Blackhawks deal Rangers rare home loss 1-0

Huh?  We lost?  Shutout by Scott Darling?  It was our first loss at home since January and our 2nd regulation loss overall in 19 games.  

And damn it - we almost won.  Boyle slammed a 3 on 2 opportunity off the cross bar and the rebound started a Chicago rush that ended with a lucky bounce to ex-ranger Brad Richards who made a big time patient play to beat Cam Talbot for the game winner.  Chicago downed us 1-0.  We actually scored in this game - but the refs blew a fast whistle and the goal was waved off.  

Still - for an 8th straight game the Rangers let up one goal or less - an all time Ranger record.  Lundqvist never did this.  Giacomin never did this.  Davidson and Vanbiesbrouck neither (Gump Worsley?) .  It is Cam (and Skapski) who have put together this remarkable streak.  

Tough loss.  

What Did We Learn?  We learned once again that winning the faceoff battle (which we did 37-26) is – at least for this team this year – a meaningless stat)

Uh, A Little Help?  Nope.  Shut out – so no assists.

Did Special Teams Determine The Outcome Of This Game?  We were 0 for 2 and our PK was 2-2.  But one goal would have meant everything.

Where Do We Stand?  Still number 1 in the league.  Three other teams have 95 points – but we’ve played less games.

Oh My - What Will Happen Next?  Rest and practice.  Then to Carolina on Saturday 

Non-Sequitur of the day:  Someone send me a bracket.