New York Rangers Blueshirt Beat, 5/2/17: Game 3, Marc Staal-Nick Holden Problems
Apr 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Nick Holden (22) passes the puck during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

With Game 3 of the New York Rangers-Ottawa Senators second round matchup here, we look at the weakness of Marc StaalNick Holden.

  • New York Rangers (0-2)
  • Ottawa Senators (2-0)
  • Stanley Cup Playoffs, Round 2
  • Game 3, Tues., May 2, 2017, NBCSN
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Just when you thought the New York Rangers would be taking a split back to Madison Square Garden, the Ottawa Senators tallied three unanswered goals to put the club up 2-0.

Can the Rangers actually rebound?

We know how resilient this team’s been through the years. When their backs are against the wall, they always seem to play their best. Just rewind one series to their Game 4 victory on home ice against the Montreal Canadiens.

On Tuesday night, Alain Vigneault‘s squad will receive their chance, via the New York Daily News.

“Everything’s on the table right now,” Vigneault told the New York Daily News. “Whatever we feel is best for the group is what we’re gonna do.”

One of the major themes surrounding Game 2 was the playing time that AV dished out. The Brendan SmithBrady Skjei duo who’d been playing terrific hockey played less than the struggling Marc StaalNick Holden pairing.

We challenged AV on this very issue Monday morning.

“I thought he had some good moments,” Vigneault told the New York Daily News. “Him and Marc (Staal) got caught there on a couple of goals, but Nick has played some pretty good hockey for us. Nobody’s gonna be perfect out there; we’re gonna make mistakes.”

“When the mistakes end up in the back of your net, obviously people are analyzing them a little bit more in depth, and that’s one that because it became the winning goal obviously people have a right to analyze. And we’re analyzing it also.”

First puck-drop will come your way at 7 p.m. ET and can be seen on NBC Sports Network.

Rangers Stories, News:

  • Larry Brooks of the New York Post tells us that AV’s bad habit of shortening the bench could kill the team in these playoffs.
  • Brett Cyrgalis speaks with players about the extra off-day between Games 2 and 3.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com