Rangers Vanquish Vancouver 5-1 in a “Tale Of Two Millers”

It was the best of Millers, it was the worst of Millers…

The Best: The Ranger’s J. T. Miller has had his season and career rise from the ashes as the young forward has been yanked from the AHL and landed right into Chris Krieder’s spot on the Rangers 2^nd line.  And for the 2^nd consecutive game – Miller delivered with a goal on a single shot, 3 hits and a plus one on the night.       

The Worst: Ryan Miller, Canuck’s goalie and Ranger hater was just blitzed, giving up 3 goals on his first 4 shots.  But to be fair, the former US Olympic hero had no chance on most of those.

Out Coached:  Alain Vigneault had spotted the Canucks tendency to cheat their defensemen forward – and had his men ready.  Over and over again in the first period – the Blueshirts caught Vancouver pinching in, pounced on them, forced odd man rushes and cashed in.

It was a three goal barrage in the first.  The Captain scored first – finishing a 3 on 1 with a easy tap in off a perfect pass by Jesper Fast.  43 seconds later came JT’s goal and at 3:19 of the first it was already 2-0 Rangers

Brassard and Nash found Mats Zuccarello three minutes later and the rout was on.

In the 2^nd Marc Staal scored through traffic and then little Mats Z got his 2^nd of the night (6^th of the year) (it was 2 goals on 2 shots!) and it was 5-0.  Vancouver broke up the shut out off a Ranger defensive zone turnover when Nick Bonino beat Hank high on the glove side (just like they’re all taught to shoot an Hank).

But a great road win for our heroes who showed energy and jump and no sluggishness after a long layoff and big trip out west. 

Did Special teams decide this game?  No.  Just one penalty all night, a McDonagh trip in the third that the Rangers killed off. 

Where we Stand:  The Ovechkins won again so we are three points out third place and the final playoff spot in the Metro.  But we hold two games at hand so if we can keep winning….

Now What?  The team travels on to Edmonton to play an Oiler team that beat the Rangers 3-1 on November 7^th but have only won once since.  I’m sure both teams remember that.  Dave Pucks Out and thanks for reading.