Rangers Try to Ride Momentum into Game 2

Saturday afternoon marked a typical Rangers win, but in April, the wins count for much more. The blueshirts 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals gave them a 1-0 series lead in the the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and set the tone for Monday's game 2 tilt. Despite only getting 14 shots on net, the Rangers capitilized when it counted, largely in part to veteran leadership, as well as the newest star on Broadway. Through the first round of the playoffs, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby virtually shut down the defending champion Boston Bruins, and carried the Caps into round 2. Yet, the rookie/late season fill-in was anything but remarkable on saturday. It has been said that he possibly could not find a rhythm, since he only faced 14 shots, but Holtby seemed shaky during the Rangers hot start. The blueshirts came out of the gates with their best start of the playoffs, but Washington took a page out of the Rangers books, and blocked a ton of shots. It was an Artem Anisimov wraparound in the 2nd period that give the Rangers a lead. Only to be erased with four seconds left in the 2nd by a great saucer pass from Brooks Laich to Jason Chimera that notched the game at one. Though things could have gotten much worse for the Rangers if it was not for the great job on the penalty kill by veteran Ruslan Fedotokeno. Fedotenko, a two-time Stanley Cup Winner, made three game changing plays during a 5-3 penalty, that kept the Rangers in the lead, and the Garden Crowd to their feet. The tension in the garden finally erupted seven minutes into the third, when rookie Chris Kreider bursted through the neutral zone and fired a rocket slapshot past Holtby. Kreider, six games into his NHL career, and two weeks removed from an NCAA National Championship, scored his second goal of the playoffs, and took New York City by storm. Kreider could possibily go on to be the "x-factor" in this series, as coach John Tortorella said he is the fastest player on the ice. Ninety seconds after Kreider's goal, it was the young gun making a play again, only this time with a strong pass along the boards to Brad Richards, who patiently skated in and scored between Holtby's pads. "Broadway" Brad proved once again why he was worth all the money the Rangers spent on him during free agency, as the former Conn Symthe winner is a playoff tested winner. The Rangers will need to come out with the same intenity again on Monday night, especially if they want to take a 2-0 advantage into Washington, something they could not do againt Ottawa. They must improve on their offense though, as 14 shots will not cut it in the NHL playoffs.

Boyle and Dubinsky - slideshow with music

Here is a clip of the Chris Neil hit on Brian Boyle that gave him a concussion.

What It All Comes Down To: Game 7

Game 7 is the highlight of any playoff, it is the end, win or go home as they say. Thursday night marks a crucial game seven matchup between the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers were already down 3-2 in the series, but won Game 6 on Monday night in Ottawa, after trailing a goal for half the game. The return of Carl Hagelin to the lineup, and the solid play by rookie Chris Kreider made a difference for the blueshirts, who are looking to advance to the second round for the first time in four seasons. The Rangers will have to do it without arguably their best skater of the series, Brian Boyle, who is still suffering from a concussion caused by a hit to the head from Chris Neil on Saturday night. Captain Ryan Callahan is also a little banged up, as he is not skating today after taking a puck to his hand Monday. He stayed in the game, but there was some swelling, and I’m sure it is nothing to worry about as Callahan would not miss a game 7. Of course game 6 with some controversy, with a questionable goal call reviewed and judged good at the end. Postgame comments from Rangers goalie Henrik Lundvqist expressed outrage with the officials and the league for allowing it to happen. Yet, Hank wasn’t the only one who disagreed with the call, as almost every hockey commentator and analysts also said that it was a terrible call that was blatantly wrong. Today, Lundqvist was nominated for his fourth Vezina Trophy, for the NHL’s best goaltender. Lundqvist will have to be on his game Thursday night with a series on the line, but many will agree that he is the last person to question competitiveness. On the other hand, the Senators seemed to be completely frustrated on Monday night, evident by Captain Daniel Alfredsson breaking his stick over the bench in anger. Though the officiating was atrocious, it was equal for both teams; the Rangers just capitalized at the right time and came out on top. Look for the Rangers fans to be loud on Thursday night, and create an intimidating atmosphere for the Senators. Momentum is on the Rangers side, as well as confidence; if they continue to play strong defense and Henrik Lundqvist continues to excel between the pipes, I think the Rangers should pull game 7 out. Although, scoring has been their problem during the series, but Monday night might have been the touch to bring them out of their funk, and create a little confidence. Either way, should be an entertaining game, always exciting in the garden.

Do or Die: Rangers must win Monday night

After a dissappointing effort on saturday night, the Rangers find themselves on the brink of elimination in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Since the top seeded rangers gained a 2-1 series lead last monday, they have fallen apart and have been unable to score against Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson. Anderson, who is an average goaltender at best, made 41 saves saturday night to defeat the Rangers. Though Anderson shutout the blueshirts, he was never tested throughout the game. The Rangers get their rookie winger Carl Hagelin back in the lineup monday night, after serving his questionable three game suspension. Coach John Tortorella has also said that rookie Chris Kreider will also recieve more minutes. The big question is who will replace Brian Boyle, who apparently suffered a concussion saturday night, and will probably miss the game 6 tilt. The Rangers lost more than 2 consecutive games only twice this season, one of which was the first three games of the season. They have arguably been the best team in the league when responding to adversity, and tomorrow provides no greater chance. It will certaintly be a do or die matchup, but I expect the Rangers to follow in the Boston Bruins footsteps, as the Bruins won sunday on the road to force a game 7. With Richards and Gaborik reunited with Carl Hagelin, the top line will spark and the Rangers will rally around their teammates to force Game 7 back at MSG on thursday.

Carl Hagelin Suspended 3 games

http://nyc.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d1/d0/dA/dJ/d5/10AJ5_3.MP3 Here is the 22 minute interview with Brendan Shannhan.

Here is an interview this morning on the WFAN Boomer and Carton show with Brendan Shannahan. Shannhan is the NHL executuve who provides the discipline hearings for possible suspensions and fines. Rangers rookie Hagelin was suspended 3 games for a hit to the head saturday night on Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredson. The hit was not malicious, nor is Hagelin a repeat offender. Many NHL and Rangers fans have legitimate gripes with the ruling, considering there is no consistency amongst the suspensions for different players. Alfredson could be in the lineup tonight for the Senators, which would make the suspension look even worse, as it seems the NHL levy's their suspensions based on how hurt the player is, which is wrong. That being said, tonight will be a hard hitting chippy game, and nobody would be surprised if the bad blood carries over from saturday. This is has been a tough fought playoffs within the first week, across the entire NHL.