Want to know why we won this game? Sure, you could say it was Jaromir Jagr and Scotty Gomez flat out dominating almost every single time they stepped onto the ice together. You could also say it was because of some superb penalty killing. But to me the biggest reason we won this game was the play of our centermen. Scotty Gomez played great (as he has been for the bulk of this year…..but he is still NOT a $7M+/Year player), Chris Drury did all the little things…and a couple of big things. Brandon Dubinsky, playing rightfully on the 3rd line, used his size to create some space, time and scoring chances for his linemates, and Blair Betts continues to be the best penalty killing forward in the NHL.

That is it folks, the pivots ruled the day. One of our biggest problems this year has been our centers all not playing well at the same time, particularly Drury and Dubinsky (at the same time). It’s that whole “pulling it all together” argument that the patience spewing crowd has been clamoring for. Get everyone on the same page, and go go go. The Canes also didn’t play their best game, let’s face it, for the most part they were way more passive than I am used to seeing them, but we played well, so let’s (for once) not take anything away from us.

Building on an impressive showing against the Sens was a must for the good guys, and they did just that. So rejoice, all is well. Even Marc Staal, who had just a putrid first period, rebounded in style assisting on a goal, and playing well (more or less) the rest of the way. Sean Avery continued to bring this team what it sorely lacks, attitude, and Henrik made a mind blowing save when it really mattered.

Just repeat this game for the rest of the season, sans Staal turnovers, and you’ve got a legitimate Stanley Cup contending team.

The problem with this team though has been consistency. Let’s see how we play against the Leafs.

Rangers Review | Comments Off

The hit was clean.

Let’s just get that out of the way. Cullen had the puck, had his head down, and got clocked. Orr’s hand hit Cullen’s shoulder, and Cullen’s head whipped into Orr’s head. Why on earth Colton gets a major, and a misconduct is beyond me. Just ridiculous reffing that absolutely killed the Rangers. Killing a penalty for 5 minutes wears you out, especially the way the Rangers were playing, then having to kill another penalty shortly thereafter is just a bit much to ask. I blame the refs for making a knee jerk call because a player got injured. Big guy smashes small guy, doesnt always mean a penalty.

Ri-freaking-diculous.

Rangers Review | Comments Off

Rangers played a strong, nearly brilliant period. They controlled the puck, they played physical, they drew penalties, they played strong in their own end. One might say it was a perfect period, with the exception of 1 player. Marc Staal really stood out (to me) as having just a putrid period. At least 2 horrible, horrible, Malikesque turnovers by the kid, and a few flubs of the puck as well. It was a forgettable period for the young phenom, but it is one of those things we have to deal with.

He’s a kid, playing top pairing minutes, eventually stuff like this will happen.

Other than that, I felt the Rangers really built on the great game against the Senators with a strong opening period against the high octane Canes. Just keep playing like this….sans Staal….and we should be good to go.

Rangers Review | Comments Off