NHL
Sullivan Faults Rangers’ Structure as Hiller Praises Toronto’s Effort
Mike Sullivan criticized New York’s structure after a 5–4 loss. Jim Hiller called it probably Toronto’s best 60-minute game, while Troy Stecher described his connection with the Maple Leafs.
“We didn’t play with the structure that we need to play with,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after New York’s 5–4 loss in Toronto on Thursday, October 22.
Asked about the Rangers’ overall performance, Sullivan criticized their puck management and the quality of chances conceded. He said the third-period finish extended problems that had been present throughout the game. His concerns also included battles along the boards and in front of the net.
“I think that’s probably our best game of the year through 60 minutes for me,” Toronto coach Jim Hiller said when asked how his team found a way to win.
Hiller said Toronto recovered momentum instead of allowing dips in its play. He welcomed the bench’s emotional response to Troy Stecher’s goal and praised the extra effort Nick Paul made to keep the winning sequence alive.
Alexis Lafrenière’s goal at 14:25 of the third period made it 4–4. Troy Stecher scored the winner at 19:32, leaving 28 seconds on the clock. Adam Fox assisted on all four Rangers goals.
“Our line didn’t do our job today,” J.T. Miller said. Asked how the Rangers could become less open defensively, Miller limited his assessment to his own line rather than speaking for the entire team. He also criticized the team’s physical play and puck battles.
“Foxy gets a lot of credit there,” Alexis Lafrenière said of the faceoff play behind his tying goal. Lafrenière said Adam Fox had wanted to try the play for some time and they chose that moment to use it.
“I’ve really embraced being a Maple Leaf,” Stecher said when asked about his celebration. He described feeling the city’s passion for the team and wanting to bring the arena together.
Stecher said the defense and forwards had needed time to adjust to turnover at the start of the season. He credited communication and coaching work with helping the group make changes, while acknowledging that progress would vary from night to night.
The Rangers next visit Ottawa on Saturday, October 24, at 5 p.m. MDT.
Reporting and quotations were reviewed against the complete official captions for the clubs’ published Mike Sullivan, Fox, Miller and Lafrenière, Jim Hiller, Troy Stecher postgame clips. The Rangers player compilation is edited; the source review included limited speaker and scene checks. Caption review is not continuous video or audio review. Read the full game account.
Sources and notes
- Official Rangers and Maple Leafs postgame clips are linked in the source note. Reporting is based on the complete available captions, with limited speaker and scene checks.
