New York Rangers: Offense disappoints in Game 7 loss

The New York Rangers will not be playing for the Stanley Cup this season, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7.

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A season with a Stanley Cup or bust expectation has resulted in a bust of a season. The Rangers were the best team in hockey this season, but on their home ice in Game 7, were unable to defeat the Lightning.

After being pulled for allowing five goals in Game 6, Lightning’s goalie Ben Bishop was able to bounce back in Game 7. With the season on the line, Bishop saved all 22 shots he faced on his way to a shutout win.

There wasn’t much offense in the game, but the two goals from the Lightning were enough to get it done. In the third period, the Lightning would get their first goal of the game against Henrik Lundqvist. Alex Killorn would sneak a puck through the five-hole of Lundqvist with a good screen in front of the net which helped him score.

The second goal allowed by Lundqvist was more of just great offense by the Lightning. On an odd-man rush, a great cross ice pass from Tyler Johnson set up Ondrej Palat to rip one past Lundqvist for the goal. Palat made a nice play in Tampa Bay’s zone, and then hustled down the ice a reaped the reward.

Lundqvist was certainly letdown by his teammates in Game 7, as he made a few fantastic saves to keep the game close. The Rangers’ offense was nowhere to be found in Game 5 at home, and Game 7 was no different.

Tough to have to write this post...a great season that ended too soon. Thank you #NYR fans for supporting us through the ride.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 30, 2015

A few of the players that the Rangers count on really let them down in this one. Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis each had just one shot on goal, and defenseman Keith Yandle didn’t register a shot on goal.

It was a rather clean game from both teams, but the Lightning did commit two penalties which the Rangers didn’t capitilze on. In the second period. The Lightning would commit penalties at the 3:41 and 7:46 mark, but the Rangers couldn’t score in a scoreless game at the time. The Rangers’ power play was much better in the Eastern Conference Finals, but it went back to normal in Game 7.

The Rangers will now look to the 2015-16 NHL season, as another year has come and gone without a championship for Lundqvist.

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