N.Y. Rangers: It's Time To Crash The Net

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Penguins Lead Series 2-1

I - NYR 3; PITT 2

II - PITT 2; NYR 0

III - PITT 2; NYR 0

TONIGHT

Pittsburgh Penguins

vs.

New York Rangers

FROM

NEW YORK RANGERS: Rangers Turning Marc Andre Fleury Into Ken Dryden.

The Rangers took 35 SOG in Game Three against just 15 for Pittsburgh, yet were held scoreless for the second consecutive night.   If you had offered me 35 shots prior to the game, I would have taken them.  I was sure 30+ shots against Marc Andre Fleury was good for at least a pair.

So, now what?  Take better shots?  Take smarter shots?  Take even more shots?  Lie? Steal?  Cheat?

All the above?

The power play is additionally now 0 for its last 34 attempts, and 4 for 42 in the playoffs.  I have no idea what to say of that.  And, of Rick Nash failing to score after taking 47 SOG in 10 playoff games, well, I'm speechless.

Brad Richards remains the team's leading scorer with 3 goals and 4 assists.

On Pittsburgh's first goal, Marc Staal couldn't handle Sidney Crosby's burst of speed up the left side.  On Pittsburgh's second goal, Jussi Jokinen had the Rangers beat right out of the penalty box.

This all sounds so familiar.

All it takes is one misstep - one misstep and a Penguin will get by.  Just ask Anton Stralman and Marc Staal. I feared Pittsburgh's forwards would be too fast for some of our blue liners, Stralman and Klein in particular. Watching Staal get toasted however, was discouraging.  I argued with Hockey Buddy, and he believes Staal had no chance to defend Crosby.  I say the pass to Crosby came from the top of the rear circle and hit the princess when he and Staal were near even just beyond the red line.

Whatever.

It's time to CRASH the net.




Mike.BTB