New York Rangers show the formula is simple to right the ship
The New York Rangers win over the Flyers showed that the formula is actually very simple.
The New York Rangers took it to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night at MSG by the score of 5-1. Rick Nash got going again with two goals, Peter Holland posted an assist in his Rangers debut and Henrik Lundqvist moved into 8th on the all-time winning list posting yet another 20 win season. It was a fantastic night all around.
Final. 5. 95. 1. 68
It also proved one thing. It proved that for the Rangers to get things going again, the formula is actually pretty simple. Let me show you what I mean.
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Take a look at the previous game, the contest between the Rangers and the always deadly Pittsburgh Penguins. In that one, the Rangers had a 2-1 lead after the first period, and we saw the Penguins score four unanswered goals to win it 5-2. Phil Kessel broke the 2-2 tie, Sidney Crosby added insurance and our old friend Carl Hagelin put one in late.
But the story is in the shots on goal. That night the Rangers managed 28 shots. They allowed Pittsburgh to attempt 47. Lundqvist made 42 saves, normally good enough to win. Not against that many shots, however. When your opponent just peppers you with shots, eventually some are going to go in.
Contrast that with the performance against the Flyers. The Rangers took a dominant, three goal first period and never looked back. Rick Nash is going again and “The King” was superb. The Rangers played Ranger hockey. They finally won a game in regulation. Wasn’t it great?
Again look at the shots on goal. The Rangers posted 29 while holding the Flyers to just 26. Look at that. Shoot at the goal more than the other team and you come out on top. Who would have imagined it? Everyone would have. It’s really not that complicated.
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We talk about analysis a lot in sports, but often it comes down to simple things. Defense wins championships. It is true in every major sport. You have to be able to make a stop when the game is on the line. In hockey, it’s shots on goal. Shoot more than the other team and you are likely to win. The formula is simple.