3 least impressive New York Rangers players from 5-4 OT loss to Montreal Canadiens feat. Jonathan Quick

The New York Rangers have been playing better recently, following a brutal stretch that left them several games below .500. However, their defensive miscues returned and led to a 5-4 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night.

Defensive lapses, which have plagued the Rangers over the past two months, proved costly again. They blew a 4-3 lead in the third period and allowed the Canadiens to secure the extra point in overtime.

The Rangers also failed to protect one-goal leads on three separate occasions during the game. With the loss, New York fell to 22-20-4, while the surging Canadiens improved to 23-19-4.

Quebec native Alexis Lafreniere opened the scoring for the Rangers, who also got a goal in the first period from Will Cuylle. Brendan Gallagher scored for the Canadiens in the opening frame.

The second period was a back-and-forth battle. Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider scored for the Rangers, while Gallagher and Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki answered for Montreal.

Despite carrying a 4-3 lead into the third period, the New York Rangers were unable to hold on. Juraj Slafkovsky tied the game just past the midway point of the third period, and Patrik Laine delivered the overtime winner.

Jonathan Quick allowed five goals on 38 shots for the Rangers, while rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes continued his impressive season with 23 saves for Montreal.

3 least impressive New York Rangers players from 5-4 OT loss to Montreal Canadiens

#1. Jonathan Quick

While Quick finished with 33 saves, several of Montreal's goals were ones he would love a second chance on, especially the rebound he allowed on Cole Caufield’s shot that landed right on Juraj Slafkovský’s stick for the game-tying goal in the third period.

#2. Reilly Smith

The veteran forward was a no-show on the scoresheet, failing to register a single shot on goal and finishing with two giveaways. The New York Rangers need more from Smith if they are to secure a playoff spot, but they didn’t get it against Montreal.

#3. Will Borgen

It was a costly turnover from Borgen in the second period that paved the way for Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki to score, tying the game at 3-3. While Borgen made a key defensive play in the opening 20 minutes, it was canceled out by this costly giveaway in the second.