No Fun Being The Over-Dog - Rangers fall 4-3 to Devils in Shoot Out.

So this is how it feels.

For countless years, Ranger fans remember this situation from the other side.

Because for years it was the Devils at the top of the league and the Rangers as the aspiring challengers.

And we remember how it felt. How excited we would get to play the top team. How pumped we would be when the game was competitive. And how psyched and happy we were to pull out a come-from-behind win,

But last night the tables were turned.

And I know it's just one game - a regualr season game at that. And I know we used Biron instead of Lundqvist. And I know we still got a point.

But it still hurts to watch the Devils jumping and hugging

When Kovalchuk scored with 4:35 left in regulation the Rangers were looking at at 2-2 tie. But just 36 sceonds later it was Del Zotto who out the Rangers back up 3-2.

And it would have - could have - should have ended right there except for a crazy bounce off the boards in the game's 60th minute. Andy Green's dump along the boards took a magic bullet bounce directly on the stick of Clarkson - alone in front of Biron. Clarkson ties the game with 48 seconds left.

From there - OT - an a shootout - where the unreal Kovalchuk made it an amazing 8 goals in 9 shoot out attempts.

Ranger goals for Stalman (!), Boyle, and Delzy. Two assists each for Gabby and Hags, and one each for Bickel and Prust.

Marty Biron stopped 26 of 29 shots, slightly outdoing Marty Brodeur's 23 of 26.

So in the first half of the season the Rangers have made it to the top of the mountain. But can we stay there? And, in fact - should we stay there? The top point winner doesn't traditionally win the cup. If anything it's detrimental.

Anyway - back on the horse tonight as we face Buffalo up north. Let's go Rangers.



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