This seemed impossible just a few weeks ago, but your New York Rangers have only one regulation loss in their last ten games, beat Boston yesterday for the third time this season, and have climbed all the way to 6th place in the NHL Eastern Conference.
We predicted a 3-2 win – and again – the Rangers did us one better – winning 3-1 in regulation.
The thing is, we got three goals. And when you get three for Henrik and when you play some real defense for him and when you give him a backup goalie who can give him a night off – he's really tough to beat. So, yes, he late in a late goal – but it was the only goal he let in and the Rangers won easily.
This is why were were clamoring
(Editor – he means asking loudly) for Chad to get a start. Because it helps The King get a little bit of rest and come back stronger.
Anyway – here are the details:
The Goalies: Boston's Thomas didn't play badly. He made 31 saves and had a .912 save percentage. That is plenty good enough to win many nights in the NHL. But it's not enough to beat Hank – when Lundqvist is on his game. The King stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced, for a .967 save percentage. And so, Lundqvist won the game for us.
Special Teams: We could not convert on 4 PowerPlays – but our Penalty kill was perfect in two attempts.
The New Veteran Rangers: Marian Gaborik had an assist. And Christensen – the guy that was put on waivers and was almost out of hockey – has been consistently contributing on our top line. He was +2 on the night with a goal and an assist.
The Kid Rangers: Del Zotto came back to the party with a pretty goal, skating with the puck all the way to thr crease before beating Thomas down low.
The Returning Rangers: Dubinsky had a hand in all three Rangers tallies - with a goal and two assists. And Dan Girardi had an assist as well. Drury won 59% of his faceoffs – best on the team.
Defense on Offense: One goal, one assist. A good days work.
In Conclusion: Things are looking up in Ranger land. That little bit of hope I started having a few short days ago is starting to grow.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Next Up: A couple of days off – and then the Devils come to the Garden on Tuesday night. This will be the best team we've played in a while – and should be a good indicator of how much we've really improved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Where We Stand: Incredibly – we continue to climb the ladder. We've now have sole possession of 6th place in the eastern conference with 50 points. Ottawa and Montreal trail us with 48 points, and Boston, who we have beaten three time this year, remains 1 point ahead of us in 5th.
They looked very good. Hank's stop on the penalty shot really set the tone for the day. Too bad about the late goal but I thought that Gaborik got to the puck before Chara on the icing that lead to the faceoff in our end that the goal came off. Great goal by DZ.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike: Yes - I should have mentioned the penalty shot. And they really seem to have Boston's number this year. Thanks for the comment.
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