Softie Beats Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist made 29 saves last night, many memorable, but it's the one that got away that may haunt him and the Rangers for a long time. Tomas Kaberle's shot along the goal line with about three and a half minutes left in the game found its way through Lundqvist, tied the game to send it into OT, where the Rangers lost for the seventh time in eight tries.

The game shouldn't have been close. Jonas Gustavson, Lundqvist's Swedish compatriot, made 36 saves and was outstanding but the Rangers continued to be inept on offense as their so called "big players" disappeared. The Rangers goals were scored by callup P.A. Parenteau and Brandon Dubinsky. If Gaborik was playing, I missed it. He seems to disappear in big games.

Sean Avery joined the injured Callahan about halfway through the second period with a leg injury and never returned. The Rangers would be hard pressed to make a run at the playoffs without Callahan and Avery.

The loss now leaves the Rangers two points behind ninth place and charging Atlanta and four points behind collapsing Philadelphia and hanging on for dear life Boston. Again, as I have stated many times before, this team cannot pick up Lundqvist when he comes up with a gaffe like he did last night, though he has rescued the team many times. With seven games to go Lundqvist must be great every night because otherwise there is no hope. With Callahan and Avery out that role becomes more difficult.

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