That was the worst period the Rangers have played since the 2nd or 3rd to last game of the regular season. Very bad sloppy turnovers, leaving guys open in front, not shooting when they have the chance. The PP was crazy as they didn't even attempt a shot when they could have a few times, that is old school Rangers. That was a poor effort, combined with the Canes desperation, which I get given the situation. Trouba has become a total liability. I cannot find any good things to say about him. On the 3rd goal he didn't cover Guentzel coming from behind the net, so he had room to pass to Aho, and he didn't cover Aho, so he was in no-man's-land, and that does not work. To me this looks like Canes game 4 against the Isles up 3-0, Panthers game 4 against TB up 3-0, and both of those teams went home to win game 5. If we do not come back we need to do the same, and one big positive is all we'll hear the next two days is how good the Canes are, and how they have controlled the games, and I am sure they will be favored again in game 5, we need to use every single drop of all of that to come out strong in game 5 if we lose tonight.
I am not a fan of Brod as I said many times the past few days, I think he adds zero value, and yes, I would have played Rempe over him, but that period had nothing to do with the 12th forward, even if I think it was the wrong decision to play Brod. The Rangers played very poorly and sloppy, and the Canes played hard and with emotion, which is a credit to them. That's the reality of it IMO. I don't think it is some huge shocker. Looks just like the other series when teams have led 3-0, not surprising. My takeaway big picture moving forward is Trouba has to be dealt with, he is absolutely awful, I would play Jones over him, which of course will never happen. I am still astonished with how poorly Trouba has played since he came back from injury, he was never this bad before he got hurt. This is next level bad now.
Rangers have been the best come from behind team all year. Get it to 3-2. Canes like last game will get tight. Make some adjustments.
We have been getting worse there every game. Canes won 53% in game 1, just over 53% in game 2, and 61% in game 3. Now tonight, it has not been a good FO series.
If the Rangers want to have any shot, they need to score the next goal. I think the start of the 2nd will tell you if they have gotten their S together, or if this will be a long night.
Rangers passing up too many chances to hit guys. Not aggressive enough on the ice at all. Offensive zone, defensive zone, neutral zone. Just not being aggressive enough. If we are going to lose, start hitting them. Make them uncomfortable. Maybe they make a mistake with the puck because they don’t want to take a hit and we get a goal. Just can’t keep passing up hitting them.
Just that type of game for us. Which is why I’m saying start taking the body. Get into their heads for the next game that we won’t pass up hitting them ever. I’d rather lose by giving up 6 goals but sending a message to them that we will crush them every time they have the puck or are against the boards then lose 3-2 or 4-2 but keep this passive game going.
We should be up honestly. 3 posts, one open net missed. They’ve hit one post. 5-4 could/should be score. Unreal man. Entire goal to shoot at and hits the post. Damn