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McDonagh: Rangers need to ‘realize that stupid, selfish penalties are going to cost us’

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Rangers - Game Two

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Rangers - Game Two

NHLI via Getty Images

The New York Rangers allowed six goals in their worst showing of the 2015 playoffs, but that wasn’t due to a failing in five-on-five play. Tampa Bay did get two even strength goals and that shouldn’t be ignored, but the Rangers were the better team in terms of five-on-five shots and scoring chances, per War on Ice.

Instead, the Rangers’ biggest issue was penalties as they gave Tampa Bay six opportunities tonight and the Lightning converted on three of them. The fact that a lack of discipline played a significant role in the Rangers’ blowout loss wasn’t lost on captain Ryan McDonagh.

“Our guys better figure it out quickly here and realize that stupid, selfish penalties are going to cost us against this team,” McDonagh said, per the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard.

The Rangers are up to 44 minor penalties in 14 playoff games, but Tampa Bay has been significantly worse with 68 minors in 15 contests. Even in this game, Tampa Bay also had a tough time staying out of the sin bin. It wouldn’t have taken a lot for this story to be reversed and the discussion to be about Tampa Bay’s penalty troubles. If the Lightning aren’t careful, perhaps that will be the plot line in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Follow @RyanDadoun