Flyers Grounded, Rangers Soar Into First with 4-2 Win

The NY Rangers eventually wore down and prevailed over a tough Philadelphia Flyers team, 4-2, at the Garden. It was an important victory that moved the Rangers into first place ahead of the Flyers atop the Atlantic division. The Rangers with a record of 21-8-4 and 46 points are now only one point behind Eastern Conference leader Boston. The team heads off to a well deserved Christmas break riding a four game winning streak that has been pulled along on a one Gaborik open sleigh.

Gaborik has been goal scoring horse. He scored his 21st goal of the season on another beautiful set play following a faceoff win early in the third period. We all held our breath when he got wacked on the shoulder by a stick and slid hard into the boards. Visions of a separated shoulder, like Steve Eminger, and 8 to 10 weeks on the shelf danced in our heads. But a wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread (I hope). Gaborik came back to play six more shifts.

Stu Bickel has been a splendid stocking stuffer. Four assists in his first three NHL games. Bickel was traded by Anaheim to the Rangers in exchange for Nigel Williams on Nov. 23, 2010. Who the hell is Nigel Williams you might ask? Well, keep asking, I have no clue. Anyway, Stu is like that little something you stuff in the youngin's stocking hoping to fill it out and make it look respectable. But, the little stocking stuffer turns out to be the hit of the holiday season and the kids go nuts for Stu, Stu, Stu... That reminds me I need to get over to the dollar store tomorrow morning.

The Scoring Summary:

G	Per	Time	Str	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist
1	2	10:18	EV	NYR	Stephan(8)	Stu Bickel(3)
2	2	15:29	EV	NYR	Fedotenko(5)	Stu Bickel(4)	Dubinsky(14)
3	3	01:48	EV	NYR	Gaborik(21)	Stralman(4)	Del Zotto(14)
4	3	10:21	PP	PHI	Meszaros(5)	Carle(15)	Hartnell(16)
5	3	14:04	PP	NYR	Calllahan(13)	Girardi(10)	Del Zotto(15)
6	3	17:50	EV	PHI	V.Riemsdyk(9)	Meszaros(7)	Read(10)

So a great win and good tidings of joy send us Rangers fans off to the holiday festivities with a bounce in our step and smile on our face. The Rangers are in first and coach disagreeable has found it easy to stashed his Grinch costume for the time being. Merry Christmas!

-----

ICINGS:


The Hank Hat

Blueshirts United:

There were a string of heroes wearing the Rangers' sweater Friday night at Madison Square Garden. From Brandon Dubinsky and his dynamic two-way game, to Stu Bickel and his two-assists, to Marian Gaborik and his 21st goal, to Michael Del Zotto and another two-point night. But in the end, Henrik Lundqvist was selected to wear the team's Broadway Hat following the game due to his rock-solid play in goal that featured 28 saves. Lundqvist has now won the Broadway Hat honor a team-high three times this season, including twice this week.

Following the game Lundqvist chose to speak about his team's success so far this season, and not his own personal play. "It just feels like we are more mature this year," explained Lundqvist...

----

Our Prayers Go Out:

Jake Feldman will undergo a bone marrow transplant tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Please put Jake in your prayers this holiday season.