You remember that old song, "Open the Door, Richard." Of course you don't. If you did you would be as old as me. But Brad Richards not only opened the door, but he demolished it. Richards aided by his linemates, Gaborik and Hagelin racked up nine points in turning back the 'Canes 4-2. Richards two goals, (22,23) and an assist. Gaborik a goal (34) and two assists and Hagelin a goal (13) and two assists. The trio had 15 of the 28 shots the Rangers got on goal.
Richards has been fooling us all year. He waited until things got serious. He was a sniper, laying in ambush waiting to strike. And strike he has. He is on top of his game now. And its none too soon. Coming in Thursday are the red hot Penguins, who right now are only six points behind the Rangers. The big danger for the Rangers is if they fall off the top and get into a dogfight with the Flyers, Devils and Senators for fourth place.
Marty Biron played another strong game with 27 saves and for a change didn't give up the first goal or two. Lundqvist was out with the flu and hopefully will be back at full strength against the Penguins. Should be an interesting and wild night. Stay tuned.
ICINGS: Official or unofficial, Sean Avery has announced his retirement claiming he threw his skates in the Hudson. Stay loose and in shape Sean. Next year is another year and there may be a spot for you with the Islanders, Devils or Flyers. Wouldn't that be marvelous. Don't let the bastards wear you down!
BlueShirts United:
Any one of the three forwards who currently make up the Rangers' top line combination likely could have been named the recipient of club's Broadway Hat following Tuesday's 4-2 victory over Carolina at The Garden. All three---Carl Hagelin, Brad Richards, and Marian Gaborik---recorded three points.
However in the end it was the rookie, Hagelin, who proudly wore the Broadway Hat in the post-game locker room."To me the biggest key (on that line) is Hags because he chases down pucks and they have puck posession because he is always chasing down pucks and making plays," Rangers head coach John Tortorella said of Hagelin.
Open the Door, Richard (#1 hit version) - The Three Flames
The more I think about it, the less worried I am about finishing 4th.
Unless the top four all win, we would not play Pittsburgh until the conference finals. That would be the same if we were first. All that is lost is home ice advantage. It matters, but not that much to lose sleep over.
Finish first and for the first round you play Washington or Florida. Finish fourth and you play the Devils or the Flyers. Is that such a huge difference?
In the second round, first plays the lowest ranked and fourth will play next lowest. Again, so what?
The only team that worries me is Pittsburgh, and the only advantage of first is they would have to play the Devils or Flyers - who could beat them. But, surprises happen. Wouldn't it be sweet if they finished first, played Washington or Florida and lost?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMeJHf05q-s
Sec 335,
Excellent point, so it seems there is no harm in getting everyone healthy and maybe slipping a bit in the standings. The playoffs are a crap shoot. Home ice would be nice, but not that big a deal.
I hate to say that I'm old enough to remember that song.;)
Count Basie, you got good taste Mike.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=622020
Hilarious. F OFF SATHER