They weren’t going to win out the schedule folks. A loss was just bound to happen. The thing I am happy about, is they lost a game they could have easily won. They did play hard, they got plenty of chances, they were pretty strong in their zone (Backman…ugh), they pressured the puck in the neutral zone, they didnt try too many long passes, they skated hard, and they werent dumb out there.

I don’t ask for much more than that. Play hard, play smart, and if you lose because of a hot goalie, you can hold your head up high. At least thats how I feel.

Brendan Shanahan should have had a bunch of goals in this one. Prime scoring positions to unleash that wicked shot of his, and nothing to show. Not to mention Chris Drury who had the puck on his stick with under a minute to go in the slot. How many times does he not score there? Not too often.

Let’s just face it, Vokoun stood on his head. He was superb, making so many saves that were very difficult look ordinary, and still having the energy to make several stupendous saves to boot. He was good. Real good. As was Henrik, outside of one really soft goal. Still though, you do have to wonder how come when he trapped the puck a bit on that play he didn’t get the quick whistle, whereas Vokoun was helped with 2 hyper quick whistles in the middle of the crease scrambles. Im not using that as an excuse, just saying that it annoyed me is all.

On the positive side of things, Staal putting Horton to the ice was impressive. The kid can, and should do that a whole lot more than he currently does. Hes got an above average to way above average stick right now. Add in a more aggressive physical game, and you have your #1 defenseman we all know he can be.

After all is said and done, i blame you, the fans for this loss. How anyone could vote for A or B in tonights stupid band thing is beyond me. Its C, neither, or D give me trivia and turn this other stupid crap off. Someone tell me, when did watching athletes play video games become entertaining tv? Yuck

I would go right back out there with the same lineup tomorrow. Henrik, the entire team, everyone exactly the same. Even Backman (because we don’t have a better, healthy option).

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Despite the Rangers doing some great things in that period. Despite Henrik making several tremendous saves. That goal he gave up was……well…theres no other way to say it…..Yucky.

You have to stop wrist shots from the point that dont deflect that stay low to the ground. Henriks knees had a bit of separation and thats why the puck went in. Thats a mechanical screw up there by Henrik. Youre taught to cover the bottom of the ice on low wrist shots like that, and he did exactly that, except he left a gap….and pucks have a nasty way if finding those gaps. Henrik must be kicking himself after that one.

Still though…2-2 after 2 against a red hot Panthers team in their building with their power play? I’ll take it.

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With the exception of one Nigel Dawes play, the Rangers looked to have an excellent first period. Nigel was a little lackadaisical while covering his man on the Panthers goal, but other than that the Rangers were very smart and patient. They didn’t appear to try to do too much, and in the one case where they did, Girardi and Tyutin both raced back and made the defensive play.

Raise your hand if you were surprised that McCreary was reffing tonights game. Looks like he got the memo from the NHL, and seems to, so far, be calling a fairly good game. 1 penalty missed per side (hook on Jagr, and I believe it was either Callahan or Drury who was tripped early in the game), but as long as its equal, im ok with it.

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