Rangers blow a three goal lead to lose to the Edmonton Oilers

Consistency, consistency, my kingdom for consistency. With the New York Rangers absolutely demolishing the Oilers for 40 minutes, putting the puck in the net 5 times with two ruled out, this game should have been two points in the bank. Yet, somehow, the New York Rangers found a way to lose here at home. New York has now won just 4 of their last 11 games at Madison Square Garden.

Ryan Lindgren would leave this game early for the New York Rangers clutching at his shoulder. He tried toughing it out but was forced to leave this game. Lindgren has a long and extensive injury history and you have to hope this is nothing serious. Nobody wants to see players get injured for our entertainment. Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery for the former Boston Bruins draft pick.

New York’s dominance was clear in this game. They absolutely controlled the game for the first period. They needed Igor Shesterkin to bail the team out after a slow start in the second, but the Rangers would score two goals in 33 seconds to make it a 3-0 lead in the second period. It was the fifth time the Rangers had put the puck in the net, getting production from the fourth line too!

Evan Bouchard would become a driving force for the Oilers. He’d grab his first two goals of the year. The 8th and 9th goals on the year from the Edmonton Blueline. Holloway would get his first NHL goal because of course he would. Naturally, when you give up 3 goals to the Oilers and neither half of their terrifying star duo has factored in, it’s only right they set up the game-winner on the powerplay.

What is most annoying about this loss is that it was a good defensive team performance up until that third period. This was such a confidence-building performance for the Rangers. It was so good right up until it wasn’t. I know that does sound a little bit like “every game the Rangers play is a good one unless it’s not” but this was a good performance. If any of the forwards besides the kid line showed up to the 3rd period, this is a Ranger win.

This game leaves the Rangers with a record of 10-8-4. This leaves them just outside of the playoff places. If the struggles continue, the Rangers are going to have an uphill battle on their hands just to qualify for the postseason. It’s not the best position to be in and it’s only getting worse. With some difficult opponents on the horizon, this was a game the Rangers could have done without choking.

New York will next contest the red-hot New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden. With the Metropolitan Division leaders coming into the Garden, it’s going to be a difficult game. Both teams will be looking to win and secure their spots in the playoff places. It’s going to be an important clash. But that isn’t coming for a couple of days, so we are left to dwell on this choke from the Blueshirts.