Today, the Rangers had the tough task of playing the surging Penguins.
The last few games have been rough for the Rangers. Positioning has been a little off, we have been stick handling a bit much instead of shooting and we had not been playing up to our potential.
Today started much the same. The Ranger's came out a little slow. Feet were not moving, defence was a little off and forwards were clumping together and chasing the puck.
To the credit of the Penguins, they came out and played a great game. They moved the puck well and continually found openings on the ice to move through. The Penguins had 4 break-aways today.
At the end of the second period, the game was 2-2. This was a very close game from start to finish.
In the 3rd period, something happened to the Ranger's. All of a sudden, they began playing to their potential. Defence was rushing the puck and clearing the zone well, forwards were passing and shooting instead of stick handling through the middle and teammates on the bench were cheering on their fellow players. I can tell you that the energy on the bench was electric.
Here are some game notes.
- Asher, Asher, Asher. Wow, what a game. Asher stopped 3 of the 4 break aways today and gave the Rangers a chance to win. Asher tried really hard and did such a fantastic job. Asher was a last second goalie call up and really stood on his head today!
- Ethan Van der Meersch was a stud! The Ranger's captain did something that we have been asking the defence to try all year, he rushed the puck. Not only did E-man rush the puck, he rushed the puck end to end and scored a beauty of a goal. I think it is safe to say that E-man will continue to do this… Nice job captain.
- Ethan Crow. Ethan plays defence like he has been playing it for 15 years. Positionally, I haven't recognized anyone in the league that knows the position as well as he does. Ethan not only plays the position well, but he tries to help the less experienced defence out. Today, Ethan stepped up and spoke to the entire team about positioning and where to move the puck in different circumstances before the game. Great job Ethan.
- Aiden Solway and Carter Evans both had great games on defence. Carter is continuing to develop and is more actively involved in the play. He has come a long way. Aiden(Sobey) continues to become more comfortable on defence and is beginning to carry the puck more. Next game, Aiden is going to rush the puck and score, I can feel it!!!
- Kassidy Teare played a great game, as a forward. She had some scoring chances and took some good shots. Kassidy also hustled and cheered her teammates from the bench when she was not on. Kassidy does a great job for the Ranger's, whether on forward or goalie!
- Owen Lamb and Devon Wilson both played a great game. Both hustled and worked hard to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Both are developing nicely and both kept up with the play. Nice job guys!
- Kaleb Wilson, Noah Wilson and Williem Seguin continue to play well together. Between the 3 of them, they had 9 points today. Kaleb did a good job of keeping the puck low and on net when shooting and Williem did a great job of getting rebounds and carrying the puck. Noah positioned himself well in front of the net and had a few great shots. There is great chemistry on this line.
- Aiden Venhuizen played a great game. Aiden played a strong defensive game and also had some great shots on net. Aiden took the coached advice to try shooting at the open parts of the net and found himself scoring goals. Aiden is a warrior!
- Lucas Kirchner, not feeling well all week, made some good plays when we really needed him.
- Victor Everrit played an awesome game today. Victor did what the coaches have been asking him to do all year, carry the puck and use 2 hands on the stick. Victor is a smooth skater and today stepped up his game. Today was Victors best game!!!
Overall, the Rangers played a fantastic game and found their legs. Excellent job today Rangers!!!!
Keep up the good work…
Points.
2 goals, 2 assists - Kaleb Wilson
2 goals, 2 assists - Williem Seguin
2 goals - Aiden Venhuizen
1 goal, 1 assist - Ethan Van der Meersch
1 assist - Lucas Kirchner
1 assist - Noah Wilson
Coach Anthony