Rangers Stars Lead the Way
Thursday, March 5, 2009
In a hard fought struggle, the New York Rangers took a 4-2 victory over a "Who's who" version of the New York Islanders. The Rangers stars - or leaders - whatever you want to call them, stepped up and led the way for the Blueshirts. Zherdev, Drury, Gomez, and Naslund all struck gold for the Rangers tonight. Boy, when was the last time these four guys scored in the same game? It was nice to see! King Henrik was his usual self - making some tough saves at the right time to give his club a boost when needed (Although he cheated a little on the goals that he allowed).
I thought the Islanders played a very energetic game considering all of the new faces in the lineup after the trade deadline. The Islanders really outplayed the Rangers for the most part in this game. On the Rangers side, Avery was his normal self. He got into the minds of the opposition and really just tried to get a feel for the NHL game again that was temporarily taken away from him. He gets a passing mark from me in his first game back. Nik Antropov showed what they got him for: he has good hands and is a hard body to move in front of the net. Antropov's backhand pass to Drury on the PP goal was a beauty (Not many try that kind of pass). One thing about Antropov that Rangers fans better not expect is a banger type of player. Sorry, he's big, but that's just not his style. He is, however, a big asset to the team. As for Derek Morris, I like this pickup and he will be a steady performer on the D. His game gives you a little of everything - hitting, good skater, can move the puck, and will play tough when needed.
There were some bad points to this game tonight though. There was one thing in particular that bothered me the most with all the high-tempo attack and pressure style coach Tortorella is trying to implement. This type of play does not mean that you can play reckless and they were too reckless defensively for my liking tonight. Too many odd man rushes and late skaters not being picked up. Against the Islanders, you can get away with this, against some other teams... well, I think you get my point. I don't want to be picky though. The leaders of this team came through and I hope that it's a sign of good things to come for the Rangers. The "Big Bad" Bruins await the Rangers on Sunday now.
I will be away again this weekend as the ECAC hockey playoffs begin. The Quinnipiac Bobcats host a best-of-3 playoff series at the TD Banknorth Center in Hamden, Connecticut. The Bobcats will take on the Colgate Raiders. Over and out!
» Bobcats Link: http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml
9 comments:
It's just so much easier to play with a cushion. Hank was very upbeat after the game. Antropov has a really quick release. And his passing is just as qick. The puck doesn't stay on the tape for long with Nik. It's a beautiful thing. Same with Morris and Avery. They moves the puck quick. The Rangers are desperately lacking that before.
Contrary to what my last post looks like, I am not drunk!
It's just so much easier to play with a cushion. Hank was very upbeat after the game. Antropov has a really quick release. And his passing is just as quick. The puck doesn't stay on the tape for long with Nik. It's a beautiful thing. Same with Morris and Avery. They move the puck quick. The Rangers were desperately lacking that quickness before the moves at the deadline.
Good win last night.
The Rangers need to keep this up down the stretch. Such a tight race in the East.
The new additions looked pretty good last night too, hopefully it's a sign of things to come. I'm happy Avery is back, big time.
I found the players a bit nervous in the first period. A lot of turnovers, and some strange moves in the defensive zone. I guess we can put that on the new comers, I don't know, but there was a little something, some pressure the players were not comfortable with, but this disappeared as the game goes along. Was a typical NYR-NYR, most important, we won, and scored some goals. Wow, 10 goals in 2 games...
I'm a bit worried about the next game, not that I think the Rangers can't beat the Bs, but last time Avery met them, it went pretty wild...
JohnM: Just a little off with your first post LOL.
The team is better than it was before the trade deadline.
My big worry is that how reckless they were on the defensive side against the Islanders.
Wrath of Sanity: It was a nice win overall with all the new faces and no time to practice together.
Avery, Antropov, and Morris will be a big help down the stretch for the Rangers.
I too am happy that Avery is back where he belongs.
Jeff: This is obviously a new look Ranger team, players wise and style of play.
Don't worry about Avery, he can handle the dirty side of hockey as well as anyone on this team.
It's nice to see Drury, Gomez, Naslund, and Zherdev putting the puck in the net.
I hope they continue to contribute. This is what they were brought in to do.
Like Tortorella has said "Your best players need to be the best".
howdy Chris, so how do you like the new players in our lineup...better team I think however the real issues were not dealt with...I have a feeling it may be a busy off season...better be...we still have some of the major and glaring weaknesses... mainly the cap issue and lack of flexibility...I will miss Prucha the rest...no and now let the real work begin for Sather
Leatherneck: I was wondering where you been. Lots has happened in Rangerland.
I like the new additions. Antropov will provide some offense( Big body, hard to move, not a banger though). Morris will be a steady player on the D. Finally Avery is back where he belongs.
Worst case is that if it doesn't work out with Antropov and Morris, let them go and the Rangers will have some cap space to play with.
The Rangers must keep pace, because they are getting no help. Teams are winning not doing the Rangers any favors.
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