In the latest of a string of embarrassing defeats, the New York Rangers could not mount a comeback, losing to the Islanders. Despite clawing back from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime, a costly too-many-men penalty led to an anticlimactic shootout.
The Rangers, as has become habit, gave up a goal within three minutes of the opening faceoff. Anders Lee scored a power play goal, and once again the Rangers found themselves trailing from the outset.
For the first two periods, the Rangers’ play was marked by blatant lack of effort, disorganization, and a general malaise. When David Desharnais tipped in a goal to tie it 1-1 in the first, the Rangers promptly gave up chance after chance.