Observations:
- Kakko scored when Kreider wasn't on the ice. He and Strome seem to have more chemistry, then Kreider has with Strome.
- Kreider needs a more skilled center to play with. While Kreider has flashed his speed and strength, we haven't seen him dominate many shifts along the boards. He's in and out. I feel like Kreider and Kakko could have great chemistry along the walls, but they aren't meshing just yet.
- Buchnevich had a decent game, but he's gotta handle passes more cleanly.
- Andersson, in very limited time, had one of the best scoring chances all game and nearly cashed in. He continues to play effectively. I can't totally speak to his game in the D zone, but his game in the O zone has been top 5 on the whole team to start the year.
- The Rangers actually played fairly well defensively in the 3rd. They lost on two fluke goals.
- When the Rangers play against fast/physical teams they have a really hard time with break outs, possession and forecheck.
- Teams are just not worried about defending against lines 2-4 right now. They can stand up in the neutral zone. Until we can establish a consistent dump and recover game, there's just not going to be enough space.
- Until we get a legit second line, it's going to be hard to create space against better teams. What would really help is more speed up front. Chytil and Kravtsov will eventually be really helpful in this regard. And a faster 2C will give Kreider someone to play with. He really misses playing faster with Zib. IF they don't bring up Chytil soon, I would expect Quinn to break up Panarin and Zib. Panarin/(someone)/Kakko could be dangerous. And we know Kreider/Zib/Buch had chemistry last season.
- Overall, the D looked promising. Minus the odd-man rushes. But overall, very good against a very fast team.