Well, if you want to look at things objectively you really have to look at it this way.? For 2 out of the 3 periods played today, the Coyotes, one of the worst teams in the league, played the Rangers to a draw.? Of course the fact that the Rangers outscored the ‘Yotes by 4 in the other period makes the outcome a bit more rosey.
Still though, the Rangers really dominated this game for the first 45-50 minutes of this game, but after that they really just appeared to be content with finishing off the game.? They went through the motions, and as such gave up 2 goals.? Another thing that bothered me though was the play of Rozsival.? Probably the only player you can actually say who had a bad game.? He was absolutely brutal in his defensive coverage on the ‘Yotes 3rd goal, not to mention his first period foibles with the puck leading to some momentum killing turnovers.? How this guy continues to play game in and game out with no accountability whatsoever is just a complete and utter mystery to me.? It is amazing the guy continues to be in Renneys good graces despite costing the Rangers 2 goals in his last 2 games, and who has yet to play a “solid” game all season.?
Getting back to the pros though, you have to be happy with the way the Rangers backchecked, and how they used the boards to get the puck out of their zone.? How they pressured the neutral zone, and how they were relentless with their puck pursuit.? It really was an awesome thing to watch, and I truly believe the Rangers offensive potential is definately up there with any team in the league…they just gotta figure out that pesky defensive thing out.
Henrik had an OK game.? I thought he could have had all 3 goals that were given up, but really it didnt matter.? They could have played with just a 3rd defenseman and it wouldnt have mattered, the Jets..err….Coyotes didnt get many quality scoring chances, and Henrik was in position to make those saves easily., BBBUUUTTTT his puck control was really bad in this one.? I think he might have made only? 2 or 3? 100% clean saves all night (no fumbling of the puck, no rebound, etc). That is a very bad sign for the Rangers.? Maybe it was just a fluke, who knows, maybe Henriks vision was clouded by the awful Phoenix feed…oh….I guess that just reaches us fans, not him… (What was up with the feed though, very dark and blurry).
But, a win is a win, and a 7 goal eruption is a steeping stone for sure.? Good way to start off the road trip, but there are things that can, and should be improved upon.
Rangers Review 3 Stars Of The Game:
1)Matt Cullen-A solid game by Cullen with relentless puck pursuit and using his speed to wreak havoc on this ice.
2)Jaromir Jagr-Would have been first star if not for a horrible giveaway.? Looking more like Jagr of last year.
3)Martin Straka-2 goals, an assist, strong backcheck, but did miss a glorious chance at a hat trick.? Great game though.
Final Score: Rangers 7, Coyotes 3
-Inferno