What is about the Devils that brings out the best in our Blueshirt heroes? Is it simply a case of familiarity breeds contempt. If we know you, then we own you. We don't worry about no stinking trap. So where exactly was the vaunted Devils trap and their defensive discipline last night?
It was a Rangers shooting gallery in the second period. Has Marty Brodeur really been the prickly super glue that's been holding the Debbies together all these years? Without Martha they looked weak, while not working well for Weekes (say that fast). Must be all their injuries.
Rupp, Salvador, Langenbrunner, and Elias all took penalties in the 2nd as the Devils gave the Rangers powerplay a chance to find some mojo. Going 2-for-6 and cashing in on a couple of 5-on-3's was like giving the Ranger powerplay a dose of Viagra. Hopefully even a Cialis weekender if the glow carries over to Saturday against Boston. Shoot Roszy shoot.
I just had to check and see when we get some more of this magic Devils' tonic. We play them four more times: Dec 12, Dec 27, Feb 9, Mar 30. Which means January might a rough month when the Blueshirters go off their meds.
You could even say Devils games have become an unofficial Rangers Festivus holiday. With whoever is in goal acting the part of a Festivus pole as the Rangers dance around them and score. The Rangers scored 4 goals against them back on October 13th.
- Cosmo Kramer: Is there a tree?
- Frank Costanza: No, instead, there's a pole. It requires no decoration. I find tinsel distracting.
- Frank Costanza: It's made from aluminium. Very high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Mr. Kruger: I find your belief system fascinating.
Well, too bad, Fesitvus can't come every game, but if we're going to celebrate it -- no one better than the Devils to celebrate it with. Mike will be back soon to throw the required cold water on our little Festivus celebration. So while he's still off-line I'll just dance around the Festivus pole for now.
Happy Fesitivus.
ICINGS:
Boston has this 21-year-old phenom, Philip Kessel. He's been called the American Sidney Crosby. It will be interesting to see how he does against Renney's confident Blueshirters. By the way, when's the last time the Rangers had a phenom on the team?
MyFoxDetroit:
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I thought the Rangers played a good game once they got going. But like you say, the Devils aren't what they used to be. That said, it was got to see a work ethic applied for two periods anyway, it is a great leadup to the Bruins game where they hopefully play the first period too.
Do I detect a bit of a difference in approach by the offence the last couple of games, just a bit more basic and with the net as the focus? That goal by Korpikoski was not the kind of goal I have seen much of, not often does it come from behind the net right onto the tape of someone in the slot. That was a pretty goal, and no gimme, regardless of Weekes' play. Lots of players contributed last night, nice to see Dubinsky all fired up (doesn't appear to be any effects from that fall he took, tough to watch that).
Really looking forward to a continuation of the effort they showed in periods two and three, and starting at the first drop of the puck. That's all I ever look for.
Yes, it was very surprising to see Korpikoski get off that shot in the slot for a goal and I think he had another good one just before that.
Regarding all around contributions; getting 5 points or so out of the defense must be a record. Good medicine for their spirits. Maybe both Redden and Rozy will get going now and earn that big money.
Dubinski landing on his head was not pretty.
Definitely something to build on. Makes us all look forward to the next game and hope to see more of the same. Hopefully, they don't have to keep falling behind before getting fired up.
Phil Kessel is a player that can hurt us, but the Bruins do seem to have quite a few of that type. I saw a deke by Blake Wheeler, that guy has moves. And of course, Timmy in net.
Boston is 23rd in penalty killing percentage, maybe that bodes well for more target practice on the improving(?) Rangers powerplay.
It's a small hockey world, Blake Wheeler was a teammate of Kessel at the University of Minnesota, during the 2005-06 collegiate ice hockey season.