NY Rangers Post

Berard looked solid tonight but was only given 4 or 5 shifts in the third. Potentially a lack of trust in a close game from Laviolette, even though Berard was one of the better forwards tonight. That second line had some jump and Mika looked better for much of this game than prior games.

The Rangers give up their 5th goal of the game. They’re going to have to go back to the drawing board over the coming days. The Blues came out and wanted it more tonight, and it shows on the scoreboard. The Rangers had flashes of good play throughout the game but never sustained it.

Rangers give up break out early in the 3rd 4on4. Schenn beats Shesty to make it 3-2 Blues.

Cuylle and Berard are really driving the play on that second line. Mika has matched their energy so far tonight. Outside of one bad pass Mika has looked more energetic and involved tonight.

Will Cuylle finishes off a very good shift from the second line with a goal on a wide open net. Berard gets his first NHL point, Mika with the primary assist. Rangers tie it at 2. They now head to the PP after a cross check by Bolduc.

Bolduc cleans up the trash in front of the net after constant pressure from the Blues. Shesty did just about all he could to prevent the goal. Blues lead 2-1.

Good first period from Berard. Seems to be providing a bit of a spark on that second line with Mika and Cuylle. Couple really nice plays from him so far, including a slick setup out front during the first PP and a nice defensive play later in the period.

Edstrom buries Faulk into the boards. Scrum ensues, Edstrom ends up with the only penalty. Blues to the PP.

Jordan Kyrou beats Shesty from the slot. Mika with a giveaway behind the net leading directly to the goal. Trouba didn’t have enough time to get rid of the puck before getting stripped after the pass from Mika. Tied at 1 now. #NYR

Will Cuylle out in front of the net tips a puck on net with his skate and it slides through Hofer and in. NYR lead 1-0 about 9 minutes in. #NYR

Some good chances for the Rangers on their first PP early. Mika with a nice shot from the slot. Berard set up Kakko coming down the right side who got robbed by Hofer. Both units looked sharp.

Lines at morning skate per Vince Mercogliano:

Panarin-Trocheck-Laf
Cools-Mika-Berard
Eddy-Kakko-Smith
Vesey-Carrick-Brodzinski

Miller-Fox
Lindgren-Trouba
Jones-Schneider

No Kreider. Potential upper body injury. Or a potential benching. Either way massive shakeup for tonight.

The Rangers call up of Brett Berard could mean a scratch for Brodzinski. With that the Rangers would potentially go back to trying out Kakko at Center with Berard getting minutes on the third line. Many fans have been calling for a Kakko at Center trial and it seems they may get it tonight.