The New York Rangers came out of Saturday night with a point, but not the finish they wanted.
After getting thumped by the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, the Rangers returned to action against the Columbus Blue Jackets and spent much of the night in a tight, low-scoring fight. The first period never really opened up for either team. Neither side got to double figures in shots, though New York carried a little more of the play.
The second period brought more of Columbus pushing forward, especially in the first half, but Garand kept the Rangers in it. He turned aside several quality chances from the Blue Jackets and gave New York the kind of steadiness it needed after a rough performance earlier in the week. The Rangers answered with chances of their own, but nothing found the net.
Special teams played a major role in keeping the game level. Through two periods, New York killed off two Columbus power plays, an area that has been a strength for the club.
The Rangers then had their own chances to break through in the third period and couldn’t cash in. They went on the power play for the first time to open the period, came up empty, then had two more opportunities with the man advantage and still couldn’t solve Columbus.
That has been a real issue for New York this season. Last year’s top unit was a weapon; this group has had a much tougher time delivering.
New York was also forced back onto the penalty kill late in the third after taking a penalty, and that carried the game into overtime. Even with the extra session, the Rangers did enough on the kill to stay alive and secure the point, something that mattered given their struggles on the road so far.
But overtime belonged to Columbus. The Blue Jackets finally got one past Garand on a goal by Kent Johnson, with Zach Werenski and Charlie Coyle picking up the assists.
It was a pretty even game overall, but the Blue Jackets took the two points. For the Rangers, the road point helps, though it had to sting to leave with only that after Garand’s effort.
New York heads back home Monday night to face the Anaheim Ducks.
In Other News...
Rangers Take A Low-Risk Look At A Veteran Center
The Rangers have added a little more veteran presence to camp with Luke Glendening joining on a professional tryout agreement, giving the team a chance to take a longer look at a proven center without making a commitment. It is a familiar kind of move for this stage of the calendar, especially for a player like Glendening, who has carved out a long NHL career across multiple teams and brings nearly 1,000 games of experience into the conversation.
For Glendening, it is also another swing at finding a landing spot after he was in Tampa Bays camp on a PTO and came away without a contract. With New York, the arrangement keeps the door open for both sides, and it gives the Rangers a low-risk look at a player who can help shape the bottom of the lineup while the team sorts through its options. [Read more 🡒]
Rangers Already Have An Oliver Bjorkstrand Problem They Didnt Expect
Oliver Bjorkstrand arrived on a one-year deal with the expectation that he could help give the Rangers another legitimate scoring option in the middle of the lineup. Instead, his role has slipped as the season has unfolded, with the rise of players such as Tye Kartye and Alexis Lafrenire pushing him further down the depth chart than anyone likely anticipated when the contract was signed.
Now the fit looks less settled than the Rangers probably wanted, especially as they juggle cap considerations and try to keep roster space flexible. Bjorkstrands place in the lineup has become one of those quiet but meaningful questions around the team, and it is no surprise that his name has surfaced as a possible trade piece if New York decides it needs to reshape the bottom of the roster. [Read more 🡒]
Rangers Are Suddenly In The Middle Of A Goalie Market Twist
The Rangers have spent time looking hard at the goalie market, and the names connected to that search tell the story of a team keeping its options open. New York has scouted Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Karel Vejmelka, while insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Rangers goalie scout Scott Clemmensen has also been evaluating other possibilities, including Ville Husso, as the club continues to search for help in net.
What makes the situation more interesting is that the Rangers may wind up affecting a much bigger move without being the team that makes it directly. The goalie market could still be shaped by a Connor Hellebuyck chain reaction, and New York might end up serving as the trigger for that domino effect rather than the final destination. For a team still sorting out its goaltending picture, it is the kind of twist that can change the board quickly. [Read more 🡒]