Overtime hasn’t been friendly to the Rangers
David Quinn’s initial foray into NHL overtime delivered his first career win.
“I loved overtime then,” the coach said with a grin Thursday.
But in the eight games that have ended in overtime since that 3-2 victory over the Sharks on Oct. 11 at the Garden, the Rangers are 0-8, including Wednesday’s loss to the first-place Lightning.
Quinn didn’t quite know exactly to what he could attribute the lopsided record. He suggested it could be partly luck (or lack thereof) and partly the kind of teams they have taken to the extra five minutes of three-on-three hockey. Their overtime losses have included the Capitals (twice), Golden Knights, Blue Jackets and Lightning, all playoff teams with top talent.
“Some of our losses have been against probably the deeper teams in the league with the high-end skill,” Quinn said. “All of a sudden you’re in three-on-three territory and boy, the skill piece really plays a huge role in it.”
With practices at a premium, especially at this point in the season, Quinn would rather devote that time to more pressing issues.
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“I feel like there’s other things that practice will benefit us from, whereas I feel like three-on-three is more — luck wouldn’t be the right word, but it’s just three-on-three, man-to-man hockey,” Quinn said. “You can touch on a few things, but it’s tough to coach it.”
Quinn already liked the way Jimmy Vesey had been playing recently, but in three games since taking Mats Zuccarello’s spot at right wing on the first line, alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, he has responded with three goals and three assists.
“He’s doing a heck of a job with them and making the most of it,” Quinn said.
After going through a rough stretch, which included a healthy scratch on Jan. 2, Vesey has tallied five goals and five assists over his past 11 games.
“He’s worked hard at the mental aspect of the game,” Quinn said. “He’s moving past mistakes. Mistakes are going to happen in this game. To me, he’s just playing with a lot more conviction.”
Brett Howden (sprained knee) practiced without a non-contact jersey Thursday and has been cleared to play.
Quinn said he is “hoping” the 20-year-old center will make his return Sunday against the Capitals at the Garden, which would be his first game since Jan. 29.
Henrik Lundqvist will be back in nets Friday against the Canadiens at home for his 44th start of the year.
The defensive pairs during Thursday’s practice were Brady Skjei-Kevin Shattenkirk, Marc Staal-Tony DeAngelo and new call-up Libor Hajek-Neal Pionk. Freddy Claesson skated as an extra forward. … Zibanejad, Jesper Fast and Vlad Namestnikov did not practice, but Quinn said they all had maintenance days and will be available Friday .