Are The Rangers Back?

It was baffling watching the Rangers crumble against the Isles and B's, being shutout both games. Wasn't so hot against the Blue Jackets but at least it was a win. This afternoon it was different, it was like 13 out of 14, it was like the five game winning streak. The big players played up to their big roles. The rest of the cast was solid.

Rick Nash and Derek Stepan each had two goals and Nash was a plus three, as were Zuccarello and Brassard. The defense was strong as Klein continues to surprise and contribute. And Lundqvist was good again, making 34 saves in besting two Penguin goalies. Yes two Penguin goalies. Old nemeses, Mark-Andre Fleurry was chased after 25:19, giving up four goals. Backup Thomas Greiss played 34:26 and gave up a goal.

The Rangers are back in the hunt. They are two points behind second place Pittsburgh and five behind the Islanders with games in hand.  They have Ottawa at the Garden on Tuesday, then it's the All Star game at Columbus. Do you think Rick Nash. who might be the NHL's leading goal scorer, will get booed by the Columbus fans? I never understood fans booing ex-players.

Stepan has returned with a vengeance and Nash is on a tear. St. Louis is solid. Now if Kreider, Zuccs and JT Millet get going we might have a very surprising year here. The Rangers have played three games in three and a half days and have won two of them. Not bad.  Keep it going Rangers.

ICINGS: The T/Birds are also on a roll. They picked up two wins this week over Hudson Valley, 5-3, and East Islip, 4-2. The team now has won four of five and is in playoff contention. The defense and Nicholas have been solid.

Related Articles by Categories