First and foremost, here was my reaction to that save by Henrik:
Anyways, I really liked what I saw in that period. It was the commitment to defense, and all 5 players playing all 3 zones. THAT is what I want to start seeing on a consistent basis. Even Jaromir, who I was furious at during the last game, came back strong to help out the forwards. It was a good period for the Rangers who played 30% of the period shorthanded. The 2 penalties that they took were polar opposites. The double minor on Jagr was totally accidental, and its a penalty I have no problem whatsoever killing. The penalty on Mara was horrendous. I mean, what the hell was he doing out there? It was like he knew he could get the puck, but was going to take a hit, so instead he slows up, says, HEY REF, LOOK HERE! then takes the most blatant holding penalty ive probably ever seen. Crap like that ticks me off. I’d bench him if Pock and Strudwick weren’t so damn terrible (so far this year).
The best player, by far and away in that period was Henrik Lundqvist. He made one of the most amazing saves youll ever see. It was a jaw dropper for sure. If you missed it, make sure you check the highlight reels, because that one is going to be all over it. The second best player in the period was Marc Staal. The kid is quickly becoming a solid dependable NHL defenseman….and even more, hes turning into a star defenseman right before our eyes. Good god the kid has a great head between his shoulders. Did you see the wicked hit he took? That impressed the heck out of me, because you know he realized he was going to get demolished, and he still made a picture perfect outlet pass and absorbed the hit. That is what star defenseman do, make the perfect plays under duress.
This was a solid period, I think we’ll see an even hungrier Rangers team build on this even more during the 2nd and 3rd.
