Rangers v Lightning Final Thoughts 4/5/23

The Rangers have struggled in first periods as of late, which has been the reasoning for many losses. This time around, it was quite the opposite. Vasilevskiy looked like a shell of himself in the first period letting up three goals on six shots. Uncharacteristic play from a world class goaltender allowed the Rangers to control the game early. A net front tip in on the power play from Chris Kreider opened the scoring. Kreider, who was dominant in front of the net on the power play last season, has not quite been that this year but hopefully this is a sign of more net front power play goals for Kreider as playoffs loom. The second goal was a beautiful snipe from Kaapo Kakko as the Kid Line continues their dominance, 18 points in the last 6 games for the Rangers third line. The old adage pucks on net was seen from the Rangers gritty fourth line as Tyler "Juice" Motte threw the puck on net in traffic leading to the first true weak goal allowed by Vasilevskiy. The Lightning did get one back in the first with a Killorn tip in on the power play. In the first, Rangers captain Jacob Trouba took a spill which led him to go to the locker room for the remainder of the game. He looks fine but for precautionary reasons it would be smart to be careful with him. The second period was much different, the physicality ramped up and became the main focus of the period. In the midst of the physical play, former Ranger Darren Raddysh picked up his first NHL goal making it a one goal game. The Rangers did not give the Lightning much hope as the juice delivered with his second of the night and only his third career two goal game. Since the Rangers acquired Motte from the Senators, it has been clear Drury should never have let him walk in the offseason. Motte has chipped in offensively, which is a shocker, but his defense and penalty killing will come up big come playoffs. Just four minutes later, Anthony Cirelli found himself on a breakaway where he was stopped, but his linemate Brandon Hagel was there for the rebound. Alex "Killer" Killorn followed up Hagel's shot with a poke to Shesterkin's balls to make sure the puck crossed the line and the Rangers took acceptation to that. This led to Ryan Lindgren and other Rangers attacking Killorn and other Lightning players. On the TNT broadcast many of the members said Killorn did nothing dirty and he was simply trying to score, but I disagree. The puck was not even between Shesterkin's legs and was on top of him. Killer Killorn was trying to fuck with Shesterkin and to me it looked like he wanted to make sure Shesty can't have kids ever again. The Rangers were not pleased and I side with them, it was a scumbag move from Killorn and the NHL followed with the maximum fine possible. I am shocked Killorn was not suspended but the NHL tends to hate the Rangers when it comes to fines and suspensions, the Tom Wilson incident for example. The rest of the period was pretty chippy and the Lightning are blessed that Jacob Trouba was in the locker room. In the second intermission, Jacob Trouba returned to the ice, but this time to accept the second annual Rod Gilbert "Mr. Ranger" award. Although Trouba's time here has had their ups and downs, he has been a phenomenal captain and exemplified what it means to be a Ranger on and off the ice, I am very happy with their choice for this award. The third period continued in physicality as it was just a one goal game, Braden Schneider laid out Nick Paul and was immediately challenged by Ross Colton. Colton and Schneider barely fought as it was mostly Colton jumping on Schneider. Following this, the Rangers continued their onslaught of goals. A nifty move by Zibanejad led to an easy tap in by Kreider, Panarin followed this up with a power play snipe from the left circle. The score was left at 6-3 and this would be final, but the rough stuff would not be. At the final whistle, Ben Harpur, who had been chirping the whole Lightning bench all game, dropped the gloves with known scumbag Corey Perry. Harpur kicked his ass at the buzzer giving the Rangers everything to be happy about coming out of that game. All in all, I would prefer to see the goals against lower but the offensive outburst was needed and great to see. This game sent a message to the fans as well. A lot of the fanbase has been calling this team soft and that's why they will not succeed come playoffs. This is far from the truth, just because the Rangers do not have a true enforcer on the team does not mean they are a soft team. The team is talented up and down the lineup, but they are also gritty. There are only a few players who will not be finishing their checks and standing up for their teammates and this was shown tonight. Even Artemi Panarin himself had a nice reverse hit. Grit is nothing to be worried about and the days of wasting roster spots for goons are over. This team can defend each other and will play physical enough, do not be fooled by the fans that say otherwise because it is a foolhardy take. The Rangers are possibly the most physical playoff team in their own division as well.