Title: The Rangers’ Power Play Struggles Threaten their Playoff Lead
The Rangers’ power play has been a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, operating at an impressive 43.5 percent success rate in recent games. However, in their last three games, they have failed to score a power-play goal, leading to concerns about their ability to maintain their 3-0 series lead over the Hurricanes.
While three games without a power-play goal would be cause for alarm in the regular season, it is important to consider the context of the playoffs. The pressure is higher, and the consequences of a loss are much greater. Therefore, it is crucial for the Rangers to address their power-play struggles before risking a potential Game 7.
Mika Zibanejad, a key player on the power play unit, acknowledges the team’s need to execute better. He emphasizes that when things are going well, the power play receives praise, but it is equally important to reflect on their performance when things aren’t working. Taking accountability and striving for improvement are essential for success.
The Rangers’ chance creation has suffered during their power-play slump. While Carolina’s penalty kill has eased off slightly, the issues faced by the Rangers are largely self-inflicted. Passes that are usually routine for the first unit have been slightly off, affecting decision-making and opportunities for scoring chances.
One specific example of this occurred when Adam Fox chose to pass off a one-timer chance to try and feed Zibanejad after Dmitry Orlov went off for roughing in Game 5. However, the pass was inaccurate, causing Zibanejad to miss his chance for a one-timer. These small margins can significantly impact outcomes in playoff games.
Vincent Trocheck recognizes the strength of Carolina’s penalty kill, emphasizing that it cannot be underestimated. It is clear that the Rangers need to sharpen their execution and make better decisions to overcome this formidable penalty kill unit.
The power play has been a decisive advantage for the Rangers in the playoffs. Regaining their power-play success before a potential Game 7 would greatly increase their chances of advancing. Zibanejad highlights the importance of creating their own motion, playing at a faster pace, and capitalizing on opportunities when Carolina’s penalty kill sits back.
In conclusion, the Rangers’ power-play struggles are a cause for concern as they risk letting their series lead slip away. The team acknowledges the need for improvement in execution and decision-making. Overcoming the challenges posed by Carolina’s penalty kill will be crucial for the Rangers to regain their power-play success and secure their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
