Dr. Daps' Playoff Predictions

Hello, if you are stumbling across this, this is typically a New York Rangers blog. In the off-season, many different topics are discussed on this blog that may or may not pertain to the Rangers. This site will continue to keep the Rangers as its top priority, but will post content about other hockey news while the post-season goes on.


Hello viewers! Since theres not much activity in the Rangers world today, I figured I would throw out my picks for the second round of the playoffs.


Vancouver vs. Nashville


The Canucks managed to beat the Blackhawks in OT after dropping a 3-0 lead to exercise their demons and move them into the second round. The Predators ousted the Ducks in six games and are gearing up for their first second round appearance ever. The Canucks have the edge in this match-up, because they have more firepower than the Predators do. However, Roberto Luongo has struggled as of recently, while on the other side of the spectrum, Pekka Rinne has been an absolute brick-wall. As of right now, I think the Predators have the defensive advantage, but they will have their hands full with a very powerful Canucks team. Vancouver wins 4-3.


San Jose vs. Detroit


San Jose and Detroit is probably going to be the most exciting series to watch out of all four. Both of these teams are very poised with talent, and it will be an offensive show for the viewers. In the goaltending department, I think San Jose has more of an advantage because of the experience Antti Niemi has gained last year with the championship-winning Blackhawks. However, San Jose still has the label of being the "choke-job" team around the NHL. I'm not saying I'm guaranteeing a loss, but if its going to happen, it'll be against Detroit. Detroit wins 4-2.


 Washington vs. Tampa Bay


This series will be the true test for Washington to see if their change in defensive strategy that took place in the middle of the year will work. The Tampa Bay Lightning are a very dangerous team. They seem to have a player or two on every line that can put the puck in the net with consistency. If Washington is going to prove their new system, it'll come with shutting down players like Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. The goaltending is going to be an absolute circus. We will get to see if the old man, Dwayne Roloson, of the Lightning can teach the youngster, Michael Neuvirth, a thing or two. Or, perhaps Neuvirth will show Roloson the skill he's gained through the season. Either way, it's going to be really interesting to see what happens, and I believe that if the Caps do win this series, they can go a lot farther than recent years. However, I think the Lightning are going to be too much to handle. Tampa Bay wins 4-2.


Philadelphia vs. Boston


This series will be the most closely contested out of all four matches. The styles of both the Flyers and Bruins are very much equal. The Bruins try to obliterate everything thats on the ice, and the Flyers, well, are the Flyers. Someone will be checked through the glass during this series, and I would be willing to bet an ample $5 on that to anyone who's willing to match that. I bet Bruins fans have a little bit of a hole in their stomach for this match, because of last years miraculous 4-3 series loss after the Bruins lead the Flyers 3-0. But I believe its safer to say this season that the Bruins are a lot better off than they were last season, and I believe they will come out on top this time. Boston wins 4-3.


There you have it. I will be doing my next round predictions as well, all the way up to the final series of the 2011 season. I look forward to watching a lot of hockey, and keep an eye out for more random articles by me!

Can The Blackhawks Pull Off The Comeback?

Hello, if you are stumbling across this, this is typically a New York Rangers blog. In the off-season, many different topics are discussed on this blog that may or may not pertain to the Rangers. This site will continue to keep the Rangers as its top priority, but will post content about other hockey news while the post-season goes on.

If you aren't in-tune with the hockey world, or any sports for that matter, I would like to pose a single question to you: If a team is up three game to zero in a "best-of 7" series, the chances of a comeback are nearly impossible, right?

Well, as fate would have it, the Chicago Blackhawks have erased the three-game lead on the President's Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs. Tonight is the final game of the series, and everyone is feeling the tension.

Just one year after the Philadelphia Flyers overcame a 3-0 deficit against to the Boston Bruins in the semifinal round of the playoffs, the Blackhawks are looking to follow in their footsteps this year, and continue their streak of eliminating the Canucks from the playoffs for the third straight year. Only this year feels like it will sting just a bit more if they manage to pull it off.

It's been said around the hockey world that much of the blame for the Canucks' collapse falls on the shoulders of goaltender Roberto Luongo. Truth be told, Luongo hasn't been absolutely stellar for the past three games. In fact, head-coach Alain Vigneault decided to give Luongo a chance to gather himself just in-case of the inevitable (thus being Game 7), by starting backup goaltender Corey Schneider in Game 6. However, fate would have it that Schneider would eventually let in the tying goal of Game 6 on a penalty-shot by Michael Frolik, and in the process, injured himself. The Blackhawks had no choice but to send Luongo back into net, where he allowed the final goal of the night in during the overtime period from Ben Smith.

It's also been said that the Blackhawks are "inside Roberto Luongo's head." This statement could in fact hold some water. I mean, if you had to face the same team three-years in a row in the playoffs, after they've beaten you twice, and now you've given up a lead that if you potentially lose it, it will be remembered in the memories of sports-lore for the rest of time, you would probably be a little psyched out too. Not to say Luongo is not capable of winning the game tonight, but the thought of him being tormented by the Blackhawks.

I for one, will be rooting for the Blackhawks because I want to see a miraculous comeback once again. And since it's not the Flyers doing it, it'll be a lot easier to cheer for the team coming back. No offense to the Canucks or anything, I just love me a good underdog-Cinderella story.

Rangers Eliminated In First Round of 2011 Playoffs 4/23/11

The Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs today, after a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals dropping the series 4-1 on Washington ice.

The Rangers failed to establish much momentum in the game, as the Capitals scored the first goal of the game in the 1st period, the first 1st period goal of the series. The Capitals scored one more goal in the 2nd and one more in the 3rd to seal their victory and advance them to the next round of the playoffs. As for the Rangers... their season is over.

Give the Capitals a lot of credit though. They didn't pay attention to anything that happened during the regular season between these two teams, and played their game excellently. Had the Capitals had a more experienced goaltending corps, they would be my pick to head all the way to the Finals.

But as for the Rangers, while I am disappointed, a lot of positive things came out of this season. The Rangers found secondary scoring, something they've needed for such a long time in players like rookie Derek Stepan, and Brian Boyle. Fixtures in this lineup have grown into their own and have become major threats like Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky. The defensive powerhouses in Marc Staal and Dan Girardi are now being revered around the league for their fine defensive work. And above all, the Rangers have found an identity as a team.

For many years, the Rangers have gone out and ruined each team that seemed to get a bit of chemistry under their belt. This season, no mercenaries were brought in, no washed up veterans, and the Rangers managed to survive just fine without them, which in turn allowed their young players to blossom at a young age. Now, under coach John Tortorella, the Rangers have developed this tough, gritty, hard-working, grinding team that plays tough hockey in order to win, and thats the first identity this team has had in a while, and it works.

This playoff series was good for the youth of the Rangers. They got to experience playoff hockey at such a young age against some of the greatest players in the world. This series taught these players so many lessons that they will be able to hold onto for the rest of their careers, and use it to better themselves. Remember the Blackhawks two years ago? The Blackhawks did not make it into the playoffs for five straight years before that year, and they went all the way to the Conference Finals that year. The next year, they came back and won the Cup. The experience of playing in the playoffs is something so valuable because it shows the players what they need to be in order to be the best.

This season overall was fairly positive for the Ranger, despite their shortcomings in the playoffs. I am proud as a fan for the determination this team showed from Day 1 and look forward to seeing their future as Rangers.

As for the Clinic, I will not lie, it might slow down during the off-season. For the fact that mainly there isn't a whole lot of news that goes on every day in the hockey world during the summer. However, I will continue to post content through the playoffs like my predictions and recap and my thoughts on things just to keep myself, and hopefully my readers, entertained for the length of the off-season. But, you can be sure the Clinic will be back once hockey beings to pick up again, ready to blog the entire next season.

I began this blog in late November. Since then, I've had 1,021 views on my blog from many different countries around the world. That enough for me is an achievement. I love blogging for this team, no matter how much they stress me out, and I look forward to the next season. I'd like to thank everyone who views my blog, and I would like to thank the Rangers for allowing me to put my time into something I love to do. For that, I salute all of you!

2011 Playoff Prescription: Rangers vs. Capitals Game 4

Game four, ladies and gentlemen!

The Rangers managed to cut the series lead of the Capitals to just one game three days ago, after a 3-2 victory at Madison Square Garden. The winning goal came in the final two minutes of the game off of a fortunate bounce in front of the net set up by Brandon Dubinsky, who was sporting a new playoff mustache that would make Lanny MacDonald smirk.

Now, the Rangers finally have some momentum in their favor heading into tonights game. They had a good three days off to prepare, and to work on the things they did well on in Game 3. By the good things, I mean playing as if you are trying to take the heads off of the opponent within the restraints of the rules. In the first period of Sundays game, the Rangers were flying around the rink hitting everything like a bunch of wrecking-balls on crack. that is what the Rangers need to do in order for them to make a statement right from the get-go.

Another thing that this long break has brought to this series is it's share of smack-talking. Bruce Boudreau, head-coach of the Washington Capitals made a few comments taking shots at the Garden faithful, and the Garden itself. Boudreau went on to say that MSG isn't too loud, the fans aren't too loud, the benches are cramped, the locker rooms are crappy, blah, blah, blah. Not sure whether or not this is a tactic by Mr. Boudreau to try and get into the Rangers' head, but I can tell you right now, the Rangers fans in attendance are going to let Boudreau hear it, big time. My wish would be for the Rangers to just go "rat-trick" on the Capitals, except this time instead of toy rats, throw ice-cream bars onto the ice. The Rangers would subsequently get a penalty or the delay-of-game, but it would be SO worth it.

Luckily for the Rangers, they have not taken exception to the words of Boudreau. John Tortorella said his team is not worried that the refs are going to be swayed by all the "whining" going on by Mr. Boudreau, and they are only going to focus on their game, which is the right mindset.

The Prescription


Comments aside, I believe the Rangers are going to come out with the edge in all their aspects in tonights game. I also truly believe that tonight is the night where Marian Gaborik, who has been slumping lately, finally breaks through tonight. Gaborik, who had an assist in the last game, is going to get a majority of the chances for him to feel more comfortable on the ice. I also anticipate the Rangers to play just as, if not more, physically in this game than three days ago. The formula is working, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Enjoy the game!

2011 Playoff Prescription: Rangers vs. Capitals Game 3

The Rangers are returning home after dropping two games to the Capitals in Washington. Now, it's really time to get down to the nitty-gritty if you are the Rangers.

I did not get to see the game two days ago because I was visiting schools, and I don't really want to watch the replay of a shutout. But what I can say is that the Rangers are lacking intensity. The Capitals have been strong on the puck up and down the rink in every game they've played so far, and in turn, have only allowed the Rangers to score one goal in this series coming in the first game from Matt Gilroy. Now, the Rangers are home, a place they have struggled to win a few times this season, but have pulled off miraculous things at (aka, the Boston 5-3 comeback). But like I said, it is time for them to get down to the nitty-gritty now. Which means, hitting harder, shooting harder and more often. Throw everything and the kitchen sink at the Capitals. Like Brandon Dubinsky said: "Rather than cycling ourselves to death, we've just got to make sure we're trying to create chances and funnel everything to the (crease) and trying to get in this guy's face. He's a young guy (Neuvirth) and we've got to try to put more pressure on him."


The Prescription


As said before, the Rangers need to match the intensity that the Capitals had in their home arena. The Capitals are a fast-paced team, and the Rangers need to find a way to shut them down before they can set up, because that one opportunity may be all they need. 


Also, Rangers fans need to do what they need to in order to get the Caps off their game. I'm talking be as loud as humanly possible. Don't stop cheering until the horn signals the end of the game. Make them feel out of their element. 


Enjoy the game!

2011 Playoff Prescription: Rangers vs. Capitals Game 2

Game 2 of the Rangers vs. Capitals.

The first game between these two clubs ended in overtime on a shot by Alex Semin. The Rangers managed to show that they could hang with the fast and explosive offense of the Capitals, only coming up just short.

The one thing I stressed in my pre-game post last time was I think the Rangers needed to really press and test Michal Neuvirth. Obviously, it was pretty hard for the Rangers to get control of the puck. But once they did, they weren't taking enough shots. And when they did, a lot of them were getting blocked. Those are the trials that playoff hockey comes in. the Rangers need to learn how to be aggressive, while also being able to "flip-a-switch" on that aggressiveness at the right time.

The Caps had a good game against the Rangers. They looked as though they have looked behind on all of the problems that the Rangers caused them in the regular season, and came out energized looking like a brand new team. It will be interesting to see if that success goes straight to their heads or if they manage to keep their focus and do the same thing tonight.

The Prescription


The Rangers need to forget about the last game between these two clubs and come out as energized as the Caps were last game. There was good control of the neutral zone by both teams in the last game so it is hard to call on what needs to be improved defensively, however, the Rangers need to make sure they do not hand the Caps any second chances (say, failing to get the puck out of the zone?). The Rangers also need to cut down on a lot of the cycling they like to do once they get solid control of the puck in the offensive zone. No more passing, MORE SHOOTING!

Enjoy the game!

2011 Playoff Prescription: Rangers vs. Capitals Game 1

The playoffs officially start tonight! The Rangers will take on the Capitals in game one of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Unfortunately, my initial post didn't publish for some damn reason, and I have class I need to go to so I will only give a brief overview of my main points I brought up.

Michal Neuvirth has gotten the nod from the Capitals as the starting goaltender tonight for the Caps. Neuvirth posted a 1-1 record against the Rangers season. However, the Rangers have won three consecutive games against the Caps, only allowing one goal over those three games.

Playoff Prescription

There is going to be a lot of prodding going on between these two teams tonight. A lot of testing the weaknesses of both teams.

The key to a victory for the Rangers tonight: FIRE AWAY!

The Rangers have had a lot of success when getting as many pucks to the net as possible. That being said, Michal Neuvirth is making his postseason debut tonight, and he will feel the pressures that come along with it like any other player in the league. If the Rangers can get shots to the net, and follow up on them, they have a good chance to win this game tonight.

Unfortunately, I have a thing for school I must attend and will not be able to see the first half. In my absence, I hope you all enjoy the game, and LETS GO RANGERS!

Breaking Down The Rangers vs. Capitals 1st Round

These two teams are not strangers by any means. In fact, the last time they versed each other in the playoffs was two years ago when the Capitals won 4-3. But this time, it's going to be a helluva lot different. 

The Rangers and Capitals got to showcase their skills against one another four times this season. Three out of those four times, the Rangers Came out on top. Twice, the Rangers beat the Capital by more than five goals, while not allowing any in the process. The Capitals managed to take the first game away from the Rangers by the score of 5-3. Both these teams have very good attributes that will help them come playtime. Let's highlight some of those attributes, shall we?

Strengths


The Capitals have been an offensive powerhouse for the past three seasons, potting more than 250 goals in each of those seasons. With acquisitions of Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, and Alexander Semin, this team has the big guns when it comes to scoring. Along with that, the bringing-on of seasoned veteran Jason Arnott who has won the Cup with the New Jersey Devils before, can provide a huge lift in their depth. This team is dangerous, and can change the pace of a game in an instant. However, this team has gone through a transition this year, trying to become more defense-oriented as that has proven to be their downfall the past few postseasons. And this transition has worked in their favor. The Capitals went from losing the lead in their division to the Lightning, to earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers also have found a bit of a powerhouse in offense this season as well. Five players this season have scored 20+ goals for the Rangers. In fact, the Rangers scored more goals this season than Washington did. As stated before, the Rangers have managed to six and seven goals in the net against Washington this season. In fact, overall scoring between the Rangers and Caps this season is 17-6 in favor of the Blueshirts. Along with scoring more than five goals on two occasions, they have managed to keep the puck out of their net as well. The Ranger shut the Caps out twice this season, and allowed one goal in a game that lead to a shootout. Henrik Lundqvist has been on his A-game against the Caps this season, and that will probably show again when it's all on the line for these two teams.

Weaknesses


As stated before, the Capitals have gone through a defensive transition this year. But, the problem may not lie with their defense, but rather their goaltending. The Washington Capitals have switched off Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov, and Braden Holtby all season long. These goaltenders, besides Varlamov who was the goalie that faced the Rangers two years ago, are not playoff seasoned, and their inexperience could potentially falter this team.

Like the Caps goalies, the Rangers are a young, YOUNG team. Half of the defensive players are playing in their first NHL season, but have performed above and beyond the expectations of the Rangers this season. However, experience can be the thing that really propels a team in the playoffs, and thats something the Rangers lack.

The Mix-Up


I believe this series is going to go to game seven. Both of these teams, despite the lopsided scoring/goaltending during the regular season, are very evenly matched. The game-breakers for both teams like Lundqvist, Gaborik, Ovechkin and Backstrom are going to have to come up big at the right time in order for these two teams to get the jump on each other.

This is just a rundown of what I think the series is going to be. I will post my predictions for the series and we get closer to the start on Wednesday!

Let's Go Rangers!

Rangers Clinch 8th Seed

The New York Rangers are headed to the playoffs!

The Rangers cliched the 8th and final seed in the Eastern Conference on the last day of their season. The Rangers jumped ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes after defeating the New Jersey Devils 5-2 earlier today. And to seal the deal, the Tampa Bay Lightning managed to keep the Canes at bay with a 6-2 defeat.

The Rangers are seeded to face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs. The Rangers have beaten the Capitals in three out of four of their games this season. More info on the playoffs will be brought up as the start of the first round approaches. For now, give yourself a pat on the back, Rangers. You deserve to make the playoffs after your hard fought season!

Recapping the Rangers/Devils 4/9/11

The Rangers closed out the 2010-2011 with a victory on Garden ice against the New Jersey Devils to the score of 5-2.

I did not sleep a second last night. I was too busy thinking about last year, and which ending of the season will hurt more: this year or last? I was considering not watching the game, I was too scared to see what could possibly happen to this team. But I am very, very glad I decided to tune in and see the end to the regular season, but possibly not the entire season.

The game began rocky, with the Devils getting an early deflection from Nick Palmieri two-minutes into the game. However, a minute and eleven seconds later, the Rangers tied the game back up coming off the stick of a player probably many people didn't even know was an option for today's game: captain Chris Drury. Drury scored his first goal of the season sliding it backhand five-hole on Martin Brodeur, underlining why he has been given the title of "Captain Clutch."

The Rangers lost the lead late in the 1st period after Ilya Kovalchuk snapped a bullet past Henrik Lundqvist, but did not waver in the face of intimidation. Nearly two minutes into the 2nd period, Wojtek Wolski scored his first goal in 18 games to tie the game at two. The trend of dark-horses scoring for the Rangers would continue in the 2nd as rookie defenseman Ryan McDonagh scored his first goal of his NHL career to give the Rangers the lead for the remainder of the game.

Brandon Prust would chip in one more goal after collecting a rebound off of a Brandon Dubinsky shot. And finally, Vinny Prospal would get the Rangers their final goal to tuck in the win half way through the 3rd period.

I would like to give credit to the Devils, though. The Devils looked dead in the water at the half-way point of this season, but showed a lot of heart and determination to try and pull something positive out of a dismal start. The fact that the Devils were once in a position of being four points away from the Rangers this season after the start they had is very commendable and I tip my hat to their perseverance.

Now, the Rangers need some help. The Rangers have put some pressure on the Carolina Hurricanes, who play the Tampa Bay Lightning later on tonight. If the Lightning win tonight, in either regulation, overtime, or shootout, the Rangers will lock an 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers end this season with a 44-33-5 record. They scored 233 goals, and allowed 198, finishing with a +35 in the goals for/goals against ratio. Henrik Lundqvist set a career-high, league-leading number of shutouts with 12. The Rangers had five separate twenty goal scorers, and the young defensive core for the Rangers managed to hold their own when faced with so many injuries to the lineup. In all, the Rangers did a very commendable job this year. Whether Carolina wins or loses tonight, I will still be proud of the Rangers team. This Rangers team showed grit, determination, and guts all season long, and played an honest, hard-working game all season long, and for that, I thank them. I am proud to be a Rangers fan, and I hope that this is not the end of their season. Tonight, we cheer for the Lightning to give the Rangers a little help in the standings!

Lets Go Rangers! And just for tonight, lets go Lightning!

3/7/11 Rangers vs. Thrashers

One ring to rule them all.

Rangers against the Atlanta Thrashers.

Game #81 of the 2010-2011 season. The Rangers have battled valiantly in the final weeks of this season, most recently pulling off a stunning comeback after being down 3-0 to win 5-3 against the Boston Bruins for a very important two points to keep them in front of the ever persistent Carolina Hurricanes. However, their victory over the Bruins came with a very major loss as Ryan Callahan went down with a fractured leg after blocking a slap shot from Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. However, the loss of such a major cog in this team hasn't wavered the Rangers' confidence. Derek Stepan told reporters after finding out Callahan was injured,


"Guys sacrifice their body and we haven't missed a beat. These guys go out, guys get injured, they're buying into the system. It's just the way we've played. Guys that are hurt, I've got a lot of respect for them. They're doing it the right way. It's been hard, but we've found a way to continue to play."


Even after learning that Callahan may not return this season, coach John Tortorella has implicated the mood of "keep moving forward" to the rest of the team. The Rangers have managed to right the ship when many of their key players went down to injury all season, so there is no doubt that it's possible for them to do it again.

The Thrashers have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but like every team that is, that will not mean that they will just roll over and let the Rangers have this game. A team that is already eliminated is more dangerous than any team thats already clinched, just ask Detroit last night (jerks...). Blake Wheeler has been stepping up for the Thrashers as of late. since getting traded from Boston, Wheeler has seven goals and eight assists. The Thrashers, however, are dealing with injury issues of their own. Tobias Enstrom and Radek Dvorak are both day-to-day with upper-body injuries.

My Diagnosis


First, I'm not going to predict this game because it's way too scary to think about the Rangers losing. the key players for the Rangers tonight are going to have to be Marian Gaborik and Marc Staal/Dan Girardi. Gaborik has yet to score this season against the Thrashers, and with Callahan gone, Gaborik really needs to turn on his jets in order to keep the Rangers ahead of the Hurricanes. Along with him, Girardi and Staal need to get gritty on defense, like they have been all year, and stop the pucks from ever getting into the Rangers zone. Henrik Lundqvist is making his 25th consecutive start for the Rangers, and only he knows how fatigued he is. Also, players like Evander Kane NEED to be shut down all night in order for a win to happen. the the Rangers can execute this game this way, they have a very good chance of winning this game and moving one game closer to the playoffs.

Enjoy the game!

Callahan Out For Season

In the hard fought game against the Bruins earlier this week, assistant captain Ryan Callahan took a slap-shot by none other then the monstrous Zdeno Chara that fractured his leg, and is said to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Callahan was noticeably shook-up after taking the shot, but remained on the ice for the remainder of his shift.

Now, the Rangers are in a tough spot at the worst possible time. With the playoffs so close, and the race for the final two spots still up for grabs, the Rangers lose possibly their most valuable player.

The Rangers have been without Callahan for quite a stretch earlier this season after he broke his hand blocking a shot. The Rangers did not seem to waver that much in the loss of Callahan, but at a time like now where every point is necessary, it really creates a hole for the Rangers that is deep, but not uncontrollable.

The question that has been going around is: who is going to take Callahan's place? The Rangers have apparently moved defenseman Matt Gilroy to the wing to try and fill the hole. Another option for the Rangers could be Mats Zuccarello who was sent down earlier this week. the only question with Zuccarello would be is he big and durable enough to last the playoffs?

In all, this is a huge blow to the Rangers lineup, but not something that cannot be overcome. If the Flyers can make it to the Cup Finals on the back of six goaltenders last season, the Rangers can find a way to work past this injury. Stranger stuff has happened in the NHL.

Rangers Pull Off Comeback, Beat Boston 5-3

I'm telling you, this team is trying to kill me.

The Rangers pulled off a remarkable comeback at Madison Square Garden tonight, erasing a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3. The Rangers, who were separated by no more than two points from the Carolina Hurricanes who sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, have jumped into the 7th place spot, four points away from the trailing Hurricanes and have tied with the Montreal Canadiens.

The Rangers looked deflated to start the game, having played in a shootout win over the Flyers. the Rangers surrendered two goals in the 1st period from Daniel Paille and Nathan Horton. The Bruins held the Rangers to just five shots in the first period. The Rangers then carried the same drudge over to the 2nd period, giving up a goal to Chris Kelly to make it a 3-0 game.

A minute and two seconds later though, Vinny Prospal decided it was time to stop messing around, slapping home a goal that managed to get through the legs of Tim Thomas. Seven-minutes later, Prospal did it again cutting the lead to just one to end the 3rd period.

The Rangers came onto the ice in the 3rd a better team then the one that started the game. Henrik Lundqvist stood tall when needed to, and the defense really shut down the opposition. With four minutes remaining in the game, Brandon Dubinsky got the puck directly in front of Tim Thomas, and slid a backhander underneath him to tie the game up. Less than a minute later, Michael Sauer got a shot off that managed to squeak between the legs of Thomas yet again, and trickled just over the goal line to give the Rangers the lead with three minutes to go in the game.

Derek Stepan sealed the victory with an empty netter to win the game 5-3. The Rangers had never come back to beat Boston after trailing by three goals since the league began. the Rangers showed courage, passion, and will in this victory as they improve their chance of making the playoffs with a big regulation win with only two game remaining in the season.

3/4/11 Rangers vs. Bruins

And just like that, were back again.

Rangers against the Boston Bruins.

For the final time this season, these two rough and tumble teams will take the ice against one another. The Rangers have managed to take two of the three games played against the Bruins so far this season, most recently, Henrik Lundqvist getting his eleventh shutout of the season on March 26th in a 1-0 hard fought and brilliant game by both the Rangers and Bruins. The Rangers have fought, and fought, and fought to stay in the playoffs these past two weeks. With two more games remaining after tonight, and the standings being so close with the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the Rangers by one point, Montreal ahead by two, and Carolina sticking around two points behind the Rangers, every point matters. The Rangers proved that in another classic yesterday against the Philadelphia Flyers. In deja-vu circumstances, the Rangers went to a shootout against the Flyers like the way they were eliminated last season, only this time coming out victorious and earning that very valuable extra point. One Ranger that has caught my eye recently has been Artem Anisimov. Anisimov has been noticeable a majority of the times he's on the ice, and has been doing fairly well recently despite not scoring. Anisimov has managed to make something out of nothing in a few circumstances over the past three games, so I would look out for him to be a big catalyst in tonights game.

The Bruins have already clinched their division and a spot to go to the post-season, their only job now is getting there in one piece. Two out of the three times the Rangers have faced the Bruins this season, Tuukka Rask has been between the pipes. Rask has been the goalie that has lost both games against the Rangers this season, while Tim Thomas has the only win. Therefore, I would believe that it would only be logical for Thomas to get a start tonight due to Rask's track record.

My Diagnosis


The Rangers and Bruins are two very similar teams. Both are very physical, and have a solid foundation in the goaltending department. In fact, the Rangers and Bruins are first and second for least goals allowed this season, the Bruins getting the 1st place slot. I expect a lot of what I saw from the last meeting between these two teams: a low-scoring, hard-hitting game of hockey. Tonight is a true test of courage and grit for the Rangers, and if they execute the way they did last time, they can come out with a victory once again.

My Predictions


Rangers win 2-1.

Brian Boyle will tally the first goal for the Rangers early in the 1st.
Milan Lucic will get the only goal for the Bruins to tie it in the 2nd.
And finally, Artem Anisimov will get the game winning goal for the Rangers half way through the 3rd.

Enjoy they game, its bound to be a real doozy!

Recapping the Rangers/Flyers 4/3/11

I need a heart-doctor on hand every time I watch this team play.

First off, I think I'm going to begin doing only post-game analysis on weekends. Mostly because I like to mix it up, and I usually sleep a lot on the weekends, and usually end up waking up ten-minutes before each game so I never get a chance to do pre-games.

But for today, this is a positive post, and a first in what seemed like an eternity. At this stage of the season, every losing streak feels like an eternity. But, today the Rangers managed to pull out a victory in reverse fashion of the way the season ended for them last year, in a 3-2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Erik Christensen and Wojtek Wolski both tallied in the shootout against rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky as Henrik Lundqvist turned away former Ranger Nikolai Zherdev, who had one goal in the game, and Claude Giroux who won the shootout for Philadelphia last year.

It was a very physical game, like most would expect from these bitter rivals. Prust and Boyle both fought for the Rangers. Checks were thrown, and shots were blocked. All things that have given the Rangers success in their games today paid off and got them a big two points as both Carolina and Buffalo play one another today.

The Rangers goals came from Bryan McCabe, who scored with .07 seconds left in the 1st period on a 5 on 3. Following McCabe's goal was Ruslan Fedotenko who found the puck in front of the net after killing off a Vinny Prospal penalty.

The Rangers have kept the boat afloat for a while longer. Boston, Atlanta, and New Jersey are the final three games remaining for the Rangers, all of them at home. Despite New Jersey and Atlanta being mathematically eliminated, there is not a chance in the world that they are just going to roll over and lose. the Rangers need to keep their foot on the gas pedal and truck through these final three games. Points are too valuable now for them to play a half-effort game.

Enjoy your Sunday, and hope Buffalo wins in regulation!