Ok, so we lost. You know what? I really don’t care. Well, thats not true, I care, but what I am looking for in the early going are signs of chemistry. And really, we didn’t show much. We played the defending Eastern Conference Champs, who put on an absolute clinic on how to play the trap, and only gave up 2 goals, neither of which I consider “legit” goals. To be shutout looks bad, but I think we saw a lot of positives in this game.
The 1 thing that bothered me in this game, is the sheer amount of times the Rangers tried to break through the trap by going 1 on 4 or 1 on 3, rather than using their teammates or dumping and chasing. Other than that, I really don’t have that many complaints. The 2 goals against were definitely a product of a lack of chemistry, and some questionable work ethic by the first power play unit (i highly doubt that will be a prevailing factor here on out). Oh yeah, Jason Strudwick SUCKS, and should never suit up for the Rangers ever again.
The positives I have already discussed, but in case you missed my in-game entries, I’ll repeat em. Henrik Lundqvist was flat out dominating. The term “scary good” seems, at this point, a ridiculous understatement. Without Henrik, we probably are talking about how Heatley had a 5 goal game. Instead, he was held off the goal sheet. Great goaltending wins big games, and we’ve got one of the best goalies in the league. And the pairing of Girardi and Tyutin were great out there. Really strong away from the puck, assertive with their bodies, and gave the opposition nothing. When they made a poor play, or got beat, the other defenseman immediately picked up the other. They looked really mature and smart out there, and you all know how much I preach playing smart hockey.
Let’s face it folks, three of the worst players on the ice for the Rangers today were Drury, Gomez, and Straka. What are the odds that will happen a whole lot this year?
Dont freak out, we’ll be fine.
UPDATE
As you can probably tell….assuming you’ve been here before, I got bored with the layout and changed things up. Hope you guys like it.
-Inferno
