N.Y. Rangers: Brad Richard Shown Bench In Third Period

From the desk of:   RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

 VALENTINE'S DAY HEART BREAKER

 

Thursday Night Final:

ISLANDERS   4

RANGERS       3

Shoot-Out

 

Home From The Game - First Reaction

 

 

 

NEW YORK RANGERS - Brian Boyle Plays A Good Game At Brad Richards' Expense.  Coach Torts Benches Richards In Third Period.  Kept Him Off Power Play Shift.

 

Aaron Asham and Eric Boulton Drop Gloves at 5:25 of First Period

 

 

LOOK WHAT JOHN TAVARES DID TO THE RANGERS.....AGAIN!

John Tavares didn't just tie the game in the second period, and win it for the Islanders when he put a puck behind Martin Biron in the shoot-out.  John Tavares and his line dominated the time they spent on the ice, and skated circles around the Rangers.  I should know.  I was at the game.  What's more, that was the second consecutive game he outplayed every Blueshirt skater.


In the context of a forty eight game schedule, Thursday night was a melt-down.  What else do you call a game in which the Rangers ended the first period up 2-0, then surrendered three straight goals before Carl Hagelin, who through pure effort, bailed them out with a rare power play goal, and a regulation tie?


I noticed Chris Krieder and Stu Bickel did not play.  But Brian Boyle was back on the ice for the first time in three games, and it came at Brad Richards' expense.  Coach Torts put a leash on his forward after a horrific attempt at a cross ice pass was intercepted at the defensive blue line.  On one hand, Brian Boyle was playing an exceptional game.  However, it was clear, Brad Richards had entered the in-game dog house.  This was right in line with Brad Richards' overall greater struggles this season.


Richards was benched for the first half of the third period.  He additionally was skipped over during a third period power play shift.  During the night, Brian Boyle skated with Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik instead.  Richards was reunited with Gaborik in overtime.


The Islanders win their first game in their last six tries.  The Rangers three game winning streak comes to an end.



Mike.BTB