In the previous four games, without Gaborik, the Rangers scored 16 goals. Last night the sniper came back and he produced nothing, and I do mean nothing. I have never understood the philosophy of playing hurt. Isn't it better to have a lesser player who is 100% healthy over a star performer who is clicking at 50%?
Apparently, Gabby's performance seemed to rub off on the entire team. Backup goalie, Alex Auld, was the exception and played well. Auld had 26 saves in his Ranger debut, losing 2-0. A five on three for the Caps, and a poor defensive play by Dubinsky gave the Caps the two goals they needed. Jose Theodore made 30 saves for the shutout but he was rarely challenged.
The Rangers are now in a three way tie for the last playoff spot in the East with Montreal and Atlanta. Atlanta has two games in hand. Tampa Bay sits a point behind in 11th and has a game in hand. What is amazing about the standings is how Atlanta has turned their season around after trading their super star, Ilya Kovalchuk, and the Rangers played better without Gaborik, briefly.
Tonight the Rangers play the Sabres, the third place team in the East. The Rangers are 1-1 against the Sabres this year. They finished with the Capitals, the first place team, 1-3, and finished against the Pens, the second place team 1-5. Do we really want to make the playoffs so the Absentee Owner and his minions can pick up a few million dollars?
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Capsized Again
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Mike - are you saying this team is not Stanley Cup material? ;-)
blow-me-down-Stanley Cup? Not even playoffs.