It seemed like the Rangers might have caught a break when they faced Ty Conklin instead of red-hot Jaroslav Halak Sunday night. The donut the Blueshirts put up on the scoreboard said otherwise, however.
The Rangers fell 2-0 on a pair of goals from Alexander Steen (including an empty netter) and Conklin’s first shutout of the season in his second appearance of 2010-11. Interestingly enough, it was the first time the Blues have ever blanked the Blueshirts in the franchise’s history.
The game featured a five-minute power play for the Rangers in the third period after B.J. Crombeen caught Derek Stepan from behind. But the Rangers could do nothing with the prolonged man-advantage. An apparent goal by Alexander Frolov was waved off, as play was whistled dead for high sticking by a Blues defenseman.
Here are some news and notes from around the Rangers media, including one that should help bolster an offense that’s just managed four goals in the past three games.
Morning Links
Andrew Gross says the loss was a frustrating one, particularly for Frolov who’s goalless drought has reached eight games.
Marian Gaborik is looking for the doc’s okay to return to the lineup. While the Rangers have held up okay without him, a 50-goal scorer returning to the bench is always a sight for sore eyes.
Jesse Spector applauds the play of Martin Biron and notes that the Rangers were again dominated in the faceoff circle.
Larry Brooks discusses the team’s trouble winning at home, where the Rangers are just 2-4-1 this season.
Blueshirt Banter offers their breakdown of the game, including a note that Frolov has caught Chris Higgins syndrome.
Rick Carpiniello vents after the loss, mostly about the no-goal call.
The Rangers next face the Washington Capitals Tuesday at home.