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Rangers vs Boston: Rangers’ Power Play Fails in Boston

The New York Rangers’ three-game winning streak came to a halt this afternoon following a 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The Rangers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in this game, but Boston continued to push and eventually tied the game up early in the third period. New York was caught puck watching after coughing up possession in overtime, and David Pastrnak ended the game with a crazy move and pass over to David Krejci.

1st Period

Pavel Buchnevich (5) - Tony DeAngelo (12) & Jacob Trouba (8) - 14:14 1st Period

The Rangers surprised Boston quite a bit during the first period, and dominated most of the puck possession. After numerous failed scoring chances, the Rangers finally broke through at the 14:14 mark of the period as Pavel Buchnevich picked up his fifth goal of the season. Tony DeAngelo made a great pass between Charlie McAvoy’s stick to slide the puck over to Buchnevich, and Buchnevich wired a quick shot over Jaroslav Halak’s blocker hand.

2nd Period

Filip Chytil (8) - Ryan Strome (17) & Artemiy Panarin (21) - 6:21 2nd Period

New York continued to their strong play on the puck during the second period and doubled up their lead early in the period. Artemiy Panarin started the sequence off with a great defensive play in the neutral zone, and broke in on a mini 2-on-1 with Ryan Strome. Following a pass by Panarin, Ryan Strome’s shot deflected off of Halak and landed right on Filip Chytil’s stick skating through the high slot. All in one motion, Chytil collected the puck and slid it through Halak’s legs to make it a 2-0 game in favor of the Rangers.

Sean Kuraly (2) - Jake DeBrusk (5) & Brandon Carlo (7) - 18:28 2nd Period

After being under pressure for most of the game, Boston shifted the momentum back in their favor with a goal from Sean Kuraly. Jake DeBrusk’s shot from the blue line wound up taking multiple deflections in front, clanked off of the post and fell in the crease behind Henrik Lundqvist. The puck never crossed the line at that point, but when Lundqvist reached back with his stick, he wound up sliding the puck into his own net. It was an unfortunate break for the Rangers, but it was enough for Boston to get going offensively.

3rd Period

David Pastrnak (24) - David Krejci (14) & Jake DeBrusk (6) - 4:27 3rd Period

Fueled by two massive penalty kills late in the second period, Boston tied up the game early in the third period courtesy of David Pastrnak. The Rangers couldn’t get control of the puck after an extended shift, and Boston eventually made them play with their hard work behind the net. Jake DeBrusk shoveled a pass out to David Krejci, who’s shot kicked right over to David Pastrnak on the far side of the ice. Any time the puck touches Pastrnak’s stick it’s has a chance, and he wound up tying up the game for Boston.

Overtime

David Krejci (5) - David Pastrnak (17) & Jaroslav Halak (1) - 1:40 Overtime

New York possessed the puck for the opening minute and a half of overtime, but just couldn’t find a way to get it to the net. Following a turnover in the corner by Panarin, David Pastrnak bolted up ice with tons of speed and went in 1-on-2 against Pavel Buchnevich. Being that Buchnevich was a forward, he was in a pretty tough spot trying to defend the league-leader in goals, and it ended poorly for the Rangers.

Pastrnak made a great move around Buchnevich coming into the zone, and passed the puck back against his momentum where Krejci was standing all alone. Henrik Lundqvist attempted to make a diving save on Krejci’s shot, but he just fell short of saving it.

Despite the Rangers choking away a two-goal lead, I thought as a whole they played very well. The power play was a major factor this afternoon, and for the first time this season it completely failed them. The puck movement was good, but neither unit seemed to generate high quality shots below the faceoff circles. Either way, the Rangers will have a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow afternoon as they travel into Newark for a meeting with the New Jersey Devils.

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