4-1-1 Homestand: Great weekend provides home cooking

At the beginning of the newly renovated Garden, it looked like the Rangers would tease us. After dropping one to the improved Leafs, they blew a 4-1 third period lead against the Sens- falling in a shootout. That put our record at a bizarre 3-3-3 with games still against the Sharks, Ducks, Canadiens and newly reformed Winnipeg Jets.

With John Tortorella's continued odd line combos, something finally worked when the Blueshirts responded to two consecutive San Jose goals that tied a pivotal game by getting the next three, including the Goal Of The Week scored by captain Ryan Callahan, recapped on NHL Network yesterday by Kathryn Tappen. Sparkling goaltending by popular backup Martin Biron got the team going. It was followed by a repeat versus Anaheim but this time Henrik Lundqvist prevailed in the shootout thanks to shooting stars Erik Christensen and Marian Gaborik, whose beauty gave them two straight wins.

With the team feeling better about itself thanks to some high character performances from club leaders Callahan, Lundqvist, Gaborik and ultimate warrior Dan Girardi, it set up a big weekend with Les Habitants and their legions of fans invading Manhattan the other night with Winnipeg right behind. In the coolest, most chaotic atmosphere of the season, the Rangers came out strong scoring the first three on Carey Price in a dominant first period that saw them score a power play goal (Christensen) and two others (Girardi & rejuvenated Mike Del Zotto who donned the Broadway Hat afterwards) while outshooting the Habs 16-3. But before you could breathe at the beautifully minted place which happened to be my '11-12 inaugural debut, Montreal reversed momentum with goals from Max Pacioretty and Andrei Kostitsyn much to the delight of a strong Habs contingent that even had fans in our section and 412 with one waving a Montreal towel. Precisely why these games have superceded Isles, Devs, Flyers and Pens as the most entertaining in my view.

The Canadiens were dangerous the rest of the way, outshooting us 25-12. Lundqvist, who fought the puck a bit, had to deal with breakaways and odd-man rushes- making some tough stops while also having his best friends, the crossbar and goalpost at his disposal. Part of the issue for the Rangers was the ejection of Mike Sauer following a wild first period scrum that featured a pair of fights with Captain Cally pummeling Mike Blunden in retaliation for Brandon Dubinsky. With things breaking up, Sauer squared off with Petteri Nokelainen, also getting the decision to loud cheers.

Between the crazy Habitants driving our area nuts and the scraps, it was some kinda time. The predictable "USA, USA" chants were a result of their traditional "Ole, Ole, Ole," led by an energized row in front of us. Real funny kids with one even telling me he went to the same high school as Pacioretty at Taft in Conneticut, referring to the Habs' pest in a way not worth repeating. However, he also added that Patch tore it up and praised his play. We agreed that he's a solid player. One worth keeping an eye on for Montreal. If only they had kept Ryan McDonagh. Thanks again Bob Gainey. Speaking of which, he continues to excel alongside Danny G. The skill the former Badger possesses is something to behold. He makes great reads, anticipates well and is now jumping in offensively. There's a lot to like about this kid, who is really mature and is making a lot of experts look good for ripping the Scott Gomez trade, which was better known for the return of now rejuvenated Canuck Chris Higgins.

With our team on its heels most of the second, Brad Richards stepped up with a momentum swinging goal late in the period by beating Price with a wrister from the left circle, restoring a two-goal lead. With McD, Danny G, MDZ and Steve Eminger logging the bulk of the minutes, it was enough for our team to hang on even though known killer Brian Gionta made things interesting with Price pulled. McDonagh and Dubinsky combined to set up Callahan for his sixth into an open net, sealing it. A fun night. I'll have a review of the building and update on our Section 411 in a latter post.

After coasting to a 5-3 triumph the night before, the Rangers gave a complete team effort in a 3-0 shutout of Winnipeg. Its first game in 16 years at MSG. Only then the names were a lot different with Cup hero Mark Messier still leading us instead of finishing the NYC Marathon yesterday in 4:14:21 at age 50 for a great cause. The man is so admirable. He personifies what our city's all about. Congrats to all the runners who ran, including the champions in the men's and women's field.

Winnipeg didn't have Teemu Selanne, which still even after all these years, doesn't feel right. And there was no Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Zhamnov or Teppo Numminen either with all represented by the now Phoenix Coyotes franchise which is struggling mightily at their fancy arena in the Desert. Instead, a list of former Thrashers led by ever improving '10 first rounder Alex Burmistrov with Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom, Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane and overlooked goalie Ondrej Pavelec, who was heroic in defeat much the same way Jonas Hiller was in his visit here. The first was kind of a drag with the teams combining for 13 shots, probably a bit tired from the night before.

However, it picked up the rest of the way with chances for both sides. A lack of discipline on Winnipeg's part allowed our team to go ahead thanks to a wonderful power play goal. Brad Richards started it with Del Zotto dishing across for intended target Gaborik. But the puck went off Gabby right to a wide open Derek Stepan, who buried his second. D-Step was sensational, latter setting up Gaborik's first of two in the third, while earning First Star. Despite all the penalties that allowed the Blueshirts to have back-to-back two-man advantages, they couldn't put another past Pavelec, who other than a stone job on a flubbed Christensen shot, didn't see as much rubber as he should've. Both Richards and Gaborik misfired and also made some poor choices. Fortunately, it didn't cost us.

Despite generating quality chances, it remained a one-goal contest with Pavelec's splendid play allowing his team to stay alive. When they finally tested Marty Biron, the unflappable vet was perfect stopping all 23 in his path, including a few sparklers. I'll tell ya. The former No.1 for Buffalo and Philadelphia was a great move by Slats as was Tort favorite Ruslan Fedotenko. We love to bash the GM and justifiably so for not one advance past the second round during a lengthy tenure. But he's also made some good moves that have worked out. Even if Mike Rupp needs arthroscopic surgery for his knee that will sideline him, there's Crazy One Andre Deveaux making the case to stay, earning his first NHL point the other night.

In the third, our guys didn't sit back, instead forcing Pavelec to be good by firing 14 shots. Okay. Only 13 counted due to the empty net. But you get the point. Artem Anisimov, who's been in Tort's doghouse, was elevated to the top line and didn't disappoint. A day after netting two helpers, the enigmatic Russian made a strong defensive play along the wall that sprung D-Step and Gabby on a two-on-one. Anisimov cleared it to Stepan, who waited and headfaked before dishing across for Gaborik for a lay-up. Gabby's reaction was priceless. D-Step has that knack and more and more reminds me of Chris Drury. A guy with a high IQ who makes the big play when the game's on the line. He's so solid defensively and his physical game is coming. But it's Derek's vision that really stands out. His patience with the puck is fun to watch. Another non-first rounder who we stole in the second round that looks like a keeper. His poise is why I'm genuinely excited about D-Step.

“I guess it’s just an instinct to find the shooter on the line, and Gaby is quite a shooter,” Stepan said. “You look at Step, his game is really stepping out, no pun intended there,” Tortorella added to some chuckles. “The game is clear to him, you can tell. I think he’s allowing himself to play.”

"We showed some resilience, some battle and some heart,” Biron noted after notching first shutout in two years. “It’s hard when you go on the road for that amount of time because sometimes there’s a let-down feeling that we’re home and it’s going to be a lot easier. There was none of that. It was a lot of hard work that has paid off in the end and that has to keep going.”

There's a lot more to be happy about with a team that finally seems to be gelling. Now, they hit the road mostly with a stop in Ottawa Wednesday before a quick return home for the Canes Friday with a visit to Air Canada Centre Saturday. Sure. Brandon Dubinsky remains without a goal but it'll come. Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust were better Sunday too. Another plus. The Rangers should be pleased with reeling off four straight to conclude the big homestand 4-1-1 (4-2 really). Now, comes another challenge.

Rangers set to open Renovated MSG

The fun starts tonight. Based on all the hoopla, you'd think this was some ode to the franchise's fifth Stanley Cup. One could only hope it leads there soon. After a lengthy seven-game tour around the world, the Rangers finally open the doors to a renovated MSG later when they take on the improved Maple Leafs before a soldout Garden.

How will it rate? The unveiling includes a Blue carpet to welcome our Blueshirts, who are all very pumped up about finally taking to the ice in what's expected to be a state of the art facility that barely resembles the old place. The intriguing aspect is this is only Phase I with the bottom to the sixth floor redone for all the rich to pay through the wazoo for an ultimate Garden experience. New restaurants. Better food. A much larger concourse as reported by Ranger radio voice Kenny Albert, who was on with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts earlier. It's expected to be great.

I'll admit there's anticipation building. Not so much for the same old seats we still have which won't be completed till Year 3. But for the actual team to get introduced by Joe Tolleson and for the Garden Faithful as Adam Graves refers to us, to rain down our heroes with thunderous cheers fit for a King. Did I just say King? The way King Henrik's played thus far, the roof just might come off when he's announced. Without him and Martin Biron, we could actually have come in 0-7, which doesn't say much for John Tortorella's line experiment. Yes, I am down on the coach, who has destroyed any semblance of a fourth line by somehow relegating Artem Anisimov there for the time being and misusing Mike Rupp. Based on the team's struggles, you just don't know from shift to shift what the lines will be. It's almost gotten Renney-esque.

At the very least, Tort should start with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, who just might see fourth wheel Ruslan Fedotenko. Feds has been one of our most consistent forwards, of course looking solid with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust, which should be our checking line instead of the second line it's been out of necessity. Is it any wonder Fedotenko leads us with four assists and five points? Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan are back together, joined by Wojtek Wolski. Nobody will get louder pops than Captain Cally, who at 26 is the Rangers' 26th captain. He'll get a heroes welcome from 18,200 strong, who hopefully won't be on their mobile phones during what should be a good test.

The Leafs (5-2-1) are out of the gate fast led by NHL leading sniper Phil Kessel (9 goals, 15 points) and rejuvenated captain Dion Phaneuf (7 assists, +7 rating). Toronto is more than that with Mikhail Grabovski continuing to evolve into a reliable top pivot and Joffrey Lupul (remember him) playing like he once did with Anaheim. They'll be without No.1 goalie James Reimer, who's still suffering the lingering effects of an undisclosed injury which involves the head. So, Jonas Gustavsson gets the nod against his Swedish counterpart. It'd be wise for the Rangers to stay out of the box like in their win over Winnipeg where miraculously, they took only one minor. Toronto boasts new point man John-Michael Liles along with Kessel and Phaneuf. Tim Connolly also could return. They also can play it tough with Luke Schenn and former Ranger Colton Orr, who could have a dance partner if Rupp obliges. We've already seen Prust fight too much.

For the Rangers, they managed to win three of four on the Western Canadian part of the trip- earning points in five of the first seven despite offensive futility. Sure. Gaborik did his thing scoring four and Richards looks the part even though he was quiet the last two. But until Tortorella wakes up and reunites the Draft Line, it says here that our team could continue to struggle offensively. Quite frankly, the Boyle unit's been the best and if Fedotenko starts on the Richards line, that means someone else plays with them. It's all too confusing. Anyone else wonder if each player including coach's pet extraordinaire Erik Christensen will be introduced? Never mind. At the very least, Dubi and Cally resembled more of themselves in the win at Winnipeg.

The D is still in limbo minus Marc Staal with not an iota on when he'll be back. Next time the Canes come to town, everyone should lynch Sam and Joe whenever they make a Staals Are Brothers reference. Eric Staal, yeah. I'm talking at you buddy. Be very scared! :P For now, Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi anchor the blueline with Tim Erixon (yes, the same 20-year old Calgary booed) our third best. He's adjusted quickly, covering for Mike Del Zotto's mistakes. Encouraging has been MDZ's offense which seems to be coming around. It's the only way he'll stick. Steve Eminger has been a warrior, doing some outstanding PK work and again elevating his play with the extra minutes. Jeff Woywitka's been better than expected, barely out of position despite not the fleetest of foot. And Brendan Bell received the Sauer treatment the first time he made a mistake a few years ago under Tort. Speaking of Mike Sauer, he's hoping to be a go after missing the last five with the bum shoulder.

We'll be there along with Pop, Justin and Mike, plus the usual regulars up in 411 taking it in. I'll be sure to give a synopsis on the new place. It should be exciting!

Series Preview (8) NYR vs (1) Caps: Exciting finish sets up rematch

Finally, after a couple of days, I can try to make sense of what happened this weekend. I'm not going to lie. I never thought the Hurricanes were losing at home in front of some of the best fans with their season on the line. Full credit to Jack Adams candidate Guy Boucher and his overlooked Lightning who could surprise a few this Spring. Big kudos to the Rangers, who wouldn't go down without a fight in front of the Garden Faithful- coming back to earn an emotional 5-2 win over the enemy Devils.

Of course, the Devils wanted to end our season. Wouldn't you if it was the first time in 15 years you weren't in the playoffs and had a chance to beat your closest rival? So, it wasn't too surprising that the Devs came out strong thanks to a brilliant first period from Ilya Kovalchuk, who scored and set up both his team's goals, giving them a 2-1 lead with a rocket in the final 30 seconds. It's funny but as much as it was supposed to hurt that the Devils' best player scored a potential crushing goal late in the first, I just didn't feel that alarmed. Perhaps it was because I knew our team wouldn't give up when they haven't all season. As brutal as the loss to kryptonite Atlanta was, this was still do or die with the chance to put it all on Carolina. My feeling was, 'Let's beat the Devils and end on a high note. Whatever happens happens.'

That realistic approach made it easier to focus on the remaining two periods. Even the funny scalpers outside were discussing our fragile plight. None of it meant anything if the Blueshirts didn't respond one final time against a Hudson rival that beat us the last two times, intent on playing spoiler. What we got was the heart and passion that exemplifies what this team has been all about. It already was fun seeing much maligned captain Chris Drury, making like Willis Reed (sarcasm folks) to score his first of the season in quick reply to Kyle Palmieri's redirect. Ironically, when I learned he was returning, I tweeted that it wouldn't surprise me if he scored a big goal, which has defined his career. Sometimes, you just get a sixth sense. I was really happy for him. That it was also set up by Mats Zuccarello, who replaced Sean Avery, was even better. John Tortorella didn't stand pat, reinserting Drury, Zuccarello and opting for more mobile Matt Gilroy over gritty Steve Eminger.

The thing I admire about Tort the most is his willingness to change things up and make guys accountable. Even Marian Gaborik, who sat a long time in that humiliation in Game 81. The former Lightning coach who's won a Cup doing it his way, does it more by feel instead of by the book. That approach allowed us to come back against Boston just to reach Saturday. By not being afraid to mix and match, it's allowed our roster to get comfortable with each other. So, if he does it in the first round rematch versus Washington, they should be more familiar, making for an easier transformation.

Most encouraging were the five different goalscorers, including emerging freshman Ryan McDonagh, who picked a great time for his first career NHL goal- becoming the 19th different Ranger to score a deciding goal, epitomizing the kinda T-E-A-M they've been. Something that wasn't lost on Tortorella prior to getting help from his ex-team, who held off a late Carolina rally for a 6-2 win.

"We are doing things the right way, the way we are building this team. I think it is very important for this team to get in (to the playoffs) because that is part of growing as a team, getting that experience in the playoffs."

Now, that growth can continue for the sixth youngest team as they prepare for a Caps' team that's adjusted their style for the postseason. No longer is Alex Ovechkin just a one-way player but good in all three zones along with an improved D that features gifted rookie John Carlson along with Dennis Wideman, Scott Hannan and Jeff Schultz but could be without Mike Green, who's still recovering from a concussion due to a Derek Stepan elbow during the Rangers' 6-0 rout a couple of months ago. According to reports, Green has taken part in team workouts and is available for Wednesday. However, it's uncertain if he'll play.

The Blueshirts can't concern themselves with that. Instead, they'll march on minus emotional leader Ryan Callahan, who despite missing 20 games, tied with Gaborik for second in team scoring with a career high 48 points, including personal bests in goals (23), assists (25), power play goals (10) and game-winners (5). The latter two which he paced the club. No question they could use his physical presence in all facets, including the front of the net where goals could be at a premium. Washington rookie Michal Neuvirth had a superb year winning 27 games in 45 starts while posting a 2.45 GAA, .910 save percentage and four shutouts. If the Rangers get to him, '09 hero Semyon Varlamov is capable. So, while Henrik Lundqvist should give them an edge, it might not be as definitive considering the Caps' more defensive style.

Against the Devils, Drury, Wojtek Wolski, McDonagh, Extra Effort winner Brandon Prust and Vinny Prospal tallied. That kinda balance is exactly what the Rangers need to have a shot versus a talented top seeded Cap squad led by Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, that also boasts a strong supporting cast featuring Mike Knuble, Brooks Laich, Jason Arnott, Jason Chimera, Matt Hendricks, Eric Fehr, Matt Bradley and dangerous rookie Marcus Johansson. Indeed, the Caps are formidable and will want to prove the two humiliations (7-0 and 6-0) are a thing of the past. The Rangers took the season series 3-1, also edging Washington in a shootout 2-1 thanks to budding soph Artem Anisimov.

This is a team we match-up well against. Perhaps because they play similarly despite more talent, the Rangers think they can win. Having Lundqvist on our side helps but it cannot turn into two years ago where Washington controlled throughout, wearing out our goalie who didn't benefit from Tortorella's blow up or the Sean Avery controversy. I still doubt we win anyway. This year's club is deeper and more together. Better equipped to go toe to toe with Washington, who actually scored five fewer goals (219) than us (224). Subtracting the do everything Callahan will be tough to replace. That's why it's imperative for Gaborik to forget his awful regular season and just focus on the playoffs. The Rangers need him to be a game breaker. I have faith in everyone else, figuring Dubinsky, Anisimov, Stepan, Prospal, Brian Boyle and Prust will lead the way. Speaking of Boyle, his scoring slowed down but his importance is huge because his line injects energy and plays defensively responsible against top scoring lines. Can they slow down Ovechkin, who found his groove late? Being able to forecheck will be key.

It remains to be seen who Tortorella will start in Game One. Wolski certainly earned it along with Drury. So, we're guessing Avery's out while a more skilled guy like Zuccarello gets his first crack at the playoffs. I could see him going back to Eminger over Gilroy but that would hurt our team speed. We'll see. Does enigma Erik Christensen have any goals in him? He's the unknown. The talent's there. In a series like this, he could make a difference. Does Tort dare reunite Christy with Gabby and Prospal, trying to catch Lightning in a bottle?

I think the best aspect of this team is our D which won't have to rely as much on Marc Staal and Dan Girardi thanks to the stellar play of rookie tandem McDonagh and Mike Sauer. I know Tort will lean heavily on our top pair but he must not shy away from sticking with what's worked. It's the unflappable play of McDonagh and Sauer, our toughest D since Beuke- who are just as responsible for where we are. If there are no jitters, that top four should be a strength. We have better quickness than Washington. Particularly if Tortorella goes with Gilroy to play with Bryan McCabe, who needs to be a factor on the power play.

What I'd Like To See:

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Zuccarello
Prospal-Stepan-Gaborik
Prust-Boyle-Fedotenko
Christensen-Drury-Wolski

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Gilroy

Lundqvist


Who Concerns Me: Johansson cause he's a different player who has sick moves and is extremely dangerous. Our team is familiar with how to defend the Caps' Big Three. Johansson could be an X-factor along with gritty types Laich, Knuble, Arnott, etc. The Caps' depth hurt us last time.

What Must Happen: Big series for Gaborik, Dubinsky, Prospal, Anisimov, Staal, Girardi and Lundqvist.

Under Radar: The Boyle line has been a constant throughout. Their play will play a huge role in this series. Keep an eye on Stepan, who finished strong and looks poised for a good first round.

Special Teams: Power play and penalty kill are always important. Staying disciplined against the Caps is a must, even if we don't know how effective Green is if he goes. Let Lundqvist see the shots.

Intangibles: The Caps have something to prove, intent on finally reaching the Cup. The Rangers lost to them two years ago with at least seven players experiencing an excruciating loss. The longer the series goes, the better our chances.

Prediction: Minus Callahan, it'll be difficult to replace what he brings. This is the type of series he'd be huge in. I really believe we win if No.24 plays. I just feel too many things have to break right for us to prevail.

Caps in 6

Fourteen goals in two games

Say it with me slow-----lll-------yyy. The Rangers scored:

FOU-----------RT----------EEN 

over two games!!!!!

Please keep repeating until it sinks in. In two consecutive games, our gang that couldn't shoot straight has finished, finished and finished. Granted. It came at the expense of a pair of suspect defensive clubs in this topsy turvy conference that changes daily. First, they lit the lamp for six unanswered in a 6-2 victory over Les Canadiens. Another game we sold. Given our luck evidenced by the fact that nobody could recall the last time we saw a Ranger win, what transpired tonight was miraculous. They scored 88888888!!!!!!!!

Okay. So the Bolts were running on fumes, still hungover from their win over the Candy Canes the night before. But c'mon! C'mpuckin on! This was bananas. The eight goals were the highest they'd scored since January 2001 during the Dark Ages. That Justin even knew Jeff Toms recorded a hat trick playing with Lindros and Fleury speaks to his insanity. The most I could remember were seven in a St. Patty's Day Massacre of the Bruins during Cally's rookie year. A great memory as our team swept the Kovalchuk/Hossa Thrashers with Marcel outperforming big bro. Hey. We had Buffalo on the ropes before Renney erred. Ah. Didn't they also roast Hotlanta for 7 in Game Three? Good times.

Getting back to this eight goal eruption, meaning the Rangers have scored a month's worth in two consecutive wins, this was about as perfect a dismantling as humanly possible. It was Devil-esque. Hell. Hasan is probably a little envious considering how tough Tampa played them. That's about the only edge we have along with team doctors. Sorry. Couldn't resist. :-P In all seriousness, it's nice to see Tort Reform pay off. Even if it was far from a sellout. Are you listening Jazzy Jim? It was just great to get back on the winning track. Honestly had doubts that we'd ever witness another home win. Haha. Here were the highlights:

-Aaron Voros (yes) stood in there against PIM leader Zenon Konopka and did well 10 seconds in really setting the tone. He had a memorable night later drawing an instigator on Konopka and then scoring on it. A just reward for a great team guy who's not played a whole lot. When he has, he's contributed much more than Huggy Bear. Voros also battled Ryan Malone even having his name chanted. Seri---ous---ly! You deserved it. If anyone wants to follow him, please do so on Twitter. He got plenty of love including from us.


-Sixteen different Rangers recorded a point. Even the rejuvenated Tinman, who notched a helper two days removed from his second fight in Ranger Blue.

-For a second straight game since being reunited, Dubi, Prosp and Great Gabby dominated combining for eight points (2-6-8), plus-nine along with Dubi hammering Jeff Halpern. Gaborik matched a career high with four assists, eclipsing 60 points. He's now up to 61 (29-32-61) or three better than the leading Ranger scorer(s) [Gomez/Zherdev] all last year. So explosive. Before Sunday, Gaborik had just three points this month but in the last two, he has seven (1-6-7). Hope that trend continues Thursday at Philly. In the duh moment of the night, MSG radio announcer Kenny Albert actually asked Prospal what the reason for their line's success was. Hell-o! They played together with similar results earlier this season. Holy cow!

-Prospal had a sweet finish versus his ex-team off a nifty Gabby set up, going backhand deke. He nearly pulled it off again later when he had Antero Niittymaki dead to rights but hit the right post. Just how lethal was our transition? Had they not hit posts and Niitty not prevented a couple of others before getting the hook, they easily could've reached a cool dozen. Also speaking to how inept the Lightning were.

-After an otherwise invisible Vinny Lecavalier banked one in off Henrik to cut it to 2-1, a quick response by the captain Dru, who rebounded home a Cally shot to score for a second straight game only 73 seconds later. Sticking the Team USA PK tandem together with Christy was smart. So was shifting Avery to the fourth line turning it into a crash line with Boyle and Voros, who both were strong. Seems Tort has finally come to his senses, balancing out things with Artie working with a revitalized Enver Lisin and Higgs. Since being reinserted, all Lisin's done is work, work and work, finally getting rewarded with his sixth from Higgins and Matt Gilroy, who jumped up contributing two helpers. Even Higgins finished for just the second time at MSG, putting the cherry on top late.

-Marc Staal had another stellar performance, contributing defensively and offensively, finishing his career best fifth while adding his career best 13th assist for you guessed it. Eighteen points. Also a career high in Year Three with still 32 games left. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention how well he works with Rozy, who looks much more comfortable. He's played better for a while, blocking shots while moving the puck effectively and getting involved offensively. All cause there's less pressure on him.

-Up two in the second, Dan Girardi's right point shot eluded Niitty to match his jersey No.5, ending a long 31-game drought. That it came unscreened from way out should tell you how under siege the poor Tampa netminder was, permitting five on 20 shots before 2008 fifth rounder Dustin Tokarski replaced him faring no better (3 GA on 11 shots). It's awfully hard to win when you don't compete.

-Our club's not known to be tough but the past two games (both convincing wins), they've fought five times. Even when the gloves haven't been dropped, our guys are finally standing up for each other as evidenced by Lisin getting in Maxim Lapierre's face Sunday. A refreshing change for the better!

-Not to sound like a broken record but between all this good stuff, Henrik again was solid, needing just 21 saves after coming off light work (19) the other day. He still made some timely stops before we put it out of reach. That's now nine in a row of two goals-or-less dating back to a New Year's Eve 2-1 triumph at Raleigh. In eight starts this month, The King's 5-1-2 with a miniscule 1.48 GAA, 947 save percentage plus the memorable 0-0 shutout duel with MB30 in a shootout defeat. Not too shabby. How dominant has he been? Lundqvist's now up to 22 wins with a 2.26 GAA and on pace for a career best save percentage (.925). If he continues this upswing, it's going to be hard not to include him in the Vezina talk. Once impossible. Still, with Miller Time, Bryzgalov, Marty, Kipper and fantastic frosh Jimmy Howard, it's going to be awfully tough.

-He had only one assist following a career high four points (2-2-4) but Cally was everywhere. He and Dubi couldn't be stopped, generating shorthanded chance after shorthanded chance. This American duo is quickly becoming one to watch.

-Hey Ally. Keep trying to figure out why you're out of the lineup. Stay in the press box!

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (G, A, fight = Gordie Howe Hat Trick, +3 in 25 shifts-18:36)
2nd Star-Enver Lisin, NYR (6th goal of season, 3 hits, 2 takeaways, +1 in 18 shifts-12:58)
1st Star-Aaron Voros, NYR (1st goal of season, 2 fights, major penalty drawn in 13 shifts-8:08)