Game 4: Get out there and win a hockey game!
Los Angeles Kings @ New York Rangers, Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they host the Los Angeles Kings in the Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Kings beat the Blueshirts twice in LA, both wins came in overtime and on Monday night they shutout the Rangers 3-0 at MSG. Now the Rangers are playing with their backs against the wall. Only one team in the NHL history has made a comeback from 3-0 deficit in the Cup Finals, the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942. Winning four straight against this Kings team is highly unlikely but all you can do right now is to believe. When the Rangers were down 3-1 against the Penguins in the 2nd round, many of us lost the hope – look what happened? Yes, the Los Angeles Kings are playing very well and they seem to get every single bounce their way but to be honest, the stranger things have happened before. So get out there and win a hockey game. If necessary – repeat that four times.
LAK:
The Kings are getting lucky but the truth is when you’re playing well, you usually get lucky. Jeff Carter, Mike Richards and Jake Muzzin scored for Los Angeles while Jonathan Quick got 32-save shutout. Kings are known for their comebacks in this year’s post season but when this team is leading – nothing will stop them. On Monday night, they killed of 7 power plays and scored one power play goal. If you lose the battle of the goalies and the special teams, don’t get your hopes too high. When asked if he can already taste his second career Stanley Cup, Quick’s response was short and simple “nope”. The Kings are close but they have a one more pit stop to make. Lord Stanley’s Cup is in the house tonight and Dustin Brown and the Kings know that.
NYR:
It isn’t about the chances, the Rangers are getting enough scoring chance – but it’s about the quality. Mats Zuccarello had a wide open net in the first period of the Game 1. Jonathan Quick made an unbelievable save and eventually Jeff Carter gave the Kings 1-0 with only 0.7 seconds left in the clock. The Rangers aren’t using their chances and that’s one of the reasons why they are down 3-0 in the series. Henrik Lundqvist had a tough night in net in Game 3 but as we head into tonight’s, you wanna believe that King will bring his A-game tonight. Lundqvist has won 7 straight elimination games at the Garden and he’s 4-0 this year. New York needs Lundqvist now more than ever. One shutout or one win isn’t enough – he needs to steal four games in a row. He’s supposed to get help from his team mates but when looking at Richards, Nash and St. Louis – King Lundqvist is on his own.
Daniel Carcillo is eligible to make a return to the line-up and he will presumably to do that. Alain Vigneault has a lot of thinking to do, how to get this team to play with more urgency and with more heart. The Rangers have worked so hard to get in here, they won’t quit until the final buzzer. You can’t win four games tonight and the mindset going into the Game 4 must be a simply “one period and one game at a time”. Situation isn’t the best one but when you get to play a Cup Final game at Madison Square Garden with Rangers, it isn’t the worst one either.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 3: It’s up to you New York! Rangers face a must win tonight at the Garden!
Los Angeles Kings @ New York Rangers, Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they host the Los Angeles Kings in the Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time in this post season, the Blueshirts weren’t able to win with the lead going into the third period. Dwight King’s questionable goal made it 4-3 with 18 minutes left in the 3rd period and Marian Gaborik tied the game with his 13th goal of the playoffs. Chris Kreider had two marvellous chances in the first overtime period. First he hit the post with the shot from the slot and just minutes later Jonathan Quick was able to stop him on a breakaway. Although the Rangers led the game by two goals three different times, the Kings left the Staples Center with 2-0 lead in the championship series. Dustin Brown redirected Willie Mitchell’s shot from the point and the captain of the Kings ended the game in 90:24. While the referees clearly made a mistake in King’s goal and they missed a clear “delay of game” penalty in second overtime, the Rangers have to blame themselves on this one. Despite being down 2-0 in the series, this team remains confident. They know they can win this this beat the Kings and they sure wanna do it twice in front of the Garden Faithful. Game 4 will be played at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
LAK:
Marian Gaborik played three season with the Rangers but tonight he will step into the Garden’s first time in the opponents jersey since he was traded from NY to Columbus. Gaborik has been a big part of the Kings success this spring and he leads the league in goals, with 13. #12 has already played nine seasons in the NHL but as for now, the big wins have avoided him. As Eddie Olczyk said with the Kings, Gaborik isn’t the guy – he’s part of their core. In Minnesota and New York, Gaborik was the number one guy in the offense but as found out, that wasn’t the best possible way for him.
Believe it or not but the Kings haven’t led this series for even a second – but they have a 2-0 lead in the series. The Rangers have had a lead for 50:03 thru the first two games but Los Angeles leads have been permanent. After this year, the Kings could easily change their name to Los Angeles Comeback Kings. They are the first team in NHL history to win three Game 7’s on the road in same year, only the fourth team in the history to make a comeback from 0-3 deficit in the series and they have survived seven elimination games this post season.
NYR:
It’s time for a pay back. This New York Rangers team has showed passion and heart throughout this post season and they have given us a reason to believe. Tonight Madison Square Garden will host the first Stanley Cup Final game in 20 years. Alain Vigneault called it “unconditional love”, Messier named it as the Garden Faithful. 18 200 people will make a difference, if they just want to do it. The Rangers are close, they have controlled the first two games – just haven’t been able to cash in. This team has been down before and they have made a comeback. All you can do at the moment is to believe.
The Rangers need to better in front of their own net. They have lost several battles in front of Lundqvist (Gaborik’s goal in Game 2) and they seem to have a problem locating the puck early enough. Another thing where they have to be extremely careful tonight is how they clear the puck. Use the boards, don’t pass the puck to the middle of the ice. Most of all clear the puck when you have a chance to do it. Derek Stepan failed to clear the puck in Game 1, Brad Richards in Game 2. Two Kings’ goals in result.
Alain Vigneault knows very well that 2-0 deficit isn’t that much – even in the Cup Final. His Vancouver Canucks won the first two games in the 2011, just to see the Bruins win the Cup in Game 7. Winning 4 out of 5 against this Kings team sounds tough but the Rangers have done something unexpected this spring before. The old saying goes, “you ain’t in trouble before you lose a game on your home ice”. That hasn’t happened yet.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 2; Biggest game of the season coming up for the Rangers in LA!
New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings, Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final
The Rangers are back in the business tonight when they visit the Los Angeles Kings in the Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Blueshirts already led the Game 1, 2-0 after the first period but they weren’t able to secure the victory. Drew Doughty tied the game with magnificent goal and Justin Williams scored the game winner after Dan Girardi’s mistake in own zone. While the Rangers maybe played their best hockey of the playoffs in the first period, they were completely dominated by the Kings in the third period. Carl Hagelin was stopped by Jonathan Quick on the breakaway with under minute to go in the regulation time but Kings netminder was able to make a big save. Alain Vigneault told the media after the game that “every single player needs to bring his A game, too many guys brought their B effort”. Wise words by the head coach, tonight the Rangers need big effort from every single player throughout the line-up. Game 3 will be played at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
LAK:
This Kings team is stacked with offensive power in Marian Gaborik, Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter but Justin Williams has melted the hearts of the Kings fans with his superb performances in this post season. Williams, who is 7-0 in career Game 7’s, scored the game winner in the Game 1 and he now has 8 goals in the playoffs. The Game 1 was like Kings’ post season in the nutshell. They didn’t start the game well, improved their game as the game went on and when the stakes were high enough – they were able to left the ice as winners. Darryl Sutter wasn’t pleased with his teams performance and told the media that “we have to be better in every category of the game in the next game”.
NYR:
Carl Hagelin has been one of the best Rangers forwards this spring and he keeps surprising people in every series. In the Game 1 he had a breakaway goal and almost the game winner in the winding seconds of the third period. Hagelin’s and Chris Kreider’s speed is the key for success in this series. The Kings defense is highly skilled but they don’t have the best skaters on their blueline. John Moore is eligible to make his return to the line-up tonight after two game suspension. Moore will take over Raphael Diaz spot in the third defensive pair. Benoit Pouliot and Hagelin scored for the Rangers in the opening game of the series but they will need much more from their star players like Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis. Henrik Lundqvist made some spectular saves along the way but he wasn’t pleased with his performance. The Rangers aren’t facing elimination and this isn’t the Game 7 but you can sense that tonight’s game is a big one. 4 wins out of 5 games against the Kings? Sounds tough enough. Win tonight and head back to NYC with series tied in one.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 1: Reality hits you, Rangers visit the Kings in the Game 1 of the Cup Finals!
New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final
It weighs 35 pounds, was originally named after Lord Stanley of Preston and it is said to be the hardest trophy to win in the world of sports. In the team that wears blue uniforms at their home ice on 33rd street, only two players have hoisted the Cup before. #19 and #26 did that exactly 10 years ago – together. Now they are set to repeat that performance with the new group of individuals. The team that wears black uniforms on their home ice in Southern California, has 14 members who have their names written in the Cup. Hollywood celebrated the championship only two years ago, Broadway now has waited for 20 years. This year’s Final has a several story-lines to write about. Marian Gaborik, the leading scorer in the playoffs for the Kings, played three seasons with the Rangers and was originally traded to Columbus in exchange for Derick Brassard, John Moore and Derek Dorsett. If you go back in time, Brian Boyle was originally drafted by the LA Kings and was dealt to NY Rangers a couple of years ago. In the recent history, Dan Carcillo was traded to NYC from LA on this year’s trade deadline. Carcillo was suspended for 10 games after “abuse of the referee” in the series against the Canadiens but the league reduced it to six and #13 is ready to go in the Game 4 of the Finals. The players have worked all season long to put themselves in this position. Four more wins is all what it takes.
Los Angeles Kings / 4-3 SJS, 4-3 ANA, 4-3 CHI
Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter and Marian Gaborik have scored 26 goals in this year’s playoffs. They sure have a world class goaltender and very good defense but their offense is a key to their success. Kopitar has been the star player for the last couple of years but this spring he has changed to a super star. He is one of the best two way centers in the league and his leadership on and off the ice is remarkable. Drew Doughty is the number defenseman in this team but you also have to keep eye on Alec Martinez and Jake Muzzin. Head coach Darryl Sutter is known as a magician and he sure knows how to line-up his team against the Rangers. Jonathan Quick doesn’t have that good numbers this post season but his record speaks for itself. The Kings made a comeback from 3-0 in the 1st round, from 3-2 in the second round and they have won three Game 7’s this spring. To be the best, you have to beat the rest.
New York Rangers / 4-3 PHI, 4-3 PIT, 4-2 MON
The day we have all been waiting for 20 years is here, the Game 1 of the Cup Finals with the Rangers in it is tonight. The most important best of seven series in the Rangers franchise since the spring of 1994. Four more wins to the hockey immortality and it all starts tonight from Los Angeles. The Rangers have beat the Flyers, Penguins and the Canadiens but there’s one more team to beat. Because if you wanna be the best, you have to beat the rest. This Rangers team is good enough to win the Cup but they need brilliant performances from every single player in the line-up. Alain Vigneult along with his coaching staff have done a tremendous job with the team this year but they still have a long way to the top. One shift, one period and one game at a time. For the players, coaches and for the fans. Enjoy these upcoming weeks, we deserved the miracle and we have waited long enough.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 6; Prince of Wales Trophy or another Game 7 in Montreal?
Montreal Canadiens @ New York Rangers, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they host the Montreal Canadiens in the Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Blueshirts won the first two games at the Bell Centre but they weren’t able to close the series in that same building in Game 5. The Rangers defense and goaltenders simply had their worst night of the playoffs and you could see that from the scoreboard as well. Good news is that this Rangers team usually responds very well. Game 6 against the Flyers and Game 4 against the Penguins are good examples about the games where the Blueshirts very completely dominated. Tonight is a must win for the Rangers as it is for the Canadiens too. If the Blueshirts win tonight, they will move onto the Stanley Cup Finals, for the first time in 20 years. If they lose tonight, they will have another Game 7 ahead of them at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. End it tonight and get ready for the Finals – the biggest hill remains to be climbed in LA or in Chicago.
MON:
Brandon Prust will be back in the Canadiens line-up tonight after he was suspended for two games by the NHL. Montreal is playing with their backs against the wall and the desperation is the key to success for them. This is playing for their lives and if the Rangers want to close out the series tonight – they will have to do the same thing. Dustin Tokarski won his 2nd playoff game on Tuesday night in Montreal but he also gave up four goals. Tokarski is a good young goaltender but if you keep shooting, the goals will come rather sooner than later. The Canadiens are more than happy if this series goes to seven and the Game 7 is played in Bell Centre.
NYR:
Raphael Diaz hasn’t played much since he was traded from Vancouver to New York on the trade deadline but tonight he will probably play the biggest game of his entire career. John Moore was suspended for two games by the league and Diaz will take over his spot in the line-up tonight. Tonight’s game is the most important game in the Rangers franchise history since the spring of 1994. A win tonight would mean the Prince of Wales trophy and the place in the Cup Finals. Henrik Lundqvist had a bad night in Montreal but as we all know – this guy usually plays his best games after the worst ones. The Rangers need Lundqvist to be brilliant tonight. The Garden crowd has now waited for 20 years and tonight’s game could be the moment that the people will remember in 2040 as historical moment in the franchise history. There’s no need for motivational speeches in the locker room before the game. Show the players an iconic photograph where Messier lifts the Cup – that’s all it takes. Every single hockey player in this league gets motivated when they realize they are that close.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 5; We need to close this one! Game 5 in Montreal!
New York Rangers @ Montreal Canadiens, Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they visit the Montreal Canadiens in the Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Blueshirts won the first two games at Montreal but the Canadiens were able to get on back in Game 3. Martin St. Louis’ OT goal in Game 4 gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead in the series and they are now one (1) win away from the Stanley Cup Finals. This team doesn’t know what easy means. They had a rough start to the season with a long road trip, Henrik Lundqvist was distracted with his contract situation, they traded their Captain away on the trade deadline, beat the Flyers in Game 7, were down 3-1 against the Penguins and here we are, one win away from being in the Cup Finals – something that hasn’t happened in 20 years, since that magical year of 1994. As St. Louis told Pierre McGuirre after his OT goal “we need close this one” and that is the Rangers mindset going into tonight’s game. The Blueshirts haven’t won a playoff series in less than seven games since 2007 but tonight they’ll have a chance to rewrite that history. Stephan Matteau sent the Blueshirts to the Finals in 1994 – who wants to write his name to the Rangers history tonight?
MON:
Carey Price practised today in full equipment and the question is, if the Canadiens are able to force this series to Game 7 – is he available? It’s highly unlikely to happen but you gotta believe the Canadiens will go with Tokarski right till the end. Thomas Vanek, Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty are the Habs’ most important players but you can’t tell that from the scoreboard. Canadiens’ last visit to the Cup Finals was in 1993 and for now it seems that they have to wait at least for another year. Win tonight and they will have a brand new chance in Game 6. As we all know very well, when you get one back in the must win situation – it usually gets better.
NYR:
When I was sitting at the section 227 and watching Martin St. Louis first game as a New York Ranger, I couldn’t realize how much he would mean to this team in just a couple of months later. Without St Louis, the Rangers wouldn’t be here. He has scored five goals in the post season but his leadership on and off the ice is something you don’t see too often. His passion towards hockey, his team mates and the city of New York is endless. He wants to win here with this group of players and write his name to the Rangers and Madison Square Garden history.
Don’t look the situation in the West, don’t think how much money you would spent on Cup Finals tickets – focus just on tonight’s game. The Rangers fans should know that the series won’t end in 3-1. “One shift, one period and one game at a time” is the right attitude. The Rangers took way too many penalties in the Game 4 and although their penalty kill has been almost perfect for the entire series – the discipline is a key to success tonight. Alain Vigneault has some thinking to do as JT Miller was injured in Game 4, Derek Stepan is still out (?) because of the broken jaw and Daniel Carcillo is suspended. Jesper Fast will most likely take Miller’s spot in the line-up tonight.
Exactly 20 years ago, Stephan Matteau’s double overtime goal sent the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals and we all know very well how that spring ended. 1997 and 2012 weren’t our years but 2014 could be. Enjoy fellow Blueshirts, these days are something special!
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 4: Brassard returns to the line-up as NYR host the Habs in Game 4!
The Rangers are back in the business tonight when they host the Montreal Canadiens in the Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Blueshirts beat the Habs twice at Bell Centre but the Canadiens were able to get one back on Thursday night when they beat the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. After playing against the Flyers and the Penguins in the first two rounds, many wouldn’t have believed that the Canadiens would be the most irritating team to play against. In just three games, these two franchises are in full war mode. Players are getting injured and suspended, both coaches are furious and the fan bases are literally mad to one another. Chris Kreider’s unintentional collide with Canadiens goaltender Carey Price lit the whole series to the fire. Brandon Prust broke Derek Stepan’s jaw with the late hit in Game number 3 and league reminded Prust with two game suspension. Dan Carcillo lost his patience after big hit on Prust and he got 10-game suspension for abusing the referee. Game 5 will be played in Montreal on Tuesday night.
MON:
Michel Therrien is playing with all the cards he has. Yesterday he kicked Ulf Samuelsson out of the Canadiens morning skate referring to “gentlemen’s agreement”. Also last night he told the media that “we know exactly where Brassard is injured”, which could be taken as a straight threat to Rangers center. Montreal lost Brandon Prust for two games but taking out Stepan was more important for them. The Canadiens got lucky in the Game 3 as both second and the third goal were lucky bounces. Dustin Tokarski got his first NHL playoff win and he made some spectular saves in the game. If Tokarski can play like he did on Thursday night – we might have a long series ahead of us. Aleksei Emelin instead had a tough time in the Game 3 and he was a one step behind in almost every shift.
NYR:
This is just my opinion but when the league gives 10 game suspension to a player who barely had a contact with the referee (after he way too aggressively grabbed him and forced him to penalty-box) and two game suspension to a player who intentionally tries to hurt other player and eventually succeeds in it – something is wrong. Brandon Prust did exactly what the Canadiens wanted him to do, shake this Rangers team and get back in the series. The Blueshirts are now down two forwards (Carcillo and Stepan) and suddenly their depth will be put in to test. New York controlled the Game 3 but again they weren’t able to capitalize on their chances. Chris Kreider tied the game with just 28 seconds left in the clock but Alex Galchenyuk’s OT goal stopped the Rangers party.
The Rangers will win this series with their speed – not with their wrists. Although many of us wants blood and revenge, the best way to give the Canadiens a lesson is to end this series in five games. Dustin Tokarski is a good goaltender but he won’t outplay Henrik Lundqvist for three times in four games. Stay patient and use your own speed and we’ll be fine. For Michel Terrien, we know exactly in where areas your team is injured.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 3; Back to the Garden! Rangers host the Habs in the Game 3!
Montreal Canadiens @ New York Rangers, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they host the Montreal Canadiens in the Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Blueshirts won the both games at the Bell Centre and currently hold two game lead in the series. Carey Price was injured in the Game 1 and youngster Dustin Tokarski was the Canadiens goaltender for Game 2. The Rangers were able to beat him three times and with 40 saves from Henrik Lundqvist, they were able to steal the Game 2 as well. Rick Nash went 14 playoff games without a goal this post season but now he has goals in both games against the Habs. Ryan McDonagh has so far been the most impressive player for the Rangers with two goals and four assists in the series. Tokarski will get another start tonight at the Garden and although he is a young promising goaltender, the Blueshirts have a good chance to go up 3-0 tonight. Derick Brassard, who left the Game 1 with shoulder injury and missed the whole Game 2, will make a comeback to the Rangers line-up. Game 4 is on Sunday night at the Madison Square Garden.
MON:
Dustin Tokarski is a good goaltender but when you go against Henrik Lundqvist, three allowed goals is usually too much. Tokarski had a bad luck in the Rangers first goal but in the second and third – not so much. The Canadiens praised before the Game 3 that losing Price for the series is tough hit but they are ready to beat the Rangers without him. Well, for the first five to ten minutes it really looked like that but after McDonagh tied the game, the Rangers took the control of the game. If the Canadiens don’t get support from guys like Thomas Vanek and Tomas Plekanec, this series could be over in a hurry. This team is too talented to get sweeped in the Conference Finals. The question is can they win without Price in net?
NYR:
The Rangers now have won five consecutive games in this post season. Last time they won five in a row in the playoffs? 1994. What makes this run even more impressive is that four out of the last five wins came on the road. The Blueshirts showed all regular season long that they are a good road team but winning that many road games in the playoffs is something different. Alain Vigneault deserves a lot of credit how he has handled the team throughout the whole season. After a terrible start to the season, Vigneault has slowly but steady got his team to play like he wants. The fact that the Rangers all four lines can contribute both in offensive and defensive end is one of the biggest reasons why this team is two wins away from the Cup Finals. Brian Boyle is a great example about how this team is built. Boyle doesn’t play big minutes but he’s effective in every single shift he plays. One of the best penalty killers in the league and lately he has been putting up some points also. Irreplaceable player for the Blueshirts.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 2: Rangers trying to steal another win from Bell Centre!
New York Rangers @ Montreal Canadiens, Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they visit the Montreal Canadiens in the Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Blueshirts rallied to impressive 7-2 victory on Saturday afternoon in Game 1 and they have now won four consecutive games (first time in the post season since 07′). Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t played his best games usually at the Bell Centre but on Saturday afternoon, he was the key part of the Rangers success. Seven goals, seven different goal scorers and 1-0 lead in the series made Alain Vigneault smile after the game but the fact is that you get only one win – even if it’s 7-2 win. Derick Brassard was hit hard in the first period and he didn’t return to the game. After the game Brassard said “it’s nothing serious” and he expects to be in the line-up tonight. Get ready, we will see a whole new Canadiens team tonight. Same old story, stay of the penalty box, play hard and use your own chances.
MON:
After three brilliant games by Carey Price, Game 1 of the Conference Finals wasn’t his best game. He gave up four goals in just 20 shots and he was pulled out after the second period. In addition to that he injured his right leg after Chris Kreider collided with him in the second period. Price skated for 5 minutes yesterday with Habs’ goaltender coach but it seems that he’s healthy enough to start tonight in the Game 2. The Canadiens were 0-for-3 on the power play and they gave up three power play goals in just four minutes. Michel Terrien has a lot of thinking to do regarding to his team’s speed. Against the Bruins, the Canadiens controlled most of the games and because of their speed, they were able to create a lot of scoring chances.
NYR:
Seven goals at Montreal? The Rangers finally got rid of the “Curse of the Bell Centre” and they showed themselves that they can beat any team in this league on the road. Martin St. Louis opened the scoring just a few minutes into the first period and Mats Zuccarello gave the Rangers 2-0 lead going into the second period. Rene Bourque got a one past Lundqvist but Chris Kreider’s and Brad Richards’ goal turned the game for the Blueshirts. Ex-Ranger Brandon Prust took 2+2+10min penalty in the start of the third period and this time the Rangers power play really worked out. Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Rick Nash(?!?) all scored PPG’s and suddenly the Blueshirts led the game 7-1. Lars Eller scored a shorthanded goal with just three minutes left in the third period but the Rangers left the ice as winners.
The fact that New York played almost entire game without their top center, Derick Brassard, makes this win even more impressive. Dominic Moore played maybe his best game as a New York Ranger and again the whole 4th line worked hard and played well. The Rangers are building a story. Horrible start of the season turned around in December, they got hot again in January but had a hard time after the Olympic break. In the post season they have already made history and battled two Game 7’s. Death of Martin St. Louis mother really united this team and after that tragic event, every single player has done everything for the win. New York is now three wins away from their first visit to the Cup Finals since the magical year of 1994. This series is just about to start but what comes to this Rangers team – the story is already quite impressive.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 1; Road to the Cup Finals starts from Montreal!
NEW YORK RANGERS @ MONTREAL CANADIENS, GAME 1 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
20 years is a long time to wait. Back in 1994, the World was different compared to one we know today. There weren’t any mobile phones or internet – not to talk about Twitter or Facebook. The Rangers are four wins away from their first visit to the Stanley cup Finals since that magical year. After that they have reached the Eastern Conference Finals only three times; ’97 against the Flyers, 12′ against the Devils and now in 14′ against the canadiens. It is said that the Stanley cup is the hardest trophy to win in sports. 82 tough regular season games and four rounds of best of seven series playoff hockey. The Rangers have already battled two best of seven series and believe it or not, we’re only halfway there. For the first time since 1996 the Rangers and the Canadiens will battle against each other in the post season. This series will have multiple storylines. Martin St. Louis and Derick Brassard will return to Montreal where they grew up and on Sunday, the whole Rangers team will attend France St. Louis funeral. Henrik Lundqvist has had a tough time in the Bell Centre and the question is, can he finally break the “Curse of Bell Centre”. Carey Price already won the gold medal with the Team Canada in Sochi and now he is looking for his first Stanley Cup. Game 2 will be played in Montreal on Monday night at 8pm ET (NBCSN)
MON:
Is there a team that can beat the Boston Bruins in the best of seven series? Montreal Canadiens just did that and for the record they did it with the style. After a terrible Game 2 where the Canadiens lost three goal lead in just over five minutes, they found themselves down 3-2 and their backs were against the wall. The big guys stepped up and Tomas Plekanec scored the game winning goal in the Game 7. That goal sent the Canadiens to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2010 and if they advance to the Cup Finals, that would be their first time since 1993. PK Subban was all over the news and headlines for many reasons in the series against the Bruins but most of all for his actions on the ice. Carey Price outplayed Tuukka Rask in almost every game and he is the main reason why this team plays in the Conference Finals.
NYR:
What ever happens in the Conference Finals, all the Rangers fans should be proud of our hockey club. After the Game 4 against the Penguins, many including myself thought that our season would end sooner rather than later. Rangers united as a team and they gave themselves, fans and for New York – a miracle. For the first time in the Rangers franchise, they fought their way back from 3-1 deficit and won the Game 7 on the road. Derick Brassard was the teams best forward in the series but MVP title has to go to Henrik Lundqvist. In the three game rally to series win, Lundqvist stopped 102 out of 105 shots. He is now 5-1 in career Game 7’s with amazing 0.80 GAA. Brad Richards scored the game winning goal in Game 7 and he is now 7-0 in his career game sevens.
Scoring and goaltending – two big problems for the Rangers when they visit the Bell Centre. The last current Ranger to score a goal in that building (2011) is Mats Zuccarello. This regular season the Rangers visited Montreal twice, 1-0 win and 0-1 loss. Can Talbot played both games in the regular season but now it’s time for Henrik Lundqvist to face his fears in Montreal. Rick Nash is still without a goal in this post season and although Nash said “teams success is way more more important than my own”, this guy is in the need of one. New York wouldn’t be here without their 4th line. Brian Boyle scored a goal in the Game 7 against the Penguins and throughout the series against the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the 4th line has been effective. Last but not least, line of Brassard, Zuccarello and Pouliot keeps getting scoring chances and this line can finish those chances.
Staying out of the penalty box is the key for success in this series for the Rangers. Montreal power play is very dangerous with red hot PK Subban on the blue line. One thing the Rangers need to fix is the face-offs. In the series against the Penguins, they lost too many important face offs in their own zone, which led to numerous scoring chances. New York has over 100 more hits in this post season than Montreal and physical presence could be the key for the Rangers.
PREDICTION TIME: NYR in 7 / Lundqvist gets one shutout / Subban scores two PP goals in the series
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
True Blue I Am a Ranger 