Rangers stand tall as 'Slanders fall – that makes 7 in a row!

Here's Dave Puck's initial piece of analysis: Wow!

Seven. Wins. In a row.  (Are you sure this is the NY Rangers were talking about?)

Your New York Hockey Rangers are flying right now, defeating their long time rivals the 'Slanders by the score of 4-2 (Editor – no one knows what that means) (Pucks: everyone knows that I mean the New York Islanders) – and gaining some revenge for a defeat in Nassau on October 15^th.


The Gas Line: Gabs, Anisimov and Steps, played really well – again – generating 9 shots including some great chances - but could not find the net. Still – they occupied the Islanders top defensive duo setting things up for the other lines to roll

The Richards Line: Yours truly was massively disappointed when John Mad Scientist Tortorella quickly moved Richards off the Avery line and back between Callahan and Dubinsky – especially after letting Aves and Brad practice together for 2 days. But the move sure worked. Richards: +3 and the game winning goal – breaking a 2-2 tie late in the third period. This is exactly why we brought him here and the move is looking brilliant (Can you believe how good Sather looks on this? I can't believe I just typed that). Callahan had the empty netter and an assist. And Dubinsky added an assist (he waited 15 games to notch his first goal – and he'll have to wait at least one more game for his second).

The Avery Line: I would have loved to have seen Seanny have some real ice time with Richards – but it was not to be – as Torts put Boyle with him and Feds for most of the contest. But no matter – Avery took another huge step forward in rehabilitating his season (and let's face it – his Ranger future) with another huge goal – snapping the 0-0 tie for the 2^nd straight night with a 19 foot wrister – off his own rebound. Sean had a plus 1, 2 shots, 2 hits, a fight, and 7 penalty minutes in 11:57 minutes of ice time– the first of which was off an absurd call by the officials (the good news here is that John Tortorella sided with Aves on this one). Boyle had the assist on Avery's goal and 4 hits, and Fedotenko added a hit of his own.

4th line: one hit each for Prust and Christensen.

Man Up – Our powerplay is this season's most notable failure. The Rangers again failed to score on the Power-play – missing on some 5 on 3 time no less – and yielded a Power-play goal against while shorthanded. We're not complaining during a 7 game win streak – but if the Blueshirts ever start delivering when up a man – watch out!

Blue Line Blueshirts: make no mistake – this defense is winning these games for us. Another night of 2 goals or less. A big goal and a plus 2 night for Eminger. 27+ minutes for All Star Girardi. An assist for McDonagh and Sauer, and a plus 2 night for Woywitka. 4 blocked shots for Del Zotto

Crease Monkeys: The defense is helping him – but when called upon Lundqvist continues to make the very special save – keeping the Rangers afloat when they have lapses in the defensive zone. 31 saves, and a .939 save percentage – Hank could easily be the star of the game. Again.

Next Up: It's a too-long 3 days off and then a Saturday night contest in Montreal.

In conclusion: We're undefeated in November and undefeated with Sean Avery. And we beat a cross-town rival that always plays us tough.  I don't want to even peek at the standings this early on (but we're just 2 points behind the Penguins with 2 games at hand). There's still plenty to work on (and a few days to do just that) but you can't argue with results. John Tortorella has coached his club to 10-3-3. We'll take it.