N.Y. Rangers: Game Three - Blueshirts Need To Protect Their House

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Series Tied 1-1

I - NYR 3; PITT 2*

II - PITT 3; NYR 0

III - MONDAY NIGHT
*OT

GAME THREE
Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
New York Rangers
FROM

NEW YORK RANGERS: Did You Think The Penguins Were Just Going To Lay Down? Capitalize On Game One,  And Win At Home.

Sunday night, in the absence of scoring from Benoit Pouliot, Derick Brassard, Dominic Moore, Mats Zuccarello, Dan Carcillo, Carl Hagelin, Brian Boyle, etc., etc., the Rangers were shut out by Pittsburgh's Marc Andre Fleury.

The Rangers were held to single-digit shots in the first and last periods of Game Two, and were limited to 22 SOG overall.  Reason being, the Penguins played perhaps their best game of the entire season.  That happens.

Here's what's not happening.

In my best Winston Churchill impersonation, it brings me no joy in reporting the shot count is now up to 37 (which leads the Rangers) and still no goal for Rick Nash in 9 playoff games.  His supporters claim he is being careful of taking care of the little things, and skating well.  That's fine, but I would suggest the little things should be left to the aforementioned players.  I would also point out, he has only registered 4 assists. Clearly, much bigger things are needed from Nash.

Here's what else isn't happening...

But Sidney Crosby hasn't scored either!  The Rangers do not pay Sidney Crosby, nor does he wear a Blueshirt.  The princess is Pittsburgh's problem.

And another thing.....

The power play is now 0 for its last 29 attempts.  The last PP goal came in Game Two versus the Flyers. The Rangers are now 3 for 41 (.07%) in the playoffs.

In truth, Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers played well Sunday.  However, I was concerned how Jussi Jokinen blew by Anton Stralman on goal one.  Heading into the series, I said,

I anticipate Ryan McDonagh having a better series, but I'm concerned with Anton Stralman's and Kevin Klein's ability to keep up with Pittsburgh's forwards.  I think the last thing the Rangers want is for Pittsburgh to start skating around and gaining flow - yes, what Coach Vigneault likes to do.  But, Coach might want to also consider grinding on the Penguins, in an effort to slow them down.  That should also involve keeping Dan Carcillo and his physicality on a steady shift.

Dan Carcillo - another 11 minutes and 20 shifts at even strength.  That's fair.

On Pittsburgh's second goal, Kris Letang just got the (rebound) better of an unsuspecting Marc Staal.

That happens.



Mike.BTB