N.Y. Rangers: In the Middle of Nowhere

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

And so ends the 90th season of 

New York Rangers Hockey

I was certain getting through the Montreal Canadiens would be the hardest part about returning to the Eastern Conference finals.  Despite all my reservations, and to my great surprise, the Rangers wound up impressing me with the manner in which they prevailed against the Habs physicality and won the series in six rowdy games.

In pondering the Rangers next opponent, my preference was to play the Boston Bruins because (like Montreal) at least I knew what to expect from them, and also knew they were a compromised team on defense.

Conversely, I really had no idea what to expect from Ottawa (not that they're an unfamiliar team or foe).  However, knowing the Rangers enjoyed little success against the Sens during the regular season, I was nevertheless sure that a somewhat less formidable opponent lay ahead for the Rangers in Round Two.

And therein lies the rub ... doesn't it?

An age old cardinal mistake ... I know.  But I think we fans all feel the same way: the Rangers should have won that series hands down.

But opponents gets paid to compete and win as well.  So before delving into the Rangers failures, I'll render Ottawa their due respect first.

The Senators are indeed an exceptional counter-punching team.  I heard that term used in describing their style on radio prior to Game One, and they confirmed it by eliminating the favored New York Rangers.

• The Sens tied the Rangers at a goal apiece in the second period of Game One, then won on Erik Karlsson's late third period goal.

• Losing 4-2 through two periods in Game Two, Ottawa eventually tied the game at five in the third period, then won in overtime.

• After convincing Rangers victories in games Three and Four at New York, the Sens returned home where they overcame 0-2 and 3-4 deficits to win Game Five 6-5 in overtime.

Just as they knocked off Boston in six, the Sens did not allow the Rangers to linger, eliminating them with haste in Game Six at Madison Square Garden.  Said another way, their trip to the Eastern Conference finals is well earned.

Ottawa captain Erik Karlsson, while playing with a fractured foot, was the best skater throughout the series.  In fact, he has scored points in all eight of the Senators playoff victories (two rounds) to date.

Lastly, Craig Anderson was no doubt solid in net, and made some nifty saves.  Overall, however, he was not besieged to the extent Henrik Lundqvist was.  The Rangers may have peppered Anderson with more shots on goal, but far too many were taken from the perimeter, or from plain old bad angles.

That, by the way, will be my only mention of Henrik Lundqvist.  Very simply, he deserves better. There's also much to be said of the Rangers beaten and battered defensive unit.  However, my main focus is on the forwards.  I hold them most responsible for this year's post-season elimination.

They let this team down, or just aren't good enough.

Rick Nash: The Big Blue Enigma

The Columbus Blue Jackets selected Rick Nash with the number one overall pick of the 2001 draft.   During nine seasons with the Blue Jackets from 2002 through 2012, he averaged 32 goals and 28 assists (60 points).

The 2008-2009 season was his finest, and also marked the team's first and only playoff appearance during his years in Columbus.  He posted 40 regular season goals and 39 assists that season for a career high 79 points.  Nash then posted one goal with three assists during the Blue Jackets' only four playoff games.

The thinking back then was players of his size, physicality, skating ability, and proven NHL scoring record are not easy to come by, much less one entering the prime years of his career.

Desperately lacking that very type of player, the Rangers acquired just that ... a 28-year old Rick Nash.  Many or most Rangers fans (myself included) expected Nash to instantly become that unique top line forward capable of both distributing big hits and wielding TKO scoring potential.  He was going to make us fans forget about the previously failed ventures into Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Brad Richards, et al.

That being said, at the time of the trade many Blue Jackets fans were forewarning our sorrow.  I thought that was Columbus fans just exporting sour grapes.  It made me curious as hell, though, but I really wanted the Rangers to make that trade.

Keep in mind that after registering just 39 points in his rookie season, Nash never totaled less than 54 points over his remaining eight seasons in Columbus, and that between 2007 and 2011 he scored no less than 64 points in four consecutive seasons.

His off-Broadway career gets off to a brilliant start with 41 points in only 44 games during his first (NHL shortened) regular season with the Rangers.  His second season - not so much; Nash ties his career low with 39 points.  He follows that up in 2014-2015 with (a career high) 42 goals and (a second best) 69 points.  The year after, Nash establishes a new career low with just 36 points (in 60 games).  He reaffirms that mark with another 38 points in 67 games this season.  That translates to 25 goals and 44 points per season (without prorating the 2012-2013 shortened season) over his five year career with the Rangers.

Unlike with Columbus, Nash has played post-season hockey in each of his five seasons with New York under both John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault.  In four post-seasons previous to this year's, Nash registered an eerily sounding and no less inspiring 11 goals and 33 points through 61 playoff games.

... and has been well criticized for it during his years here.

Depending on your point of view, Rick Nash arguably played very well through two rounds of this year's playoffs.  He was one of the very few Rangers forwards causing traffic in front and crashing the crease with any regularity.  Throw in his defensive effort on the back-check, and I'd say he played very well indeed.

Unfortunately, his inexplicable dearth of post-season scoring remains ongoing.  Nash led the Rangers during these playoffs with 44 shots on goal in 12 games.  Of the Eastern Conference final four teams (NYR, OTT, PITT, WAS), only Washington's Alex Ovechkin (49 SOG in 13 games) took more shots than Nash through the first two rounds.  And out of that same pool of players from the final four teams, 17 scored more goals through the first two rounds than Rick Nash, whom finished with just three.  Three of those players were his team mates, one being defenseman Brady Skjei.  Otherwise, the other 16 were all forwards.

It's been reported that Nash played hurt during the second round.  Perhaps ... but he still managed 44 opportunities on net.  Did injury prevent him solely from finishing plays?

Traditionally speaking, his prime years are now behind him.  Rick Nash turns 33-years old in June, and has one more season remaining on his contract.

Centers of Inattention

I'll again refer to the pool of players among the Eastern Conference final four.  Seven of the eight skaters to register ten or more points through Round Two were forwards.  Ottawa's Erik Karlsson was the lone defenseman on the list with 13 points.  To no one's surprise, none of the other seven players wore Rangers jerseys.

Pittsburgh's top three scorers through Round Two are their centermen.  Two of Washington's top three scorers were also their centermen.  All five of these centermen registered double-digit points through Round Two.

Mika Zibanejad led the Rangers with a team high seven assists and nine points overall.  He was their lone legitimate threat up the middle.  Otherwise, the Rangers were woefully inadequate and inconsequential at the center position.

This may have been Derek Stepan's most ponderous performance to date.  The man was just awful from start to finish.  And depending on Alain Vigneault's mood, Oscar Lindberg and J.T. Miller remained relative non-factors as well.  Together, the three accounted for five goals and eight assists for a paltry 13 points.  Comparatively speaking, Washington's Niklas Backstrom accomplished that by himself!  And you can forget Ivgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby.  Penguins center Jake Guentzel has not only outperformed the aforementioned trio's collective effort, but leads the Pens with nine goals.  That's more than the combined total of all four Rangers centers.

Broken Wings

Does mighty Mats Zuccarello have to do everything around here?  Apparently, the answer continues being an overwhelming Yes!

I would have appreciated Jesper Fast getting some more ice time.

Chris Kreider may have enjoyed his finest regular season as a Ranger, but this playoff will go down as one of his worst.  Three goals and an assist in 12 games is now inexcusable coming from a young man with his skill, size, and speed.  He teased us with rare and fleeting moments of potential brilliance, but nothing more.  So lets just call it like we see it: he spent most of his time skating with his head up his posterior.  He does that a lot.  It's annoying.

And where the hell was Kevin Hayes?

These playoffs were supposed to be Kreider's and Hayes' time to shine and light up Broadway; time to elevate their respective levels of competition and lead the Rangers to higher ground.

Together, they couldn't lead a dog to a tree.


I said back in October this team wouldn't amount to much.  In this instance, I do not necessarily enjoy being right.  And just for giggles, I'm still an Alain Vigneault antagonist.

This doesn't help.

N.Y. Rangers: Forwards March

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

GAME THREE 

FINAL

Senators  1

Rangers   4

Senators Lead Series 2-1

I - OTT 2; NYR 1

II - OTT 6; NYR 5*

III - NYR 4; OTT 1

*overtime

NEW YORK RANGERS: All The King's Horses Propel Blueshirts to First Victory Over Sens; Centermen Finally Do Their Jobs.

After Facing 77 SOG Through Game Two, 

Blueshirts Lighten Henrik's Load; Faces Only 27 SOG

MatsZuccs to the rescue, again!

But at least the other lines showed up.  So, let's here it for the Rangers center men, finally!  Mika Zibanejad assisted on MatsZucc's opening goal.  Derek Stepan assisted on Rick Nash's goal.   And even J.T. Miller (who needs to stay the hell out of the penalty box) assisted on Oscar Lindberg's goal.

Now if they can start winning a few more face-offs ...

Tanner Glass finally skated for the first time since Game Three against the Habs.

About that ... see how wishy-washy Alain Vigneault is?

At least he had the wherewithal to realize the team needed an increased physical presence against Montreal, and thus started Tanner Glass in Game One.  Outside of Henrik Lundqvist, Glass was perhaps most responsible for the Rangers opening victory despite only eight minutes of ice time.

But because things went awry after the second period of Game Two (Glass nonetheless accounted for 10 hits), and again in Game Three against Montreal, Glass was scratched for the remainder of the series.

Fast forward - the Rangers get woefully outplayed during their first two games in Ottawa.  I'll take it a step further: Vigneault was getting beaten at his own game.  Vigneault adjusts by shortening his bench in Game Two.  When that doesn't work, Coach lengthens his bench again, reverting back to four lines featuring Tanner Glass in Game Three, whom initiates three hits, and registers a secondary assist on Oscar Lindberg's goal.

And if I may, how about giving Jesper Fast just a little more ice time?  Take away some minutes from a very inconsequential Kevin Hayes.

Just saying ...

N.Y. Rangers: Ponderous Game One Effort

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Senators lead series 1-0

I - OTT 2; NYR 1

NEW YORK RANGERS: I can just hear all the media (radio) know-nothings already prepping to blame Henrik.

I'm okay with Erik Karlsson's third period goal ... better known as the game-winner.

No, really.  It's a crappy way to lose, but stuff like that happens.  It's just one of those fluky plays.

If anything, there's a lesson (among many) to be learned: just put the puck on net!

I'm certainly not going to blame Henrik who has been nothing short of brilliant through the first seven games of these Stanley Cup playoffs.

It's not his fault the Rangers needed to kill three penalties, and allowed 21 shots on goal during the first period.  It's also not his fault the Rangers couldn't clear the defensive zone late in the second period and were therefore fatigued into allowing Ottawa the game tying goal on their fourth power play of the game.  And lastly, it's not his fault Rangers forwards decided not to play inspired hockey until well after the midway point of the final period.

Thursday evening, I watched all four Rangers forward lines just meandering around, and playing on their heels.  I saw no grit, and even less determination.  In a word, they were flat.

It's ponderous to me how they amped up the physicality against Montreal, but then play down to Ottawa.  Worse yet, Ottawa played the exact type of game Alain Vigneault prefers, and they still failed miserably.

I'm upset because the Rangers put forth a piss poor effort in Game One, when there was absolutely no excuse for such a performance.  None.

This is exactly how Vigneault gave away Game Seven against Tampa.  He called off the dogs.

They tried reverting right back to the finesse game and it cost them Game One.

Sure they had scoring chances ... like Derek Stephan's wtf failed breakaway attempt.

That, and Alain Vigneault's decision to go soft gain - pure folly.

Know what else disturbs me?

Ryan McDonagh led all Rangers with almost thirty minutes of ice time; most even strength minutes and four PK's.

Keep that up and see what happens, Coach.

And another thing, this team's forwards are welcome to join the playoffs at any time.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, the mission statement remains the same: steal one game in Ottawa.

Get this done!

N.Y. Rangers: Broadway Bullies Oust Habs in Six

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Rangers defeat Canadiens, 4-2

I - NYR 2; MON 0

II - MON 4; NYR 3*

III - MON 3; NYR 2

IV - NYR 2; MON 1

V - NYR 3; MON 2*

VI - NYR 3; MON 1

*overtime

NEW YORK RANGERS: MatsZuccs!  Smallest Blueshirt Bearing Heaviest Load.

Tex's Rangers Prove Too Tough for Montreal Canadiens

I've used many an unkind adjective in describing these Rangers throughout Alain Vigneault's tenure in New York, with soft, cute, and smurfy, topping the list.

But in truth, the Rangers played the Montreal Canadiens tough ... real tough ... astonishingly tough ... impressively tough.

I didn't think they had it in them, and was certain they would suffer a first round elimination.  In light of Saturday's series clinching victory over the Canadiens, I'm therefore only too happy being wrong.   It's only a first round victory, and well, the Rangers have been there and done that.  But this was nevertheless the grittiest, most physical performance they've ever put forth under this head coach.

Eliminating the Habs in such fashion still does not prevent me from pondering how Alain Vigneault called off the dogs in Game Seven against the Tampa Bay Lightning (Eastern Conf. Final).
With regards to his style, I've always said you can pirouette your way through the regular season playing the mean competition, but you can't do that in a short playoff series.  This series against Montreal only confirms that (for me).  After falling in the first round last year to the Penguins, maybe, just maybe, Vigneault has finally learned his lesson.

Stubborn as I am, I can't help but wonder if the Rangers overt physicality was inspired by Vigneault himself, or was born of the players' own collective and respective personal resolve.

In any event, they got it done.

Montreal mounted 206 shots on goal against Henrik Lundqvist, and scored 11 times in six games.   Meanwhile, the Rangers took 25 less shots on goal (181), yet tallied 14 goals against Carey Price.

More importantly, they answered any and all questions regarding their ability to compete against a bigger, and seemingly more physically oppressive opponent.

The Rangers and Canadiens combined for 533 recognized hits, for an average of 88 body checks per game.  While Montreal registered 50+ hits in games One, Two, and Five, the Rangers levied a series high 74 hits in Game Two, and out-hit the Habs overall by a 285-248 margin.

Into the Void

If Max Pacioretty scores just one timely goal at any time during games three through six, perhaps the series takes on a completely different complexion.  The Habs top forward and regular season scoring leader led all skaters in the series with 29 shots on goal, yet managed just one assist and finished with a minus-one.

That being said, Rangers blueliners Nick Holden, Marc Staal, Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei, Brendan Smith, and Dan Girardi in particular, are the primary reasons why Pacioretty was rendered ineffective.

Enter Jeff Beukeboom, whom was added to Alain Vigneault's staff after last season's disappointing first round playoff loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  As a former defenseman for the Oilers and Rangers, he brings Stanley Cup playoff experience and first hand knowledge in the stay-home tradition - minimizing traffic in the crease, keeping shooting lanes clear, with less attention on stick work and more emphasis on initiating and exerting a physical presence, and above all keeping Henrik Lundqvist safe.

For the first five periods of the series, the Rangers played with speed, while matching Montreal's all out physical blitz hit for hit.  I was indeed proud how they answered the opening bell in Game One and through the second period of Game Two.  Despite overall numbers finishing overwhelmingly in Montreal's favor, those were nevertheless five periods of hockey they should be commended for.

But because the Blueshirts hadn't spent any sustained stretches during the regular season playing at such an intense and relentless level, the Canadiens overall physicality was seemingly already wearing down, and slowing down the Rangers by the third period of Game Two.  It's not so much that Montreal scored the tying goal with just 0:17 left in regulation.  That was inevitable as Montreal dictated much of the period.  In turn, the Rangers were routinely denied timely line changes.  The Rangers obviously went on to lose Game Two in overtime, then got outplayed again in Game Three at Madison Square Garden.

All the King's Horses

The Rangers then reeled off three straight victories led by Mats Zuccarello and Henrik Lundqvist to earn a second round match-up against the Ottawa Senators.

They doubled Montreal's output through the final three games, outscoring the Habs by an 8-4 mark.

Unlike Montreal captain Max Pacioretty's playoff disappearance, Mats Zuccarello led the Rangers in points during the regular season, then led them with three goals against the Habs.  The Canadiens were clearly targeting MatsZucs throughout the series.  But Mighty Mats fought right back every step of the way, even proving himself toughest of all with a pair of in-your-face second period goals in Game Six.

Rick Nash played very well.  He was second among all skaters and led the Rangers with 23 shots on goal.  He was one of the few Rangers forwards truly guilty of crashing and disrupting Carey Price's safe space with any consistency.  Good job!

Otherwise, Henrik Lundqvist saved the Rangers from their overall lack of forward line production yet again.

Center Mika Zibanejad had a fine series.  But Derek Stepan, J.T. Miller, and Oscar Lindberg, are becoming real issues up the middle.  Meanwhile, Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes are becoming mirror images of ineffectiveness.  In fact, all Kreider did was prove he is still a head case.  And generally speaking, the Rangers fore-check was somewhat appalling.

Before getting into special teams, how about a round of applause for the men in stripes, whom did a superb job of swallowing their whistles and letting play, and the players regulate themselves.  Suffice it to say both teams got away with various and seemingly innumerable infractions.

Montreal went 3 for 20 on the power play.  Two of those led to Montreal's Game Three victory at MSG.  The Rangers went just 1 for 15 on the power play.  On the bright side, it means the Rangers outscored Montreal 13-8 during even strength.

N.Y. Rangers: I find their lack of shots disturbing

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Home Ice Advantage Melts Away After Game Three Loss

Penguins lead series 2-1

I - PITT 5; NYR 2

II - NYR 4; PITT 2

III - PITT 3; NYR 1

IV- THURSDAY

NEW YORK RANGERS: Blueshirt fans have little respect for Marc Andre-Fleury to begin with ... but this inability to put shots on net against second and third string goalies is ponderous!

After going with third string goalie Jeff Zatkoff in games One and Two, the Penguins turned back to second stringer Matt Murray for Game Three at the Garden.

The Penguins and Rangers have now utilized two goalies each.

• PITT has thus far faced 82 shots on goal, made 75 saves, with 7 goals allowed.
• NYR have thus far faced 91 shots on goal, made 83 saves, with 8 goals allowed.

Do the math.

After a scoreless opening period (video review negated a Chris Kreider goal), the 2nd session started out promisingly for the Rangers when the ghost Rick Nash scored a rare playoff goal in the opening minute.

In truth, however, the Pens could have started a circus bear in net, and it would not have mattered.   The Rangers mustered little to nothing in the way of offensive threats, registering just 17 shots on goal all game, and just four in the final period.

Four...

They should have spent all of Wednesday feeling embarrassed about themselves.

After Game Three, Derek Stepan blamed (his word) stubbornness for their offensive malaise, which is a word I've been using to characterize Alain Vigneault for three seasons now.  But where my usage stems from Coach's reluctance to play Dylan McIlrath (whom was a healthy scratch.. again), and his "turn the other cheek" mentality, Stepan was referring to their failure in changing strategy against Pittsburgh's neutral zone play.

Continual stick handling into a brick wall was indeed stubborn of them - but, pretty is as pretty does.   Unfortunately, dump and chase hockey remained a foreign concept.

Moving on, penalties have been a decisive factor.  The Rangers are a mere 1 for 12 on the man advantage, meanwhile, have allowed Pittsburgh 4 goals in 13 opportunities - one in each game played and a pair in Game Three.

N.Y. Rangers: New York, New York, a desperate hockey town...

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

In Henrik We Fret

NEW YORK RANGERS: Henrik Lundqvist received an inadvertent stick to the eye because the Blueshirts did not, and do not, clear the crease well.

Clear out the traffic, and Henrik never gets Marc Staal's stick to the eye.  This goes hand in hand with allowing Pittsburgh to administer Lundqvist a snow shower.  It's not like we can suit up Henrik with even more equipment and pads, so the Rangers' defense had better come up with a better plan for protecting their liege.

NYR: Here We Go Again - Round One 

On that note, Alain Vigneault had defenseman Brady Skjei lace up the skates.  The man is 6'3" and listed at 215 lbs., which is fine, aside from the fact he only participated in 7 regular season games. Meanwhile, Dylan McIlrath is 6'5" and listed at 230 lbs, and played in 34 regular season games.

My question, then, is - if you were head coach, which of the two would you have started to open the playoffs?

Personally, Brady Skjei was never a consideration for me.

Alain Vigneault's aversion to Dylan McIlrath continues.

2015-2016

Stanley Cup Playoffs

GAME ONE FINAL

Rangers     2

Penguins   5

Henrik Lundqvist exited Game One after the 1st period, and is doubtful for Game Two due to swelling around his eye.  Otherwise, Henrik and the Rangers say there is no damage/injury to speak of.

The Rangers, however, were already down 1-0 when Antti Raanta took over.  Sidney Crosby then made things look too easy in giving the Pens a 2-0 lead in the 2nd.  Both Pittsburgh goals were of the taboo variety - meaning they were both scored within the final two minutes of the period.

Despite Derek Stepan's best efforts, things naturally got worse for Tex's Rangers in the 3rd.

Question #2 - What's the only type of goal worse than one scored within the last two minutes of a period?

Bingo! A short handed goal!  Scored by none other than Tom Kuhnhackl ...

Who?

It doesn't matter ... Patric Hornqvist continued turning the rest of the 3rd period into his personal showcase anyway, netting the game's first goal, then completing a hat trick with two more goals in the 3rd.

Montreal Canadiens Conclude Week Long Siege of Metropolitan Area

From the desks of:  

ALL MOTHER LEEDS CHILDREN,   FIVE FOR FLATBUSH,

and  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

N.H.L.
Eastern Conference Standings:

#1 MON  18-4-2 (38)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#2 NYR  16-5-2 (34)

#8 NYI  11-8-4 (26)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#10 NJD  11-9-2 (24)

Les Habitants posent le siege a la region metropolitaine; distancent NY/NJ dans la ruine.

The Habs Lay Siege to the Metropolitan Area; Leave NY/NJ Behind in Ruins

While most Americans were busy preparing for, then partaking in our nation's annual Thanksgiving Holiday, les Habitants de Montreal sprung hockey's version of Tet (Offensive) into action against the NY/NJ metropolitan area member clubs.

Their week long siege of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Newark, concluded Friday evening with one last 3-2 shootout victory over the Devils at the Rock.

In truth, Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, and the Prudential Center all crumbled under Montreal's Godzilla-like rampage through downtown Tokyo.  The combined forces of the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils are thus far 0-5 versus the Canadiens in November, and were outscored by a heavily tilted 24-9 margin.

Heading into Saturday's Devils/Canadiens game, an area team has yet to defeat the (now) Eastern Conference leading Montreal Canadiens.

Oct. 15 - MON 3; NYR 0
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nov. 5 - MON 4; NYI 1
Nov. 20 - MON 5; NYI 3
Nov. 22 - MON 4; NYI 2
Nov. 25 - MON 5; NYR 1
Nov. 27 - MON 3; NJD 2 (so)
Nov. 28 - NYD @ MON

As of Friday night's final scores, the Montreal Canadiens lead the conference with 86 goals scored.   The Rangers are a distant 5th with 70; the Islanders 64 goals rank 6th, and the Devils 53 goals are 11th in the Eastern standings.

Defensively, the Rangers 47 goals allowed are still best in the NHL.  Montreal's 53 GA rank 4th; the Devils 55 GA are 6th, and the Islanders 57 GA are 7th in the Eastern Conference.


New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider Keeping Newark Within a Pitchfork's Distance of Top Eight.

Saturday

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

vs.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

FROM

The Great White North

With little question, Cory Schneider is the lead story in the Devils .500 start this season. Were it not for Schneider's play, where would New Jersey be other than much lower in the Eastern Conference standings?

For the moment, there are four NHL goalies with at least 17 starts: Cory Schneider, Henrik Lundqvist, Ben Bishop, and Braden Holtby.

Newark is playing representative defense, as Schneider has faced the second fewest shots, is second with a .927 Sv% among the four aforementioned goalies, while his and Henrik Lundqvist's 2.05 GAA average rank tied for 3rd.

The Devils obviously lack in the scoring department, which doesn't forecast to be changing much as the season progresses.  New Jersey is averaging the least shots on goal per game in the league.

Adam Henrique, now the seasoned vet, leads the team with 10 goals.  Winger Mike Cammalleri leads with 22 points.

• Patrick Elias made his first appearance of the season against the Florida Panthers Friday, and after a change in scoring, he was credited with the 612th ever assist career, giving the Devils all-time points leader 1,018 for his career.

The Devils were the only team of the three locals able of taking the Canadiens beyond regulation time.  While that's no consolation, New Jersey did expose some chinks in Montreal's amour and gained a point.  Losing in shootout was just plain unfortunate, and should be taken as a failed opportunity to at least tie idle (#9) Tampa with 25-points.

And so begins life under a new regime.  Head coach John Hayse is an AHL promotion, while Ray Shero, whom constructed a Cup winner in Pittsburgh, assumed GM and Vice Presidential duties from the departed Lou Lamoriello.

It's still too early in their respective tenures for them to impact this team.  Instead, certain players should bet they're being evaluated very closely - maybe Adam Larrson among them. Otherwise, Patrik Elias will be moving on after the season.  The face of the Devils will begin changing in earnest either at the trade deadline, or next off-season for sure.

There's certainly several teams behind them in the standings that should not be underestimated.   Florida and Columbus might interfere with even the best laid plans of clinching the 8th seed.  But, Tampa, NYI. etc., will factor plenty as well.

The Devils, in other words, have no margin for error.  In a sense, not much has changed, then.  They have no star player to speak of, and must rely on a highly disciplined system in order to get by.

The Canadiens and Devils will finalize their home-and-home engagement north of the border on Saturday.


New York Islanders: Flatbush Itching for a Fight?

Saturday

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

vs.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

FROM

Sunny Hot Florida

Just as the New York Rangers and Devils learned, Montreal is fast turning into the Eastern Conference team of all measure.

The Islanders are already 0-3 against them this month alone.  They fell 4-1 in Montreal on Nov. 4, then dropped a home and home against the Habs just prior to hosting, and defeating the Flyers 3-1 on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve.

But, to hear Casey Cizikas put it, you'd think the Islanders arrived upon the Rubicon.

As the 3rd period against the Flyers devolved into typical mayhem, fists flew as one could expect.   But, Cizikas (as per Thurday's Newsday/Laura Albanese) thought -

"that's exactly what we needed.  A good, hard game like that ... They're fun.  When they get testy like that, when they get physical like that.."

Despite losing in a shootout at Sunrise, Florida, against the Panthers Friday night, the Islanders brought that same fighting spirit with them, and employed their hands once things got chippy for a second straight game.

When the Islanders play aggressively, and utilize their size and physicality effectively, the Islanders play their best hockey - Friday's outcome withstanding.

They're starting to feel good about themselves ... Clutterbuck, Martin, and Cizikas that is - which spells trouble for any team.

Under those circumstances, Jarolsav Halak could, and really should play well enough for them.  He's only made 12 starts so far (and therefore was not included in my previously sampled goalie comparison).  He's pitched two shutouts, with a .921 Sv%, while a 2.03 GAA puts him right there with Schneider and Lundqvist.

The newly transplanted Brooklynites seemingly tightened up their defense this year, particularly on the penalty kill.  They are presently 11th best, which as Isles fans know is a marked improvement over previous seasons, when they routinely averaged among the league's bottom tier PKs.

Ponderous, however, has been their inability to consistently score on the power play this season - which has traditionally been their strength in previous seasons.  To date, the Islanders are 24th on the power play.

The Islanders play Tampa and Colorado before they welcome the New York Rangers to Brooklyn, in what will undoubtedly start the next chapter of their long running rivalry.

Now it's Borough against Borough - or maybe it will build up to that over time, as Long Islanders are the one's largely attending games during this early going.  Expect hoards of Rangers fans in the building as well.

This intra-city situation has a way to go before getting ironed out.


New York Rangers: Some Things Just Never Change...

Saturday

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

vs.

NEW YORK RANGERS

FROM

33rd Street and 8th Avenue

Fellow Rangers fans, I want you (us) to consider what (NYI) Casey Cizikas said for a second.

(tick).

Now I want you to consider the hit Boston's Matt Belesky put on Derek Stepan Friday afternoon.

Matt Belesky is a marginal NHL player at best, whom enjoyed one decent season last year with the Ducks - perhaps the product of being on a good team, aye?  Although he does not usually go about the ice accumulating an obscene amount of brutish penalty minutes, his hit on Stepan was nevertheless a gross disregard of common sense.  Avoiding that play is constantly being drilled into player's minds.   It's outright dangerous.

Derek Stepan is now out indefinitely with several broken ribs.   Seems like a fair trade-off, right?

Exactly!

We know teams have freely taken their liberties against the Rangers for several years now, because they're generally secure in the fact there will be no reprisals.

Enter Dylan McIlrath, whom followed the play and proceeded to throw Matt (marginal player) Belesky a beating.

Thank you Dylan McIlrath!  That's the kind of element that makes other teams think twice about taking runs at your mates, or goalies for that matter.

But therein lies the physical player Alain Vigneault has no use for.  McIlrath has only played in five games, and has accumulated 17 penalty minutes, most of which came Friday.  Are there deficiencies in his game?  Sure.  But, I'd argue he needs playing time.  In return I would ask if his physical presence on the ice is becoming more critical by the day?  And to that I say unhesitatingly, absolutely, resoundingly, yes.

In fact, I find this whole start disturbing.  Pretty crazy to say considering the Rangers are third in all the NHL with 34 points.  But is it really, after the way they played Montreal on Nov. 25th?  I don't think so.  What was supposed to be a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy, instead turned into the Rangers poorest performance of the season.  One bad line change very early on got Montreal started, while the Rangers night just continued deteriorating.

In two games against the Canadiens to date, the Rangers are 0-2, and have been outscored by a commanding 8-1 margin.

Next item...  Time to start keeping tabs on Henrik's playing time.  He's been brilliant thus far, as usual.  The soon to be 34-year old, is arguably enjoying one of his best seasons, and is easily carrying the team.

Prior to Friday's disappointing loss against in Boston, Henrik was leading the league with 542 saves made, a .939 Sv%, and a 1.94 GAA.

Henrik Lundqvist is now tied for the league lead with 19 starts entering Saturday's action.  He also leads the league with 611 shots against.  He's the only goalie in the league above the 600 mark.   There's many reasons for that, which I'll get into another time.  Ottawa's Craig Anderson is second with 588 SA.

We're basically talking about an untenable situation over the long haul of the season, and we're only one-quarter of the way through.

Defensively, the Rangers have given up the third most shots on goal.  It is what it is - Rangers defensemen do not have enough physical presence, and as a result, fail to clear traffic effectively.   They rely on positioning, stick work, and anything but moving bodies around.

Offensively, this also means the Rangers aren't spending nearly enough time in their own zone.  It's usually one shot and done, then back the other way.  They've only taken the 20th most shots on goal.

N.Y. Rangers: Time For A Carl Hagelin Reemergence; Game 2

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

STANDING TALL!

2014-2015

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Eastern Conference Finals

Rangers lead series 1-0

I - NYR 2; TBL 1

II - MONDAY

GAME TWO

Tampa Bay Lightning

vs.

NEW YORK RANGERS

FROM

33rd Street @ 8th Avenue

GOTHAM

NEW YORK RANGERS: Now that they've established a physical advantage, Blueshirts need to keep it up.

Did the Lightning's lack of playoff experience rear its young head in Game One?

For such a high scoring, skate and possession team such as Tampa to spend so little time in their offensive zone, to turn over the puck as much as they did, and to get limited to just 5 shots on goal in the 3rd period, the answer could very well be..., maybe.

The Rangers on the other hand, are very experienced.  After playing what seems like an eternity of gut-wrenching 1-point games, the tested Rangers have an overwhelming calm about them.  Dan Boyle and Martin St. Louis won a Cup with Tampa.  Most of these Rangers went to the Stanley Cup finals last season, and several more have now been to the Eastern Conference finals 3 times with the Rangers in the last 4 years.

Did the Rangers also go old school on Tampa?

If you watched Tex's Rangers play a more physical game - initiating hits and throwing their bodies around with purpose, battling along the boards, pushing Bolts off the puck, causing turnovers, and blocking shots - like they used to under Tortorella, then the answer is definitively yes.

The Rangers out-jolted the Bolts by a 30-18 count, and their 10 takeaways somewhat off-set losing the face-off battle by a 30-23 margin.

Do I think the Rangers will maintain their physical edge?  They should!

They better!

The Need For Speed:

Did the Rangers also skate with speed reminiscent of an Alain Vigneault coached team?  You bet.  I guess Rangers fans CAN have it both ways, sometimes.., I guess.., (against the Lightning at least).

Attention Carl Hagelin - the Tampa Bay Lightning seem like a perfect opponent for him to get his game going into a higher gear, considering all the wide open hockey expected of these two teams and all...

In the previous round, Hagelin registered a mere assist in Game One, then got sand thrown in his motor by the very physical Capitals, whom not incidentally had the Rangers scurrying on defense for large portions of the series.

The Penguins on the other hand, are a step down in physicality, and with that being said, Hagelin's game improved as the series against Pittsburgh wore on.  He scored a goal in Game 3, assisted on Kevin Hayes OT winner in Game 4, and of course scored the overtime winning goal in Game 5.

Now with yet another down tick in physicality against the Bolts, I similarly expect an uptick in Carl Hagelin's performance as this series progresses.

Shake and Bake:

I think the Rangers can forget about beating Ben Bishop top shelf, unless they can put one through his chest.  His 6'7" frame covers a lot of net.  And if he can see the puck, he'll challenge shots, and stop them.

When Rick Nash set up Kevin Hayes for a clear shot on goal, Ben Bishop challenged Hayes straight forward, and made an easy glove save.  Later when Derick Brassard and Nash rushed 2 on 1, Brassard kept the puck and shot into the glove of a well positioned, and unflinching Bishop.

• By the way, the Nash/Hayes/Brassard line did not score a goal, but played a brilliant game together.  In yet another line tweak, Brassard and Hayes assisted on Moore's goal.  The aforementioned line, however, may very well turn into the leading unit this series, as the Kreider/Stepan/Fast line was last series.

In Game One, Bishop was instead the victim of two costly deflections.  More importantly, the Rangers were able to create, maneuver, and effectively operate in traffic.

Derek Stepan's goal came off Chris Kreider's initial shot from the slot, that deflected off a Bolt in front, and presented itself for Stepan to clean up.  Bishop got beat moving to his right.

The second Rangers goal came on Kevin Hayes' bad angle shot/pass from the left corner.  Dominic Moore skated around from behind net to create the disruptive traffic and wound up getting credit for the goal.  On the play, Bishop got beat moving to his left.

If Game One served as any indication, then the way to beat Ben Bishop is by causing disruptive traffic, and by getting him to move laterally.

Gotta shake him, and bake him.

ICYMI:
Blueshirts Short Circuit Bolts In Game One
Rangers Need To Keep Lightning From Sparking A Wildfire




Mike

N.Y. Rangers: Blueshirts Short Circuit Bolts in Game One

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Blueshirts Strike First!

2014-2015

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Rangers lead series 1-0

I - NYR 2; T.B. 1

II - MONDAY

NEW YORK RANGERS: Serving Up a Blue Line Special.

Derek Stepan picked up where he left off in Game Seven against the Capitals, by opening the scoring in Game One against the Tampa Bay Lightning with one of those morale breaking goals at 19:47 of the 2nd period.

No one expected Tampa to stay quiet for very long though.  Ryan McDonagh got called for a high stick, and at 6:45 of the 3rd, the Lightning scored on Andrej Palat's power play goal.

Despite the Rangers playing a very strong defensive game, giving Tampa a man advantage is something they can least afford to do, if only because of the Bolts already high potential for scoring.   The Rangers gave Tampa four power play opportunities - three in the 3rd period.

Can't do that boys!

On Saturday, they got away with it, but they'll need to tighten that up by Monday.

I fully expected the Bolts to visit the box more often than the Rangers this series, and still do.  In Game One however, they limited the Rangers to just two PP opportunities.  The Rangers went scoreless which makes them 6 for 40 in the post-season.

Dominic Moore was guilty of tripping at 15:05 of the 3rd, which could have spelled big trouble.  But, the Rangers did well limiting Tampa to just two shots.

Out of the box, Dominic turned the puck over in the offensive zone.  Roughly 20 seconds later, however, Kevin Hayes' feed from the left corner deflected off Dominic Moore's skate as he attacked the crease, and by Ben Bishop for what proved to be the game winning goal.

Game One Final

Lightning  1

Rangers    2

Coming with just 2:25 left in regulation, you might as well file Dominic Moore's goal along with the other demoralizing goals the Blueshirts have scored in either the opening or closing moments of a period.  It was close enough.

• The Rangers lost the face-off battle by a 30-23 margin.   Dominic Moore was 9 for 19 on face-offs (47%), Brassard was 6 for 13 (46%), and Derek Stepan was 7 for 16, (43.8%).  Tampa's Valtteri Filppula destroyed the Rangers, going 10 for 13 (76.9%)

The Rangers finally got off the snide.  Ben Bishop is now 8-1-0 in career against the Blueshirts.  On Stepan's goal, he was forced to slide right and got beat stick side low.  On Moore's goal, he was forced to slide left and got beat glove side low.

Just saying....

Dan Boyle still might be suffering affects from the hit laid upon by Brooks Orpik.  He nonetheless played near 18:00 minutes Saturday.  He and the rest of the blue liners limited the Bolts to single digit shots on goal in the 1st and 3rd periods.  The Rangers also posted 10 takeaways.  Tampa took 24 shots overall, with only one getting by Henrik Lundqvist.

The Rangers took 30 shots on goal.  Nice adjustment by Alain Vigneault moving Kevin Hayes up on the line with Rick Nash and Derick Brassard, whom led the Blueshirts with 6 shots on goal.  Dominic also happened to be in the ice with Brassard and Hayes in the closing minutes - another (in-game) adjustment by AV.

Ryan Callahan did not have a shot on goal.  He was credited with 2 hits though.  However, it was the Rangers who applied the body, outhitting the Bolts by a jolting 30-18 margin.

Mike

N.Y. Rangers Need to Prevent Lightning from Sparking a Wildfire

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Saturday Afternoon Fever

2014-2015

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Eastern Conference Finals

GAME ONE

Tampa Bay Lightning

vs.

NEW YORK RANGERS

FROM

33rd Street @ 8th Avenue

GOTHAM

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Best of Frienemies..

Regardless whether you spent your hard earned cash and bought one, or received one for your birthday, or as a gift for Christmas, there are many Rangers fans with a Ryan Callahan jersey hanging in their closet.

• For the moment, that's problematic.  Twenty years from now, not so much.

The former home grown captain and supremely popular Blueshirt, Ryan Callahan was the embodiment of everything John Tortorella wanted the Rangers to be.

Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman put in very admirable work for the Rangers as well.

That being said, I like to think that after the opening face-off, there are no such things as friends.

There's nothing wrong with a healthy respect for one's opponent, but, ti's the season for adversaries, enemies and foes.

Ryan Callahan (appendicitis aside) has actually been a minor contributor for the Lightning.  In 12 post-season games he has registered a mere 3 assists.  However, Callahan was acquired to add a respectable measure of front line toughness and grit, as the Tampa Bay Lightning are a less physical team than say the Washington Capitals, or the Rangers teams Callahan played for.

Under Barry Trotz, the Capitals executed a system right out of the John Tortorella manual, but the Bolts more closely mirror the Rangers under Alain Vigneault.  That makes Callahan's individual performance against the Rangers quite intriguing.

The Lightning swept the season series 3-0, and outscored them by a 15-7 margin.  However, all three games came before New Year's, when the eventual President Trophy winners were still languishing with an 11-9-4 record.

Season Series

I - (Nov. 17) T.B. 5; NYR 1

II - (Nov.26) T.B. 4; NYR 3

III - (Dec. 1) T.B. 6; NYR 3

In Game One, Ryan Callahan scored a power play, and an even strength goal.  

In Game Two, a power play goal, an even strength goal, and an assist.  

He had a negligible impact on Game Three.

For his part, Martin St. Louis has 4 assists in 12 post-season games.  Three came against the Capitals. He, like Callahan, has yet to score a goal in the playoffs.  But in three regular season meetings against the Bolts, St. Louis scored power play goals in Game One and Three.

Callahan finished the regular season with 24 goals and 30 assists.  St. Louis finished with 21 goals and 31 assists.  It would seem, then, the only real difference between the two would be their age.

Martin St. Louis did have his chances against the Capitals.  Opportunities presented themselves.  He was simply fire-walled by Braden Holtby like so many other Blueshirts.

On Saturday afternoon, the fans of Madison Square Garden will be cheering and encouraging Martin St. Louis, like they used to for Ryan Callahan, whom is now the enemy.

*          *          *          *

There is no getting around the fact Tampa can score goals, and score in bunches.  The Bolts led the NHL with a 3.16 goals per game average.  They presently have three skaters with double-digit points, while Tyler Johnson leads the post-season with 8 goals.  By contrast, the Rangers have only two skaters with 8 total points, but, were one of only three NHL teams (T.B., DAL) to average three goals or better per game this season.

• In 13 games played, the Bolts average 2.62 goals per game.  The Rangers are averaging exactly 2 goals per, over 12 games played.

Over two rounds of hockey, Tampa's best line (Ondrej Palat/Tyler Johnson/Nikita Kucherov) has produced what it has taken two Rangers' lines to produce.  In 13 games, they've combined on 17 goals and 14 assists, for 31 points.  Obviously, that does not account for Steven Stamkos or Ryan Callahan.

The Rangers line of Jesper Fast/Derek Stepan/Chris Kreider combined on 9 goals and 8 assists, for 17 points in 12 games.  The Rick Nash/Martin St. Louis/Derick Brassard line has combined on 7 goals and 12 assists for 17 points.  That's 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points in 12 games.

During the first half of the season, Steven Stamkos and Rick Nash ran neck and neck for the NHL lead in goals, that is, until Alex Ovechkin overtook them both.  Both forwards have struggled to score goals in the playoffs.  Stamkos has 3 goals and 7 assists in 13 games, while Nash has 2 goals and 5 assists in 12 games.

The Rangers power play, then, must become a decisive factor.  I believe they'll get ample opportunities because the Lightning will commit penalties.   Tampa finished 13th in the league in penalty minutes, averaging nearly 10 minutes per game.  The Rangers were 3 for 20 against the Penguins, and 3 for 18 against the Caps.   That's 6 for 38, good for a 15.8% rate of efficiency.  They'll have to do better this series if they want to hang with the Bolts, who's penalty kill finished the season 7th best.

Tampa's power play finished the season 14th best.  In the post-season, the unit has either scored in bunches, or not at all.  They were just 2 for 30 in the first round against Detroit, but were 7 for 20 in the second round against Montreal.  In two rounds they totaled 9 for 50, good for an 18% effective rate.  The Rangers had better keep their eye on Nikita Kucherov who leads Tampa with 5 points on special teams.  The Rangers penalty kill was ranked 6th best in the league.

Ben Bishop vs. Henrik Lundqvist

• Goalie Ben Bishop was one of only four goalies to post 40 or more victories this season.  He appeared in 62 games, and posted a 40-13 record, with a .916 SV%, and a 2.32 GAA.  In Round Two against the Canadiens, he allowed 13 goals in 6 games for a .940 SV%, and owns a .931 SV% for the playoffs.

• No team has allowed less goals in this year's playoffs than the New York Rangers.  Henrik Lundqvist should still be fresh, despite an exhaustive series against the Capitals.  He only appeared in 43 regular season games, and posted a 30-13-3 record, with a .922 SV%, and a 2.25 GAA.  He allowed 12 goals in 7 games to the Caps.  In 12 games, Henrik has a .944 SV% and a 1.60 GAA.

This will be a series of New York Rangers experience versus Tampa Bay's inexperience.  We'll see how much that works in the Blueshirt's favor.

And lastly, how about the Rangers win some face-offs, aye?  Even if they have to put Dominic Moore out there, then have him rush off the ice....  The Rangers need puck possession against the Lightning.

Otherwise, it's time.  Let the games begin.




Mike

N.Y. Rangers Eliminate Capitals in Overtime

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

2014-2015

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Eastern Conference Semi Finals

Rangers win series 4-3

I - WAS 2; NYR 1

II - NYR 3; WAS 2

III - WAS 1; NYR 0

IV - WAS 2; NYR 1

V - NYR 2; WAS 1*

VI - NYR 4; WAS 3

VII - NYR 2; WAS 1*

*overtime

NEW YORK RANGERS: Broadway Blueshirts Are Headed Back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the Second Straight Season Under Coach Alain Vigneault.

At 11:24 of overtime, Derek Stepen tap danced backwards into the glass.  Jesper Fast was first to greet him, and Chris Kreider was next in.  Then came the rest of the Blueshirts to join in exhausted jubilation.

Those three forwards were mentioned with increasing frequency as the series wore on. They were the Rangers best line, and the three skaters most responsible for leading the Rangers through a seven game series win over the gamely Washington Capitals.

Chris Kreider led the Rangers with 4 insanely timed goals in the series.

In Game 1, Jesper Fast scored his only goal of the series.  More importantly, he assisted on Kreider's opening goal in Game 2, and on Kreider's opening goal in Game 6.  He also assisted on Ryan McDonagh's Game 5 winning goal.

Derek Stepan's only goal was the series clincher.  He assisted on three of Kreider's goals, and also joined Fast to assist on McDonagh's goal, for a total of 5 points in the series.

Combined, the Kreider/Stepan/Fast line tallied 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points.

By comparison, the Nash/Brassard/St. Louis line totaled 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points.

For many periods throughout this series, the Rangers were badly outplayed by the Caps.  You can't play an inordinate time in the defensive zone and expect to come out unscathed - not unless you have Henrik Lundqvist in net.  Henrik faced 36 shots in Game 7, and stopped all but one by Alex Ovechkin.  Overall, he held the Capitals to an average of just 1.57 goals per game.

The King also joined Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur as the only goalies with six Game 7 victories.   His 42 saves in Game 6 were a post-season high.

The NHL's most lethal power play was held scoreless in three chances as well.  In fact, Washington's power play was held scoreless over the final 5 games of the series.  They were just 1 for 15 over seven games.

The Rangers lost 3 games in which they failed to score on the power play, and won 3 of 4 games in which they did score.  The Rangers were 3 for 18 in the series, for a 17% mark of efficiency.

The Rangers wound up outscoring the Capitals by a 13-11 margin.


More to come...



Mike

N.Y. Rangers: Now if the Power Play Can Just Get Going - Game Six!

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Capitals lead series 3-2

I - WAS 2; NYR 1

II - NYR 3; WAS 2

III - WAS 1; NYR 0

IV - WAS 2; NYR 1

V - NYR 2; WAS 1*

*OT

GAME SIX

NEW YORK RANGERS

vs.

Washington Capitals

from

The Center of the Universe

D.C.

NEW YORK RANGERS: It's Simple - Play With Abandon, Be Relentless to the Puck, Hit Hard and Often, and Get Traffic in Front of Holtby.

"Go out there and play like a bunch of crazed dogs..."   stuff Lawrence Taylor used to say.

Facing elimination and 50:00 minutes of scoreless hockey into Game V did nothing to inspire better play out of Kieth Yandle.

The age old question for defensemen is when to pinch, and when not to pinch.  The problem with Keith Yandle's decision midway through the 3rd was that he pinched too deeply into the zone.  He committed himself all the way to the top of the left circle, with absolutely no one covering the rear.   Coupled with his already glaring propensity for turning over the puck, the Rangers had a disaster on their hands.

It came in the form of one stretch pass out of Washington's defensive zone to the anonymous Curtis Glencross, and a breakaway the other way.  Henrik Lundqvist made the initial save, but Glencross cleaned up his own rebound to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead before a dejected Garden crowd.

That began the Times Square doomsday clock ticking 2:00 minutes closer to midnight.

At 11:35 of the 3rd, the Rangers missed a wide open net opportunity.

With the final bell tolling for Tex's Rangers off-Broadway show, the heroes finally emerged.   The Rangers finally got the two clutch goals they've been waiting all series for when Chris Krieder tied the game with just 1:41 left in regulation.

Henrik Lundqvist was the next to save the season, making a brilliant save with 0:27 left in regulation. That made the Captain's game winning goal in overtime possible.  At the 9:37 mark, Ryan McDonagh punched the Rangers ticket back to Washington.

Win, and they bring the series back to Madison Square Garden for a decisive Game Seven.  Lose, and they'll be cleaning out their lockers and wondering where to stick that President's Trophy.

The Rangers' season still breathes life today because Chris Kreider is finally taking ownership of his potential.  Ever since he mistakenly idled down in the final seconds of Game One, he has been the Rangers best player.  For both he and the Rangers, his opening goal in Game Two was a huge attitude adjuster after suffering a brutal loss in the closing moments of Game One.  Friday, he scored his third goal of the post-season, very literally, when the Rangers needed it most.

His was also the Rangers best forward line.  The trio of Stepan, Kreider, and Jesper Fast, have given the Rangers much to be thankful for - and not just in Game Five.

Entering Game Six, the Rangers should be aware that Braden Holtby can, and has been beaten glove-side high, and generally above the shoulders.  Krieder and Derick Brassard have demonstrated that several times already.  However, Martin St. Louis doesn't seem to have gotten the memo.  He's been shooting into Holtby's pads all series.  It's time to elevate the puck, son.

Theoretically, all the pressure is on the Rangers.  They're behind, they're on the road, and they're favored.  This technically gives Washington room to play with.  Therefore I fully expect them to ratchet up the physicality again, particularly at home.

The Rangers power play was 0 for 2 again.  Want to win in the playoffs, particularly when scoring is at a premium?  Score on the power play!  The Rangers are 1 for 11 in the series, and 4 for 31 (13%) in the post-season.

This Alain Vigneault's unit to fix.

Make it happen in Game Six.

N.Y. Rangers: Staring at the Blueshirt in the Mirror - Game IV

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Eastern Conference Semi Finals

Capitals lead series 2-1

I - WAS 2; NYR 1

II - NYR 3; WAS 2

III - WAS 1; NYR 0

IV - WEDNESDAY

Game Four

NEW YORK RANGERS

vs.

Washington Capitals

from

Conglomerate Named Arena

D.C.

NEW YORK RANGERS: Jay Beagle's Goal Puts Blueshirts in a Very Familiar Bind.

Outside of the obvious character, personality, disposition, sociability, and overall attitude differences that exist between John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault, etc, the Rangers are not that much more evolved (two seasons later) as one might think - at least not in results - or at least not to me.

Something about the Rangers recent play has me thinking - where have I seen this all before?

ICYMI:

Blueshirts Should Expect Big Cap Hit In Washington 

Let's Try This Again, Shall We? 

Oh No! Not You Again? - Rangers vs. Capitals; Round Two

Don't get me wrong..., John Tortorella needed to be fired.  He mastered every infraction in the "How to get fired in a blaze of infamous glory for Dummies" instruction manual.

On the ice, two of the many dilemmas faced by Tortorella were trying to get better and more consistent play out of Carl Hagelin and Chris Kreider, and, what to do about a pathetic power play.

If you remember, Alain Vigneault was hired in part, to improve said power play.  In Tortorella's final two regular seasons, the power play operated at a 15.7 rate.  They finished 23rd in the league each time.  This season under Coach Vigneault, the power play posted a 16.8 mark, 21st best in the NHL.

In the 2013 playoffs, Tortorella's Rangers went 4 for 44 in 12 playoff games for a 9.10 rate.  In these playoffs, the Rangers are 4 for 28, good for a 14.8 mark.

In 2013, Rick Nash, Carl Hagelin, and Derek Stepan, combined with Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan to score a total of 11 goals in 12 games.  As a team, the Rangers averaged 2.2 goals in those playoffs.

In 8 games during these playoffs, Carl Hagelin and Derek Stepan each have 2 goals and 2 assists, and Rick Nash has one goal and 4 assists.  Derick Brassard has 4 goals, and Chris Kreider has 2 goals.   The Blueshirt Five have so far scored 11 goals in 8 games.  As a team, the Rangers have scored 15 goals in 8 games, for an average of 1.9 goals per game.

You can make of these numbers what you will.

John Tortorella once tried incorporating Carl Hagelin into the power play to no avail.  Hagelin remains a non-participant on the power play to this day.  Moreover, if he's not on a rush, or on a breakaway, where he can utilize his speed in open ice, he's usually passing off, or getting bogged down by bigger bodies, and getting pushed off the puck.

Then there's Chris Kreider, whom it was thought, that if he ever managed to escape the wrath of Tortorella, he would flourish.  He has 2 goals in these playoffs.  Despite a loss in Game Three, Kreider actually played a very effectively.  He also opened the scoring in Game Two.

Kreider is most intimidating when he's crashing the net, which he has done a few times during this post-season.  The problem lies within his varying levels of reliability - you never know when he'll decide to take the night off, commit a mindless penalty, or lose his bearing from shift to shift, as he did in the closing seconds of Game One.

He is too big, strong, fast, and skilled, to play inconsequential hockey.  Weren't those John Tortorella's exact issues with Chris Kreider?

The Rangers won 52 games this season and won the President's trophy.  It was Vigneault's third award.  But guest what... the Vancouver Canucks fired him and hired Tortorella because they wanted to adopt a tougher mentality and more physical style of play.  That wasn't a Rangers issue; that was strictly a Vancouver thing.  That should nevertheless speak to someone, no?  Tortorella additionally won 50 games with the Rangers, with arguably less talent.

...just saying.

But Glen Sather steered the Rangers away from the more methodical, and extremely physical team coached by Tortorella, and transformed them to align with Alain Vigneault's philosophy and system.

This team is younger, well rounded, and more skilled than any edition Tortorella coached.  Three lines of defense, transition and speed, passing and puck possession, have rendered physicality an inconsequential component of the Rangers' game.  Those methods are the new preferred way to thwart opposing team's physical play.

Then again, timing is everything.  In the two seasons under Alain Vigneault, we have witnessed the end of the New Jersey Devils era, a considerable drop off by the Boston Bruins, the decline of the Pittsburgh Penguins, not to mention the disarray of the Maple Leafs, and particularly the perennially tough Flyers (no more).  In other words, the Eastern Conference opened up very conveniently for the reprogrammed Rangers to step in and seize control of a less physical conference.

After all that said, the word that keeps entering my head is, negligible, as in minimal net gain.  The team is still in search of an elusive winning goal, and dependent on Henrik pitching a shutout every game.

Indeed, these coaches actually have two things in common.

They've both had to list Rick Nash as missing in action.  In the end, both coaches could wind up suffering the consequences of Nash's annual playoff disappearances.  After leading the team during the regular season, Nash scored one goal for Tortorella in the 2013 playoffs.

Secondly, both coaches ultimately resorted to worshiping at the House of Henrik.  When all else seems to fail, and does, they both fell in rank behind The King.

Nevertheless, Tortorella was his own worst enemy, and consequently worked himself out of Hockey.

But, Vancouver's overwhelming reason to ultimately part with a successful head coach is somewhat of an omen with regards to the Rangers' presently deteriorating situation, and near future - IF they fail to make Rangers history together, that is.

Before Tex's Rangers can claim the Eastern Conference title (after all they are the favorites), they need to tie this series against the Capitals first.  Easier said than done.  Then again, the Rangers were a superior team on the road this season, weren't they?

For now, just win Game IV in order to regain home ice advantage in a short series, and quiet down a lot of noise.

I tip my hat to the new constitution....

...so I get on my knees and pray, we don't get fooled again.  -  (stuff The Who would say.)





Mike