Well, I thought that was a real good and entertaining game played by both teams. I really enjoyed watching that one. Rangers have a real nice team and we played them evenly in most game states. One thing I didn't like was the lack of discipline in the third. You can't give the second best pp multiple looks when you are leading.
The coaches need to figure out the special teams ad both units are actively costing us points and wins. Changing out one player for another won't do anything on the PP if the same scheme and game plan is being used. The plan needs to scrapped and a completely new one drafted. The PK hasn't been much better whish is a surprise after the high level PK we ran last year.
Helle played an excellent game as did their goalie. Not at fault for the goals and made a number of nice saves.
JoMo/DeMelo: I thought both bounced back with a much better effort in their end. I thought JoMo was more patient offensively which opened some things up for him.
Pionk/Dillon: Dumb penalty by Dillon but otherwise he played a strong game imo. Puonk was solid but he needs to do better with his shots when he jumps up. He waits too long and often fires into crowds or a set goalie as a result.
Snerg/Schmidt: I thought both were quiet but imo that is what you want out of the third pairing most nights.
First line: These guys are struggling right now. They aren't able to generate much and are loosing their matchups. The coaches had to give them the soft matchup in the third period. Scheifele is working hard but things just aren't breaking his way right now. I thought Conner started to show some flashes and was trying to make things happen. Iafallo isn't really bringing much to that line or the pp imo. The its good and bad that both the second and third line are really going now. Hard to justify breaking up two really successful lines. Maybe try Kupari on line one instead of Iafallo.
Second line: Ehlers best game in a long time. He was moving his feet and making things happen all night. I thought he also played a much smarter game and managed the puck much better. Perfetti with another excellent all around effort. He's really getting confident all over the ice. The only thing left imo is to get confident beating NHL goalies, but if he keeps getting to the right spots and shooting more they will come. Namestnikov with a good support effort on that line.
Third line: Nino almost singlehandedly makes that line dangerous. He was a bull out there tonight. Lowry was a bit off with his passing, served some pizzas. But otherwise the trio played a solid night.
Fourth line: Played limited minutes but didn't hurt the team and Gus with a real nice finish on his goal.
