Through 4 games this year, the Rangers have picked up 4 points. Through 4 games last year the Rangers picked up 4 points. Then why am I so ecstatic so far this year, and was a tad bit nervous (at least moreso that I have been at any point this year) last year?
Here are the Goals Allowed through the first 4 games this year:
2 - 2 - 2 - 1
Here were the Goals Allowed through the first 4 games last year:
2 - 4 - 4 - 6
Thats 7 VS 16. More than half as many goals. And that has more to do with the system, than the goaltending, although Henrik has been brilliant so far this year, and was not nearly as strong at the start of last year.
This is why most pundits, including myself (though im more of a pun, than a dit) feel the Rangers will be a true force this year. Not the offense, but the defense and goaltending. When you can get your entire team to buy into a defensive system, with the kind of offensive balance that this team has, you will be a tough team to play every time you are out there on the ice. Not to mention that tonight, Henrik didn’t even have to be all that great. Most of the shots were from the outside, with the crease being cleared almost immediately. Yes there was a post, and a good clear by Girardi, but those chances were few and far between, which is encouraging when you consider that team has several deadly forwards.
However it is not all hugs and puppies, Marek Malik was flat out brutal out there tonight, and Mara, though he improved as the play went on, wasn’t that much better himself. The tandem of Girardi and Tyutin have not only cemented themselves as our best duo, but are showing themselves to be nearly allstar caliber at such a young age. Very encouraging if you are a Ranger fan, especially when you consider that Sauer, Sauer and Sanguinetti all should be better than this tandem. Can you imagine a team so good that the 3rd pair is as good as any teams first pair?
Ok, ill let you chew on that for a while. In the mean time, enjoy some sweet caroline:
