The Rangers continued their magical run in Raleigh last night with a 5-3 win that stretched their newest winning streak to four. It was like the kids on the pond with the way the scoring was distributed. Gaborik was the only multiple point scorer, netting his 12th goal of the year and setting up Sean Avery's game winner, his third of the year. The only players who were blanked were Prust, Fedotenko, Mitchell and Eminger.
It wasn't a very good game, but the name of the game right now is, two points. The shots were almost even 31-27 Canes. The hits were 22-21 Canes. Blocked shots 22-21 Rangers. That one additional blocked shot was off the face of John Mitchell, who looked like a beat up prize fighter after the game.
This is one stat that doesn't excite me. There is the potential for too many serious injuries. Mitchell was lucky on this one. The puck hit his helmet and drove the helmet into his face right above the eye. A little lower and the puck would have hit Mitchell in the eye. Bye bye eye, career and maybe life. What happened to the goalie stopping these shots? Look at all the manpower we lost last year due to blocked shots. But our fearless, disagreeable coach espouses this stat. Like I said. What happened to the goalie stopping these shots?
Meanwhile the Broadway Express is rolling right now. Next stop, Tampa.
Blueshirts United:
Michael Sauer became the 14th different Blueshirt to earn Broadway Hat honors this season as he was presented the special chapeau following thursday's 5-3 win over the Hurricanes. Sauer provided the Rangers a two-goal advantage by slapping his first of the season past Cam Ward 5:42 into the third period, and also logged a rock-solid 19:37 worth of ice-time on Thursday. "The hat feels good," said a smiling Sauer following the game. "A little tight, but it works!"
Fourteen of 18 Rangers skaters registered at least one point against Carolina, including five of six Rangers defensemen. The defensemen combined for two goals and three assists in the contest. The last time The Rangers had at least 14 different skaters with one or more points was Apr. 9, 2011 vs. New Jersey (5-2 win), and the last time five or more Blueshirt defensemen tallied a point was Mar. 15, 2011 vs. the New York Islanders (6-3 win).
They need more hats. I think Gaborik or Callahan could have worn the hat. Avery, with the game winner, also deserved consideration. His points per minute of ice time must one of the highest in the league. Even Boyle when he wasn't playing punching bag got an assist.
Carolina is not a bad home team. In November, at home, they beat Pittsburgh and Toronto, and lost to Montreal in a shoot out. In those games, they got 4 or 5 power plays.
The Rangers played a smart away game. They did not take penalties. They did not take unnecessary risks when on the power play or even in their own end.
This is s much smarter team then last years team. You can see the effect of Brad up and down the line-up. You can also see how Girardi has settled the defense.
If Dubi and Avery can form the core of a line - double shifting Gabi on that line from time to time, if Staal comes back 100% and we make a key trade or two - this team can make a deep run in the playoffs. The key is to stay healthy, develop another goal scoring threat from within or by trade and get a physical defender to protect the King in the playoffs (cause Pittsburgh is not alone in knowing you have to get rid of him if you want to make sure you beat the Rangers).
335-for all the reasons you list I believe this team can go deep and I don't think they need to make a trade. A trade could even hurt their mojo. Just let them keep grinding.
Hagelin and Mitchell deserve to stay with the club. Please don't move them.
PUCKERFACE-When Wolski returns, Sean sits. After that its pot luck.
Slashman-Eventually grinding, blocking shots will lead to injuries.
Section 335-Dubi and Sean make a good core. In fact Avery with Gabby right now would be a great fit. But it will never happen.
jb-Who picks the hat winner? If Sean ever wins it the coach will: 1. Claim that everyone played well or 2. Say the procedure is discontinued because it has lost its original meaning.