Wanna know why people always say New York hockey fans are the most knowledgeable in the game? Well when 18,200 people all collectively shout “SHOOT THE PUCK” repeatedly, then you should have a pretty good idea why. Regardless the Rangers were so fortunate to get out of this with 2 points. Its frankly a testament to how well Henrik Lundqvist played in this one.

So how good has Henrik Lundqvist been? In his last 6 games (the game against St. Louis Valiquette played) the Rangers have scored a combined 15 goals. Thats only 2.5 goals per game ladies and germs, and he has gone 4-0-2 in those games. Frankly thats just amazing. Want to know what is frightening though? Since this calender year began Henrik Lundqvist has failed to win 7 games where he has given up 2 goals or less. Think on that for a minute. We’re talking a period of time that encompasses 28 games. So in 25% of that time Henrik has put up spectacular numbers AND LOST. IF the Rangers had managed to pick up 2 points in 5 of those games they would be sitting comfortably with 84 points and in 5th place (2 of those games the Rangers managed to pick up 1 point).

Lets take it a step further. Let’s consider games in which our goalie (Henrik, Weekes, or Valiquette) has given up 3 goals or less since Christmas. In that span which encompasses 32 games our goaltending has given up 3 goals or less in an amazing 27 games. During that span the Rangers are a shocking 16-12-4. Blame the offense, not the defense if we miss the playoffs.

Tough to stomach isnt it? Which is why I will take these 2 points and bank them. Although I usually have this “give the points back” mentality when we play poorly or stupidly, tonight I will make no such gesture. Rangers are again, as of now, in the playoffs. Ill definitely get the projections done tonight, sorry about last night folks. Also when I get some time I will try to write an asp script to automatically generate the projections, but I dont have the time to do it. If someone does have the time and would like to do it for me, give me a PM over at the HFBoards my screen name there is inferno272.

-Inferno

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Well, I could see that coming a mile away. As the game moves on, and as the Rangers continue to play the Hurricanes style of game the Hurricanes will continue to put more pressure on. Really its because of Lundqvist that we are even tied in this one. The Rangers arent slowing down the tempo, and arent controlling the puck in the offensive zone for any length of time. What you would ideally want is for the Rangers to hold on to the puck for 30 seconds or so, generating 1 or 2 shots, then force the Canes to dump and change. But whats happening is when the Rangers get a chance they are trying it off the rush. When you try off the rush and dont score (particularly if you shoot wide) the other team gets the puck, you have men trapped, and they have odd man rushes against. The only saving grace is the Rangers neutral zone play is VERY good today.

I dont expect the Rangers to even pick up a point (unless Henrik is stands on his head, or Grahame continues to flub pucks).

BTW, for the play in question, I think it was in, but not definitive. Hence, no goal. Good call.

-Inferno

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Sorry about the lack of projections last night, daylight savings time was something I forgot about so I had to hit the sack early. Getting to this game, the Rangers are in big time trouble. Yeah, I know what youre thinking. What the heck is going on in my head. The Rangers statistically played the Canes about even, and are leading 1-0. I should be happy, thrilled, etc. The truth is, I’m not. I saw a lot of worrisome things in that period, and it starts with this flawed mentality the Rangers can get sometimes. They think they can beat the other team at their own game. They are trying to out run ‘n gun a run ‘n gun team. It doesnt work that way. You dont try to trade chances with the Canes, Lightning, Sabers, Penguins, etc. You get them to play our style. Where we control the puck for long periods of time, limiting the rushes against. Cycle, and generate chances down low. If thats not there, throw it up high to set it all up again. Thats how we should be playing this game. Sadly we are electing to trade chances. Henriks keeping us in this one for the moment, but when you consider we played a tough game less than 24 hours ago, and the Canes didnt, that leads you to believe another 3rd period collapse is in store.

Lets hope in wrong.

-Inferno

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