nypost
Following a game in which the New York Rangers successfully killed off all six of their penalties, head coach Mike Sullivan voiced concern about the team's persistent stick infractions that have repeatedly tested the league's top penalty-kill unit. The Rangers' 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues elevated their penalty-kill success rate to 90.4 percent, moving them from third to first in the NHL. However, the team took three penalties in the first period, two in the second, and one more in the third—the latter being Alberts Smits' delay-of-game call.
"I thought the kill was good," Sullivan said. "I think it's a little concerning that the type of stick infractions that we're taking game in and game out. That's a conversation we've had in between periods. I gotta think about next steps on that one, but we've gotta do a better job of our responsibility with our sticks."
Goaltender Dylan Garand made 32 saves and came within a minute of his second shutout of the season, delivering crucial stops against a St. Louis power play that entered the night ranked 10th in the NHL. The Rangers were called for high-sticking on Scott Morrow and J.T. Miller, slashing on Noah Laba, and hooking on Jaroslav Chmelar and Mika Zibanejad.
The penalty kill has been a cornerstone for the Rangers early in the season, especially as their power play continues to develop. They have allowed only five goals while shorthanded all year. However, all five of their stick-infraction penalties occurred while the team was either tied or protecting a one-goal lead, giving the Blues ample opportunity to change the game's momentum.
"It's a lot to ask to have the penalty kill have to kill that many opportunities against a real good power play," Sullivan said, "but I thought those guys that were on it did a terrific job."
Forward Matt Rempe remains unfazed by recent trade rumors. "It's definitely been different seeing his name in a trade rumor," which had never happened until last week when Sportsnet's Frank Seravalli reported that Oilers head coach Mike Babcock is believed to admire the 6-foot-9 forward and specifically linked Rempe as a potential option for a team looking to add size. It marked the first rumor to swirl about Rempe, who, after making the roster out of training camp, fell out of the fourth-line rotation and skated only in his third game of the season on Tuesday.
Rempe said he'll stay off social media to avoid the chatter and has instead focused on trying to carve out a role with the team he broke into the NHL with four years ago. "I don't pay attention to that stuff," Rempe told The Post on Monday before skating 8:29. "That type of stuff's all out of my control. I'm just focused on here and trying to get better and get in the lineup and make the most of those opportunities."
Defenseman Sean Durzi missed his second consecutive game with an undisclosed injury, prompting Morrow—who logged 13:07—to take his place in the lineup again. Durzi remained day to day. With his goal and an assist on Eeli Tolvanen's empty-net tally, Adam Fox now sits at 19 points through 16 games, and his points rank third among defensemen in the league.
Key Analysis
The Rangers' penalty kill has been their definitive strength through the early portion of the season, but Sullivan's concern over stick infractions highlights a discipline issue that could prove costly against stronger opponents. While the unit has allowed just five goals all season, the frequency of penalties—especially those occurring in close games—puts undue pressure on the kill and risks shifting momentum. Sullivan's acknowledgment of the problem suggests the team will address it, but the on-ice responsibility ultimately falls on the players to maintain better stick discipline.
Originally reported by nypost.