Another Game, Another Nine Goals - Rangers win 6-3

The Post-Lundqvist Rangers rolled into Colorado to see how they would fare against the Avalanche.  (And why would a team name themselves after a natural disaster?  I mean, there are people walking around who have had loved ones lose their lives in avalanches.  What do those people think when they see this hockey teams name?)  (Editor – I think you’re getting off topic here.  Can you get back to the game?)  (Dave Pucks – sorry Ed, you’re right)

With Hank out a minimum of three weeks with a vascular issue, it’s all about Cam right now.  Vigneault has said that Talbot gives the rangers a chance to win every night.  But I think that also means he gives them a chance to lose….

The other sub-plot is the absence of the St. Louis – Stepan – Kreider line from the scorer’s sheet.  It’s been more than a month since Marty St. Louis netted a puck and this line - with our top center – seems to be doing nothing these days.  It’s been Hayes’ line (with J.T. Miller and Hagelin that has risen up to take their place as the Rangers  2^nd best line.  Thank goodness for that or the Rangers would be in deep trouble.

Last night was another nine goal special.  The Rangers led 1-0 after one, 3-1 after two and then – the third period.  Colorado fought back to tie and then the Rangers exploded for three more goals and a 6-3 win.

Tonight the Rangers scored first.  At 16:30 of the first period the Rangers caught Colorado napping on a line change and attacked.  Hayes got the puck to Dan Boyle who was streaking towards the net.  Varlamov has been a thorn in the Ranger’s side for years – but Dan Boyle just deked and deked again and make the Colorado Goaltender look foolish.  (Editor – would you say Boyle made a monkey out of Semyon – which c sounds a little like simian?)  (Dave Pucks – no, sir, I would not).  Anyway – the Rangers lead 1-0 after one.

In the second it was Hayes unassisted who took the puck end to end in an impressive display for the rookie.  And then another goal the resurgent Mats Zuccarello with assists by Nash and Brassard.

On to the third where the Rangers lost their way and their lead before getting it all back.  I’ll skip the bad news – but the Hayes line scored again – this time by Hagelin.  And then – Rick Nash – falling down did the hockey equivalent of a hook shot to make it 5-3.  Add an empty netter by McDonagh and you have your 6-3 final.

Talbot was almost at 0.900 but not quite (0.897).    Rangers now 32-16-5, still in third but now 10 points above the 9^th place team.  They’ll play Arizona on Saturday.