Despite generating a multitude of high-quality scoring chances, on top of a goal from Artemi Panarin, the Rangers still found themselves down 2-1 after 20 minutes of play.
It was in the second period when everything spiraled out of control for the Rangers. Tampa Bay scored three times in less than 10 minutes to boost their lead to 5-1.
Following the fifth goal, Igor Shesterkin was pulled in favor of Jonathan Quick after giving up five goals on just 13 shots.
It was the Rangers’ power play that led to their downfall. They gave up two short-handed goals as their power play was ultimately more of a weakness.
“It’s supposed to be a strength of our team,” Chris Kreider said via Peter Baugh of The Athletic. “Tonight it was a detriment.”
The Lightning also scored two power-play goals, marking a truly disastrous night for New York’s special teams.
“It’s obviously tough when we feel like we’re doing a lot of good things and then pretty quickly the score gets out of hand a little bit. It’s a tough one to assess. ... I thought the effort was there. It’s just special teams, both ways, honestly,” Zibanejad said.
Despite showing some positive flashes throughout the contest while maintaining quality offensive possession time, the Rangers crumbled once Tampa Bay started to build their lead.
New York’s confidence as a team is fragile at the moment to the point where they are just unable to play from behind.
“Just because we’re losing in a game doesn’t mean we’ve lost the game,” K’Andre Miller said. “I think that’s something this group maybe has lost a little bit, that pushback.”
The Rangers will be back in action on Monday night against the Florida Panthers.
