Raucous Rangers Beat Habs, 6-2
Sunday, January 17, 2010
After two disappointing regulation losses (2-0 to Ottawa at home and 4-1 to St. Louis on the road), the New York Rangers faced off against the Montreal Canadiens at MSG in a Original 6 showdown. Unfortunately for the Rangers and their fans, the Rangers fell behind 2-0 in the 1st period to the Habs. The Garden Faithful let the Blueshirts know this as a cascade of boos carried the Rangers to the locker room for the first intermission. Even Henrik Lundqvist showed some anger after the 2nd goal and was probably wondering, “What on Earth is going on with the Rangers and their poor play at MSG?”. I’m not sure what happened in between periods, but the Rangers came out for the 2nd period with a major snarl and it proved to be a tonic for the Rangers’ woes.
First, Ryan Callahan scored. That was then followed up by a goal by Brandon Dubinsky. After that, Dubi had an encore and potted yet another goal. Three straight goals! Wow! The goals gave the Rangers the lead that they would not relinquish. The Rangers were physical, nasty, and it let to some nice old-time hockey. Sean Avery squared off with Josh Georges in a spirited battle. After that there was almost a 5 on 5 skirmish which led to Wade Redden squaring off with Benoit Pouliot. To me this showed that the boys in blue were “all for one and one for all”. That, I think, is something Rangers fans have been waiting for: team unity! I liked what I saw and I also believe there are points in a season that ignite or bring a team together. This might be one of those points! At least… let’s hope so.
Heading into the 3rd period, Ryan Callahan scored on a PP (nice to see that, even if it had to be reviewed a little after the fact). Marian Gaborik then broke out of his “goal slump” by one-timing a beautiful pass from an unselfish Brandon Dubinsky. Dubi could have shot the puck to score the hat-trick, but he opted for the pass and it was a nice gesture that had a nice result. I give Dubinsky all the credit on that one. Chris Drury then finished off the scoring for the Rangers with a late goal to make the final score, 6-2. A much needed W and 2 big points in the standings for the Rangers.
Lastly, don’t read too much into the Avery/Tortorella exchange after Avery’s second penalty. Sure, it lead to a goal by Montreal… but a little verbal barrage never hurt anyone- even if it’s with your head coach. A nice win tonight and hopefully they can use this type of game as a rallying point in their season. Over and out!
8 comments:
who knows what happened durring the first intermission,but what ever it was i just wish we could bottle it and give shots of it before every game.this is continuing pattern for them have a few horriffic losses then, win a highly energetic exciting game.if they all play like that every game( and with the talent they have theres just no excuse not to) going in to the olympic break they'd be in good shape!i think torts was on to something when he and avery went at it,avery sets the tone for a lot of games, and is more of a leader than i think even he knows.......they have to go after tampa bay with the same hunger and determination as they did in the last 40 minutes last night.
greg m, Whatever happened was good. The team came out and played inspired, unified hockey.
What I liked most was the Team sticking up for each other. You don't have win all the battles, just show up and let the opponents know you are in for it.
Hopefully it will sink in and be a major tipping point for the Rest of the year.
Hiya Chris, I am leaving for Houston on Wed. An end of an era in Vegas for me. haha. I recall seeing the Rangers play the Kings here at Ceasers. Well the Rangers are in my opinion exceeding expectations from the start of the year. Frankly i prefer a good position for a draft than a 1 and out in the playoffs. oh well..lets see what they will do the rest of the way
Leatherneck, Have a safe trip and don't forget to check out the blog when you get there.
As for the Rangers, Last night was great to see. I just hope they learned that if you stick up for one another good things can and will happen.
Hiya Chris, most certainly I will check back in. ..i like the core of young players we have and still the team has alot of solid pieces to the puzzle. I would like to see the departure of Redden and Roszi and Brashear from the line up and the addition of a power forward/fighter a rugged goal scorer and a hard hitting defenseman we all have been salivating from. Whats the story on Nigel Williams...he has size for sure
Leatherneck, Like I said have a safe trip and enjoy your new surroundings.
Time will tell as to which route the Rangers will go. Some pieces are there no question. A lot of nice young talent as witnessed by the World Juniors.
Not sure about Williams, but you never know.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT KOTS? They actually pulled out a terrific response against Tampa. Tomorrow is the absolute test...
tdr
Dark, They have played like a team that seems to care for each other in the last 2 games, Absolutely a
pleasure to watch.
Flyers will be a good but tough test for this new and improved version of the Rangers.
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