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The New York Rangers failed to capitalize on an opportunity to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race as they lost 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
The Rangers defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 on Saturday night, which propelled them to the second wild-card spot.
It was a difficult back-to-back game with the Blueshirts traveling from Columbus, but the magnitude of this game was made evident when Peter Laviolette decided to start Igor Shesterkin even though he just played the night before.
In the first period, the Rangers committed three penalties. Not only did New York give up a goal on one of the power plays, but it completely got the team out of rhythm.
“I didn’t like a couple of those calls,” Peter Laviolette said. “There is no question (penalties got the Rangers off rhythm). They were able to capitalize on one of them.”
To the Rangers’ credit, they were able to bounce back from their first-period hiccups and overall played a pretty clean game.
In the second period, Will Cuylle fought hard in front of the net for a goal. The fact that Cuylle has 18 goals this season is impressive, but it’s the way in which he’s scoring that people should take notice of, something his teammates are starting to do.
“That he’s a bit of a bull,” J.T. Miller said of what he’s noticed about Cuylle. “He’s physical obviously, has good touch in front of the net. He’s a good power forward.”
Despite a solid defensive effort from the Rangers, Edmonton’s speed and explosiveness were just too much for the Blueshirts to handle.
Viktor Arvidsson scored the game-winning goal in the third period and Connor McDavid made his presence known by putting the dagger in the hearts of the Rangers with a goal of his own in the final minutes.
There was a sense among players in the Rangers’ locker room that they did enough to win withstanding the results.
“We did a lot of really good things,” Sam Carrick said. “It was one of those games where the chances weren't going in for us. I think we did enough. It’s unfortunate because this time of year, doing enough but not getting the points doesn't really satisfy you. It’s a tough way to give up two points, but we will have to move on.”
Regardless of the moral victory, the Rangers are in a heated playoff battle. Every game and point means so much more at this point.
The Blueshirts played with a desperation and passion that we just haven't seen this season. It felt like a playoff-type of game while it seemed the Rangers were playing with everything on the line.
“This time of the year it doesn't matter if you do enough,” Carrick said. “You have to find a way to get two points.”
The Rangers will be back in action on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames.
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