Matinee Idols

It is hard to imagine a more unlikely hero than Jed Ortmeyer. With 2:47 remaining in the game and the Rangers clinging to a 2-1 lead and trying to kill off a penalty, Ortmeyer was pulled down on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot. Playing in only his sixth game Ortmeyer put at least three fakes on Boston goalie Tim Thomas before scoring his first goal of the year ending Boston's hope to come back.

Both goalies played well in a defensive struggle that was a relief after the last two Ranger losses. Tim Thomas made 35 saves and Henrik Lundqvist came up with 24 saves. Boston's lone goal went in off of Marc Savards skate which tied the game a minute after Nylander had given the Rangers a lead in the first period. Martin Straka scored the game winner in the second, his 24th.

But the play of the game was Ortmeyer's penalty shot goal. One of the most popular Rangers on the team, the Ranger bench and the crowd erupted after he scored. Jaromir Jagr got into a roughing match with Paul Mara in the second period and it is clear that Jagr is getting fed up with being pushed around with no one on the Rangers retaliating. Brendan Shanahan can not be the policeman for this team.

Good news for the Rangers is that Jagr did not make the All Star team and will be able to stay home and rest. Think about this for a second. The number six scorer in the NHL and truly one of its biggest stars was not picked for the All Star game. You don't think the NHL isn't a Mickey Mouse League. Better he stays home and rests. Maybe he will talk to the "Drain Trust" and talk them into getting some serious help for this team. Shanahan was chosen to the All Stars for the eight time.

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