none.

Speaking of Skjei, the young man fighting for his spot on the Rangers opening day roster continues to impress. In addition to his assist, he also had a goal of his own while playing over 20 minutes as well.

Most importantly for the Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist played 40 minutes, saw 22 shots, and turned away 21 of them. Boston’s lone goal in the seventh minute meant Lundqvist stood tall and kept the Rangers in it over the next 33 minutes — more than enough time for the team to come back and take the lead.

However, the Rangers were just 51 seconds from victory when Ryan Spooner got one past Lundqvist’s backup for the game. Jeff Malcolm allowed the Bruins to tie it up late and eventually win it in a shootout.

Following Thursday’s loss the Rangers still have some parts of their game to work on; mainly penalties (six times they put the Bruins on the power play despite not giving up a goal on them), faceoffs (Boston won 44 to the Rangers 25), and maybe shootout practice could do them some good as well.

The Rangers will next take to the ice on Saturday at 7:00 pm when they take on the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.