Game 3; Rangers trying to steal one in Philly!
New York Rangers @ Philadelphia Flyers, Game 3 of the ECF Quarterfinals, Wells Fargo Center
The Rangers are back in the business tonight as they visit the Philadelphia Flyers in the Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The Rangers were able to win the Game 1 at MSG on last Thursday but failed to get 2-0 lead in the series as the Flyers won the Game 2 on Easter Sunday. Flyers last win in MSG was from February of 2011 and they had lost nine straight at the Garden. After going up 2-0 early in the 1st period, the Rangers had a tough afternoon on Sunday. Henrik Lundqvist didn’t have his best day, the Rangers defense looked sloppy and offense wasn’t able to score from numerous chances. Series is now tied in one and the circus moves to Philly for Game 3 and 4. No matter what happens in Philly, there will be hockey to played in MSG next Saturday as the Rangers host the Flyers in Game 5 of the series.
PHI:
The Flyers did just what they needed to do in the Game 2. Although the start of the game was horrible for them, they regrouped and rallied to convincing road victory. Captain Claude Qiroux was still held without shots but Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds both took the big step to right direction. Ray Emery was sharp throughout the game and he simply outplayed Henrik Lundqvist in this one. It will be interesting to see who gets the start in the net if Steve Mason is healthy enough to go on Tuesday night. Scott Hartnell was saying after the Game 1 that “you will see more hungrier team on Sunday” and he surely kept his promise. Philly did take some stupid penalties early in the first period and as the game went on, they started to control the game better and better. Craig Berube was seemingly happy about his defense which played a solid game against the Rangers top lines. The fact that the Flyers finally won at MSG could be the difference maker in this series. Now the curse is over and they wanna start the new streak on next Saturday – but this time with the wins.
NYR:
The Rangers franchise history seems to be cursed with the Game 2’s. New York’s most recent post season win in the second game of seven game series is from 2008 (against the Washington Capitals and they went to lose that series in seven) and the recent victory on their home ice is way back from 1997. You would have thought that afternoon game on Easter Sunday would have ment some empty seats at the World’s Most Famous Arena but the fans preferred playoff hockey over the church. The Rangers opened the game with exact same line-up than in the Game 1 and Martin St. Louis gave the them a 1-0 lead early in the first period. Goal was St. Louis first playoff goal as a Ranger and just his second with the team since he was traded to NY from Tampa on trade deadline. Rick Nash made a great play along the bords and Derek Stepan setted up St. Louis with a beautiful pass. Just a few minutes after that play, the Rangers second line featuring Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard, got the job done with same of kind play. Benoit Pouliot gave the Blueshirts a 2-0 lead just a few minutes after that and it looked that the Rangers were heading to easy victory. Problem is that there are no easy victories in this league and the Rangers did find that out.
Four unanswered goals by the Flyers shocked the Rangers and they weren’t able to get much going in the third period. This wasn’t the first time when the Blueshirts blew the big lead in the playoffs. During the 10′ playoffs, the Rangers had 3-0 lead against the Washington Capitals and they ended up losing that game in double overtime 3-4. Brad Richards was saying after the Game 1 that “we need to learn to play shorter series and avoid Game 7’s”. This series is still very young and nothing is yet decided but the Rangers need to get their mindset right. Every loss in these playoffs matter and as said you don’t wanna tire yourself with multiple seven game series.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 2; Easter Sunday is a hockey day!
Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Rangers
Game 2; Sunday 20th of April @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
The Rangers are back in the business today at noon as they host the Philadelphia Flyers in the Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The Blueshirts rallied to 4-1 victory on Thursday night in Game 1 and they have a chance to travel to Philly with 2-0 lead in the series. The Rangers stayed patient in the Game 1 although the Flyers scored on their first shot. Henrik Lundqvist was a big factor but the Blueshirts power play was a key to success – they scored two power play goals in span of 47 seconds. Steve Mason, who didn’t play in the Game 1 due head injury, is healthy enough to play today and the Flyers need a big effort from him. Thursday’s victory was the Rangers 10th consecutive win against the Flyers on Garden ice. Philly’s last win from the World’s Most Famous Arena is from March of 2011. The first post season meeting between these two has now been opened. If you think this series is going to be short and easy – I suggest you think again. Rangers and Flyers, playoff hockey at the Garden on Easter Sunday – it doesn’t get much better than this.
PHI:
15 shots and 14 minutes of penalty time. That was the fact of the game for the Flyers. Although Andrew McDonald was able to beat Henrik Lundqvist with Philly’s first shot, overall the Flyers created just a few scoring chances. In the third period whole team was credited with just one shot. Other factor was the penalties. Rookie Jason Akeson was called double minor for high sticking and the Rangers made the Flyers and Akeson pay. Flyers D Kimmo Timonen had some troubles throughout the game and Craig Berube preferred McDonald and Coburn on the ice. Ray Emery wasn’t bad at all but if Steve Mason is healthy – he will get a start in the Game 2. Scott Hartnell told the media after the game that “our mindset wasn’t at the right level” and he ensured that “we will have a different mindset into Game 2”.
NYR:
The Rangers fans have waited for Brad Richards to shine and oh boy he did that in the Game 1. Richards gave the Rangers a lead in the third period with his beautiful one-timer on the power play and he got a primary assist on both Derek Stepan’s and Carl Hagelin’s goals. Mats Zuccarello started the scoring for the Rangers as he beat Ray Emery in the 1st period. The Blueshirts used Akeson’s double minor with the best possible way – scored two PP goals and rallied to win in the Game 1. Overall the Rangers played very well, there weren’t many odd man rushes for the Flyers and the Rangers did a good job with the puck in their own zone.
The Rangers need to stay discipline and stay out of the penalty box. The Flyers power play is good enough to turn this series around if they get a chance to do it. Vice versa if the Rangers can continue to score power play goals, the Flyers need to try stay out of the box – which isn’t typical for them. Lundqvist played well and the team can count on him 110%.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 1; NY Cheesecake > Philly Cheesesteak!
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 1st round.
Game 1; Thursday, April 17th @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Broadway versus Broadstreet, NY Cheesecake going against the Philly Cheesteak or Rangers against the Flyers. Talking about these two east coast cities, the fact is that they don’t like much each other. This rivalry is well known around the league and every hockey fan in the world knows that they are no love lost between these two. Numerous regular season battles and epic Winter Classic in 2012 have higlighted these teams during the recent years but it has been 16 years since they have met in in the post season. The Flyers would have wanted to meet Marc Andre Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1st round because of the playoff history involving those teams but for now they will clash against Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers. These teams met four times in the regular season and they split the wins, both won their home games. In the bigger picture, the Rangers have been perfect against the Flyers on their home ice. They have won the last eight games in the World’s Most Famous Arena and they have outscored the Flyers 31-9 in those games. But it isn’t about the recent meetings, it’s about the whole new playoff series where every single shift and shot can make the difference.
OFFENSE: Claude Qiroux started the season poorly but since December, he has been the backbone of the Flyers success. Qiroux, who is averaging 1.10 points/ per game in the playoffs, is the most important player for the Flyers in this series. He hasn’t been great against Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers earlier in his career. He has only 6 goals in 32 career games against New York. Jakub Voracek has been putting up points lately and he is the guy who sets up Giroux and Lecavalier. Then there’s the tough guy department. Zac Rinaldo along with his friends Jay Rosehill and Steve Downie will make sure that there will some pushing and showing in every single meeting. Scott Hartnell and Wayne Simmonds can do both – irritate and score so you gotta keep eye on them to as well.
Talking about the Rangers, there isn’t a certain line to look out – all four lines can contribute offensively. Coach Alain Vigneault has found some chemistry in his lines and especially the line of Mats Zuccarello – Benoit Pouliot and Derick Brassard have been productive in regular basis. Mats Zuccarello, who won “Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award which is given to NYR player who goes above and beyond the call of duty”, can be the difference maker in this series. Since he became came back from the hand injury, he has been one of the best Rangers player in the line-up. Rick Nash, Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis are part of the teams older core and duo Richards-St. Louis already know what it takes to win 16 games in the NHL playoffs. They have scored a total of 60 goals in the playoffs together and the Rangers certainly hope that they can continue that success this year.
DEFENSE: If and when Ryan McDonagh is 100% healthy when the puck drops in the Game 1, the Rangers fans can breathe again. McDonagh, who was hit hard by Alex Burrows in the game against the Canucks, injured his shoulder and missed the last games of the regular season. The Rangers have some quality depth in their defense with Raphael Diaz, John Moore and Justin Falk but getting McDonagh in the line-up is a huge uplift for New York. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi are known the be one of th best shutdown defenders in the league but name you won’t see often in the newspapers is Anton Stralman. 27-year-old Swede has quietly had a great season with the Rangers and although you don’t see him in the highlights, he’s a great defender.
The Flyers defence is divided to two groups, the experienced group and the unexperienced group. Kimmo Timonen, Hal Gill and Braydon Coburn have played over 250 playoff games in total while Luke Schenn, Andrew McDonald and Erik Gustafsson have played just a total of 11 post season games. The Flyers isn’t as tight as the Rangers but they sure have some quality players in the line-up. They gave up 40 goals more than the Rangers during the regular season, so that is one area where the Rangers can really make the difference.
GOALIES: Steve Mason left the game against the Penguins and he didn’t return to the 3rd period. Flyers head coach Craig Berube told the media that he’s sure that Mason is healthy enough to start the Game 1 on Thursday. Mason has been playing well this year and for the first time in long and I really mean that, Philadelphia has had a real goaltender in the net. If Mason can’t play or is forced to leave the series, Ray Emery is their number two goaltender. Emery, who won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks last year is a solid backup, but in the playoffs you need something more than a good backup. The Flyers need healthy Steve Mason in the net if they wanna have success in this series.
Henrik Lundqvist is Stanley Cup away from being the without a doubt, the best goaltender in the New York Rangers history. He already passed Mike Richter in career wins and Eddie Giacomin in career shutouts this year but he still needs to hoist that shiny piece of silver in order to immortalize his name to the Rangers and Madison Square Garden history. The best part is that there aren’t Rangers fans who don’t believe in Lundqvist. 32-year-old Swede is by far the most famous hockey player in New York and as the old saying goes, it’s good to be the king. Lundqvist has improved his game every year and his numbers in the playoffs are getting better and better every year. Henrik Lundqvist is ready to win and that’s a good thing for the Rangers.
Game 82; Regular season finale in Montreal! Next stop, playoffs!
New York Rangers (45-31-5) @ Montreal Canadiens (45-28-8)
The Rangers are back in the business tonight when they close out their 2013-2014 regular season in Montreal against the Canadiens. The Blueshirts are coming off from big 2-1 win against the Buffalo Sabres and with that win, they clinched the second place in Metropolitan and home ice advantage for the 1st round of the playoffs. The Canadiens are set to meet the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1st round but they still have a chance to steal the home ice advantage. The Rangers opponent is still unclear, the Blue Jackets can still steal the 3rd seed from the Flyers. Cam Talbot gets the start in the net and he was perfect in his only career start in Montreal earlier this season with his 1st NHL shutout. This regular season has contained some tough times but also some magical moments. Two unforgettable victories at Yankee Stadium, Henrik Lundqvist’s two franchise records and record of most road victories in one season are just a few to name. Numerous OT goals and celebrations have inspired us throughout the season and this team has shown all over again that they only wanna win – and they will do everything to make us feel proud as New York Rangers fans. Fasten your seat belts, crazy playoff spring is ahead of us.
MON:
The Canadiens will open up their post season next Wednesday, they just don’t if it’s in Montreal or in Tampa. The Canadiens host the Rangers tonight while the Lightning will finish their season in Washington tomorrow. At the moment the Lightning have a one point lead in the standings so the Canadiens need to win tonight in order to get the home ice advantage. Montreal is 7-2-1 in their last 10 and they have been a very good home team this year with record of 22-13-5. Carey Price has been the best player of this team throughout the whole season and he is ready to lead his team in the playoffs. Thomas Vanek was traded to Montreal in the trade deadline and with Max Pacioretty and PK Subban, this team can really score goals. It has been 21 years since the Stanley Cup was hoisted in Montreal – if everything goes like planned this team has a chance to make history.
NYR:
The Blueshirts of Our Backs ceremony has a special meaning for the fans and for the team. We, the fans, have been loyal for them through ups and downs and the final home game of the season was another great example how great this team can be. The game itself wasn’t the prettiest one but the Rangers found a way to win – and oh boy that way was beautiful. Benoit Pouliot, who has been one of the teams best players for the last 40-50 games, tied the game in the last minute of the second period and with just two minutes remaining in the third, big players stepped up. Every single Rangers players on the ice touched the puck and eventually combination of St. Louis – Nash worked out.
This team is getting hot at the right moment. They are 7-2-1 in their last 10 and win tonight would get them to 46 wins on the season. Henrik Lundqvist is ready for the playoffs, he is 11-4-1 in his last 16 starts with 1.81 GAA and .939 SV%. Brad Richards, Martin St. Louis and Rick Nash are the big guns for the playoffs but the Rangers line-up is stacked with offensive power. Derek Stepan has 22 points in his 22 games, Mats Zuccarello has 6 game point scoring streak, Pouliot has 7 game point scoring streak and as Ryan McDonagh returns to the line-up, you can also expect some scoring from him also.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 80: We’re in! Home ice advantage is next!
Carolina Hurricanes (34-33-11) @ New York Rangers (43-31-5)
The Rangers are back in the business tonight when they host the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts clinched the playoff spot yesterday with Devils loss against the Flames so for the fourth year in a row, there will be playoff hockey to be played in MSG this spring. The Rangers were unable to clinch to spot on Saturday as they were defeated by the Ottawa Senators 3-1. The Hurricanes have had a rough season and there will be a huge chances in the organization in the off season. The Canes are coming off from 3-1 against the Devils and they are 5-3-2 in their last 10. Although the playoff spot is now secured, home ice advantage for the 1st round is still up for grabs. After tonight’s game, the Rangers will play their final home game of the regular season on Thursday night when they host the Buffalo Sabres.
CAR:
You can feel it in the air that there will be some huge changes in the Carolina Hurricanes organization during the summer. Current GM Jim Rutherford is expected to resign at the end of the season and current vice president of hockey operations Ron Francis is expected to be the new general manager. In addition to that there has been rumors that the Canes are trying to deal Cam Ward and Eric Staal away before the start of the next season. G Anton Khudobin was signed two-year, $4,5 million contract extension with the Canes and the coaching staff believes that they have a new starting goaltender in him. What comes to Eric Staal, he’s just too expensive for this team. This is the fifth consecutive year when the Canes won’t make the playoffs, so change is needed. Carolina will play their final two games of the regular season on the road and it’s interesting to see how many players from this year’s team will call Raleigh their home next year.
NYR:
The first period has been a tough one for the Rangers this year especially at the Garden and Saturday’s game wasn’t a exception. The Senators scored two early goals and led the game 2-0 after the first period. As usual the Blueshirts stepped up their game in the second period but this time it wasn’t enough. Mats Zuccarello scored twice but the Sens were able to beat the Rangers for the first time this season. Chris Neil caused some chaos “again” at the end of the game and the Rangers were upset that there weren’t any calls made for the Sens – vice versa just for the Rangers. Thanks for the Calgary Flames, the Rangers clinched the playoff spot yesterday and now they have only one goal left in the regular season – pick up more points from the last three games than the Flyers do.
Jesper Fast will get a chance to show his skills tonight as he was called up yesterday from the Hartford Wolfpack. Fast, who played the first eight games of the season with the Rangers, has scored 15 goals and 19 assists in 47 games with the Wolfpack this year. He will skate in the line with his country mate Carl Hagelin and Brad Richards.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 79; It’s a win and in! NYR host the Sens at the Garden
Ottawa Senators (32-30-14) @ New York Rangers (43-30-5)
The Rangers are back in the business tonight when they return to Madison Square Garden as they host the Ottawa Senators. Any kind of Rangers win would send the Blueshirts to the post season. The Senators are out of the playoffs and they haven’t been able to beat the Rangers yet this season. The most recent meeting was a couple of weeks ago in Ottawa as the Rangers rallied to 8-4 victory. With just eight days left in the regular season, the Rangers will have only one road game left this year (@ Montreal). Ryan McDonagh didn’t play in Colorado but he told the media that he will probably play again before the start of the playoffs. If they can win like 3 out of remaining 4 games, there’s a good chance that the Blueshirts will play their next road game in the Game 3 of the first round. After tonight’s game, the Rangers will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night at the Garden.
OTT:
The Ottawa Senators experienced a nightmare last night. They scored three early goals against the Canadiens and it looked that they were heading to victory over their heated rival. Well, a lot of things can happen in a hockey game and the Senators surely felt that. Seven unanswered goals by the Canadiens really turned the game and the Senators once again left their home ice without any points. Paul McLean has had a lot of problems with his team this year but the goaltending has been the biggest issue. Craig Anderson has been struggling with injuries and Robin Lehner simply hasn’t had a good year at all. Bobby Ryan is out for the remainder of the regular season due sports hernia surgery. Ales Hemsky was traded to Ottawa from Edmonton in the trade deadline and he has been one of the best forwards in the team since that. They have a good core but this team needs some additions during the off season.
NYR:
Without their top defenseman, the Rangers were able to steal one point from the Avalanche on Thursday night. Well, they blew their lead with under minute to go in the third period and were unable to win the game in the overtime/shootout but overall the game was pretty good. John Moore, who returned to the line-up after McDonagh’s injury, scored a goal in his first shift and played a good game in both ends of the ice. Derek Stepan gave the Rangers 2-1 lead in the second period but Tyson Barrie was able to tie the game with just 50 seconds left in the regulation time. Mats Zuccarello, Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards all were denied in the shootout and Barrie was only player to score in the shootout.
As said, a single point from tonight’s game will send the Rangers to the post season – for the fourth consecutive time. Last year the Blueshirts advanced to the conference semifinals, year before that to the conference finals. New York City loves their sport teams but they want championships in return. Garden crowd hasn’t celebrated the Championship since 1994 and in the last 44 years they have seen only three championship teams (NYK 70,73 and NYR 94). The Rangers are in the start of the hopefully long spring and they have only one goal – bringing back the Stanley Cup to New York City. It isn’t yet 54 years but in these days 20 years is a long wait.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 76; Home coming for Vigneault, NYR visit the Nucks!
New York Rangers (42-30-4) @ Vancouver Canucks (34-31-11)
The Rangers are back in the business tonight as they continue their four game road trip in Vancouver with the game against the Canucks. This game gets a lot attention from the media and this time it isn’t because of the players. John Tortorella, former Rangers coach and Alain Vigneault, former coach of the Canucks, will meet for the second time this season. The Rangers defeated the Canucks 5-1 at Madison Square Garden earlier this year. The Blueshirts are coming off from big 5-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers and they’re about to clinch the playoff spot. The Canucks are doing everything they possibly can but they won’t make the playoffs this year – which is a huge disappointment for them. Henrik Lundqvist is back in the net and Mats Zuccarello is about to be the highest scoring Norwegian to ever play in the National Hockey League – he needs one point to pass another Norwegian legend Espen Knutsen. After tonight’s game, the Rangers will end the road trip in Colorado on Thursday night.
VAN:
I’m not sure if there will be any riots because of the horrible regular season but something needs to change in Vancouver before the next season. Judging by the local media, Tortorella won’t have the job for a long after the terrible first year with the team. The Nucks are just 5-4-1 in their last 10 the Sports Club Stats give them only 0,3% to make the playoffs this year. They have been an average home team and they have a chance to make that record look better, they will play 5 out of their last 6 at home. Daniel and Henrik Sedin are the point leaders of the team once again but this year they have scored just total of 24 goals. Eddie Lack is a promising young goaltender but he has had too much to carry on his shoulders this year.
NYR:
Despite that they were playing against one of the worst teams in the league, the Rangers played a good hockey on Sunday night in Edmonton. They got a few lucky bounces and breaks but overall the team responded well after a terrible game in Calgary. They played especially tight in their own end and executed their own chances well. Mats Zuccarello opened the scoring with his first goal since the outdoor games at Yankee Stadium with beautiful deflection. Rick Nash scored twice and Derick Brassard once in addition to another from Zuccarello, the Rangers rallied to 5-0 win. In the net Cam Talbot got his 3rd shutout of the season.
Although the possible home ice advantage in the playoffs is not sure yet, the Rangers have a good chance to got it. They have an “easy schedule” compared to the Flyers and if they can keep playing good hockey – the playoffs would start at the Garden. The Rangers are a very good road team (tied 1st in the NHL) so there isn’t any reason why they can’t start the post season on the road. It takes 16 wins to get your hands to the Stanley Cup – they don’t count how many you win at home or on the road.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 67: Talbot returns to the net, Rangers continue road trip in Minnesota
New York Rangers (35-27-4) @ Minnesota Wild (34-22-9)
The Rangers are back in the action tonight when they continue their four game road trip against the Minnesota Wild. The Blueshirts failed to win in Carolina on Tuesday night and they’re currently at the 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division. The Wild are coming off from 4-3 SO loss to the Edmonton Oilers and they are sitting at the 7th place in the Central Division. Cam Talbot (11-5-0) will get a start tonight and he’s looking to go 8-2 on the road this year. Although Talbot is playing his first season in the NHL he has already beaten the Wild once (Dec. 22nd). After tonight’s contest, the Blueshirts will travel to Winnipeg where they play against the Jets tomorrow night.
MIN:
Zach Parise leads this Wild like Captain does but it’s that enough? The Wild have lost the last three games and the Dallas Stars are getting really close to them. Ilya Bryzgalov was dealt to Minnesota on trade deadline and Mike Yeo really hopes he can spark this team. Jason Pominville, Zach Parise, Mikael Granlund and Mikko Koivu are their most skilled offensive players but they have good young players also in the roster. D Jonas Brodin is playing his second season with the Wild but he looks like a veteran player. He skates well and can really shoot the puck (8+9). Minnesota has had a tough time playing on the road (12-15-5) and they have to fix that problem soon if they want to make it to the playoffs. The Wild will play 7 out of their last 16 games on the road including four game road trip.
NYR:
After a good effort on Sunday against the Red Wings, the Rangers probably played their worst game of the season against the Hurricanes. Three defensive collapses led to three goals by Carolina and the Canes ended the Rangers 10 game winning streak against them. Mats Zuccarello was once again the Rangers best player and he was credited with an assist to the Blueshirts only goal which was scored by D Kevin Klein. 30-year-old Klein who was traded to New York in exchange for Michael Del Zotto got his 1 point as a Ranger in his 14th game with the team.
Coach Alain Vigneault was disappointed with the Rangers offense, especially his star players. AV wants to wake up his team and gave Talbot a start tonight. As we have seen earlier this season, this team usually responds very well when Talbot is in the net. The Rangers practiced in Carolina yesterday and Raphael Diaz skated with the team. It’s uncertain if he makes his NYR debut tonight but there’s a good chance for that.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 60; The boys are back in town! #NYR host the Blackhawks!
Chicago Blackhawks (35-11-14) @ New York Rangers (32-24-3)
After long Olympic break, the Rangers are finally back in the business tonight when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden. Rick Nash came home with the Olympic Gold, Henrik Lundqvist and Carl Hagelin with the silver medals. Ryan Callahan, Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan finished 4th with the Team USA. The Blackhawks visit New York tonight before they will host the Penguins in the Stadium Series game at Soldier Field on Saturday. With NHL Trade deadline still week away, the rumors are getting crazier every day. Callahan for St. Louis? Girardi to Anaheim? For now these are just rumors but next week we will know for sure who stays in NYC and who will be gone. After tonight’s game, the Rangers will head to Philadelphia where they will meet the Flyers on Saturday afternoon.
CHI:
Jonathan Toews has proven himself as a winner at the age of 25. He’s two time Olympic Gold medallist, World Champion, two time World Junior Champion and he has won two Stanley Cups. It’s almost like everything he touches, turns into the gold. Patrick Kane didn’t have that great tournament and he’s definitely happy to be back with the Blackhawks. The Hawks are eager to get two points from the Garden but the even bigger game is ahead of them. As the part of NHL’s Stadium Series, the Blackhawks will host the Penguins in Soldier Field. Corey Crawford will get a start tonight in NYC.
NYR:
It feels good to say; it’s New York Rangers gameday! 23 games left in the regular season and final phase of the season starts tonight in the Garden. Cam Talbot will get a start tonight as Henrik Lundqvist is resting from his Olympic trip. Hank will play against the Flyers on Saturday but it’s still uncertain who will get a start against the Bruins on Sunday. Mats Zuccarello is out (3 weeks) due broken finger, Derek Dorsett is skating but he will be the healthy scratch tonight. JT Miller is in the line-up but Marc Staal is game time decision (back spams). The Rangers played well before the break, now they wanna continue that trend in these upcoming games.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
Game 56; Battle of New York – Part 5
New York Islanders (21-27-8) @ New York Rangers (29-23-3)
The Rangers are back in the business tonight as they host the New York Islanders – this time indoors at Madison Square Garden. These teams have already met twice during the last week and tonight they will close out the season series. The Rangers won the first at Long Island, then the Islanders beat the Rangers twice in MSG and as we all know the Rangers were able to get the two valuable points against the Isles this Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. The Rangers swept the Stadium Series and tonight they’re looking for third consecutive victory. The Isles find themselves in 4 game losing streak and 8 points out of the playoffs spot. After tonight’s game, the Rangers will host the Colorado Avalanche at MSG on Tuesday night.
NYI:
Started from the bottom – well they’re still at the bottom of Metropolitan Division. Wednesday’s Stadium Series game against the Rangers was Islanders season in nutshell. They controlled the first period, were good in the second but failed to capitalize in the third period. Thirds periods have been nightmares for Islanders this season. They have given up 56 goals in the third periods with just 46 goals scored. John Tavares has been their best player throughout the season but he just has too much to carry on his shoulders. Playing full 60 minutes is the biggest challenge for the Islanders.
NYR:
Mike Rupp in 2012 Winter Classic, Dominic Moore in Sunday’s game against the Devils and Daniel Carcillo against the Islanders on Wednesday. Unsung heros in outdoor games. 4th liners will usually step up when you really need them, in the playoffs or this time in outdoor games. Carcillo, who had just 1 goal with the Kings this season, has played very well with Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore in the Rangers 4th line. Other line which is playing well is line with Pouliot, Brassard and Zuccarello. Pouliot, who was completely lost earlies this season, has found his game and he’s scoring big time goals.
Tonight (with their Stadium Series jerseys on) the Rangers will have another chance to beat the Islanders and get two points. The Blueshirts will play three more games after tonight’s game before the Olympic break. 7 Rangers will play in Sochi but most of the players will have a few weeks off before the Rangers are back in the action on 27th of February.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Follow me on Twitter; @VilleLampinen
True Blue I Am a Ranger 