Game 2 ECF Preview: Devils/Rangers

Tonight, the battle lines are drawn once again as the Devils and Rangers continue the Battle Of Hudson in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final at The Garden. The Blueshirts used a three-goal third along with 21 saves from Henrik Lundqvist to blank New Jersey in Game 1. They look to go up 2-0 for the first time this postseason while the Devils are looking to bounce back and even the series with it shifting to Newark Saturday.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how vital this game is. The Devils don't want to fall behind 0-2 while the Rangers would love to hold serve, putting more pressure on their blood rival. Outside of the Kings' continued dominance, the East has been more back and forth. So, it wouldn't surprise me if the Devils come with a great effort to even the series. These teams are evenly matched. You have to figure with Pete DeBoer shuffling the deck by reuniting Zach Parise with Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk that they'll be revved up. DeBoer will also replace rookie Adam Larsson on the blueline with vet Peter Harrold, who practiced on the second power play unit. Here are the Devil lines:

Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk
Zubrus-Elias-Sykora
Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson
Gionta-Carter-Bernier

With Harrold returning to the back end, it'll be the same look they started the 2012 playoffs with. DeBoer is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle by putting his top threats together, which should increase pressure on John Tortorella to match the Brian Boyle checking line and top tandem Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi. They'll also expect better efforts from Patrik Elias and David Clarkson, who were ineffective Monday. Both are an integral part of a balanced Devil attack that also features Calder hopeful Adam Henrique and vets Petr Sykora and Alexei Ponikarovsky. In Game One, Parise, Zajac, Henrique and Zubrus were effective, meaning they'll need more from Kovalchuk who was held to three shots with a few missing altogether.

Meanwhile, it'll be business as usual for Tortorella's group. Figure him to go with the same lines, which includes top unit Carl Hagelin, Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers' most cohesive trio were held in check and must perform better if they're to come away with another home win. In their Game 1 victory, they got production from other sources with former first round pick Chris Kreider setting up Girardi's winner and then notching a power play goal off a perfect pass from Artem Anisimov. Anisimov who also potted the empty netter, quietly has eight points. He's been more noticeable since Tortorella moved him to the checking line with Boyle and key ingredient Ruslan Fedotenko. Both have forechecked well while Boyle continues to recover from a first round concussion that's limited him offensively.

Another player they'll need to step up is the captain Ryan Callahan. No one can question Captain Cally's effort as he always does the little things that don't show up in the stat sheet. But he's only scored twice during the club's run and they could use a big goal especially on the power play. Granted. He's probably banged up. But the Rangers need him offensively. The same can be echoed for Derek Stepan, who put together a strong game despite not registering a point. His clean screen on Martin Brodeur prevented him from seeing Girardi's shot. D-Step has chemistry with Callahan and Kreider. They must supply some scoring and forecheck. Their cycle is a huge key to the Rangers' success.

While DeBoer will lean heavily on Bryce Salvador, Marek Zidlicky and Andy Greene, Tortorella will look to his top four including Marc Staal, who's playing his best hockey, and Mike Del Zotto, who continues to chip in offensively. Anton Stralman will see about 15 minutes, including power play duty while Stu Bickel gets the "rookie treatment." If it gets physical as expected, Bickel might be involved along with Brandon Prust. Mike Rupp has stayed away from the shenanigans and has fit in well on the fourth line. In fact, they had some strong shifts when the Rangers had nothing going. They'll have to continue to match the Devs' grind line, which has burned Florida and Philadelphia.

Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik
Kreider-Stepan-Callahan
Anisimov-Boyle-Fedotenko
Rupp-Mitchell-Prust

Lastly, the play of both goalies. Lundqvist was superb in shutting out the Devils despite 26 blocked shots, which inspired some silliness from Ken Campbell. His Hall of Fame counterpart Brodeur also was sharp finishing with 25 saves, including the highlight of the game robbing Staal with an acrobatic glove stop. The key for both clubs will be getting shots through while generating traffic. The Devils will look to do a better job in both facets while the Rangers should try not to get pinned in for long stretches.

TV: NBC Network
Broadcasters: Doc Emrick, Ed Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
Time: 8 EST
Where: MSG
Approximate Puck Drop: 8:10

Rangers Draw First Blood: Girardi bounces back, Lundqvist shuts door

The drop of the puck signaled another clash between blood rivals. This one for the Eastern Conference with a trip to the Stanley Cup Final up for grabs. As Hasan previously noted, it is Armageddon with our teams meeting in the latest installment of the Battle Of Hudson. The sixth series between the Devils and Rangers kicked off last night. The Blueshirts used a dominant third period, outscoring the Devils 3-0 to draw first blood before a raucous atmosphere at Madison Square Garden.

Dan Girardi's second goal of the playoffs less than a minute in broke a scoreless tie. Rookie Chris Kreider who set up the first, added a power play goal and Artem Anisimov put the finishing touches on a 3-0 Ranger victory- allowing the top seed to take a 1-0 series lead. For starters, the Rangers are three-for-three in Game One's thus far. It'll be interesting to see if they can follow it up unlike the previous two rounds against a higher quality opponent who forechecked them to death for large portions.

Following a pretty even first in which the two rivals felt each other out, it was all Devils in the second. From about the 15-minute mark, they controlled the tempo by owning the play with their aggressive cycle. Even during a Ranger power play, it was the always dangerous bitter rival who generated shorthanded chances only to be stopped in their tracks by a razor sharp Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist, who unlike series grinch John Tortorella, talked about how special it is to face legend Martin Brodeur with such high stakes- was at his absolute best denying New Jersey captain Zach Parise three consecutive times from in tight. He aggressively challenged Parise, who also was stifled on a breakaway in the first by an outstanding defensive play from Ryan McDonagh. McDonagh wasn't done, forcing Ilya Kovalchuk to a tough angle backhand on another early opportunity.

Thanks to a yeoman effort from his teammates, Lundqvist only faced 21 shots en route to his second shutout of this postseason. He still came up with some gems including a glove save on Devil freshman Adam Henrique and a sliding stop to deny Kovalchuk with the Rangers nursing a one-goal lead. When Lundqvist wasn't shutting the door, his team was frustrating the Devils by blocking 26 shots with many coming during the middle stanza.

As fate would have it, I sat down at ice level in my Dad's seat over in 111 for the Devil onslaught. Time and again, their bigger and faster forwards pinned us in by taking time and space away. That included a scary sequence where Girardi nearly banked in the puck off Lundqvist, who thankfully was alert. It led to the Devils firing shot after shot without success. Between the diving blocks that have become a Ranger trademark and Lundqvist's heroics (11 saves), it got the crowd back into it. Even downstairs, you could feel the electricity. I was fortunate enough to sit next to a fan from Montreal who made the trek. Coincidentally, he was originally from Brooklyn. Made for entertaining convo.

They couldn't have played any worse yet were still tied. I decided to go back to 411. Hockey superstitions :P. Whatever Tortorella said worked. The Rangers were a different team, finally taking the play to the Devils. If there is one area you can attack, it's their D. The Flyers were never able to forecheck consistently. If we're gonna win this series, they'll need to play the way they did in the third. Kreider recovered a Mike Del Zotto dump and then patiently waited for a streaking Girardi who came off the bench for a wide open one-timer that went through a Derek Stepan screen past Brodeur. To think Chico Resch actually thought he bumped him. There are no words. Glad Brodeur put that to rest even if his blocked shots commentary was a bit perplexing.

The Devils did get a power play with a chance to tie after a marginal call on Brandon Prust. But Lundqvist slid across to deny Kovalchuk, who was a bit off. He failed to keep two pucks in later. Eventually, after the kill Dainius Zubrus boarded Girardi leading to Kreider's of the playoffs. Of course, after our useless top unit did nothing, the Rangers came in three-on-two with Anisimov threading the needle to Kreider who released it so quick I don't think Brodeur could've had it. It was similar to Marian Gaborik.

With the crowd in a frenzy taunting Marty, they nearly made it three but an unbelievable diving Brodeur made a backhand reflex glove save with a gaping net to stone Marc Staal. Wow. Say what you will about him being 40 but he still can make the ridiculous stop when his team needs it. That's one reason this won't be a picnic. Any of our fans who think that better realize the Devils aren't going away. With Pete DeBoer liking his team's effort but also saying they got a little cute, tomorrow should be tougher. Remember what they did to the Flyers following a loss.

The Rangers outshot the Devils 10-4 and outchanced them by a ton in the third. But that was the only period we won. So, our team can also be better. It'll have to be if they want to take a 2-0 lead.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (great all around, screened Brodeur on Girardi winner)
2nd Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (game changing plays, +2)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (21 saves incl. 11/11 in busy 2nd)

Is blocking shots bad for the game?

Throughout the playoffs and especially after Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final yesterday, the talk of the league is the Rangers' incredible shot-blocking system. Last night, the Devils took 47 shots on net but only 21 reached Henrik Lundqvist with Ranger forwards and defensemen blocking the other 26. During their first fifteen games of the playoffs, the Rangers averaged nearly twenty blocked shots a game. Sore loser Devil fans and other people who worry about the effect this system will have on the league in the next few years are feverishly wondering if there is some way to curtail what many (including me) dub as the 'six-goalie system'. There's already a rumor going around that the NHL wants to outlaw leaving your skates to block a shot.

I can't begin to count the number of ways how ludicrous this nonsense is.

First of all, blocking a shot is a good, solid hockey play that's been around a hundred years. Few have turned into an artform like the Rangers have this year though, not only do they block shots with abandon but they somehow manage to avoid putting themselves in harm's way doing it. Legislating against shot-blocking just because it hurts offense is just as silly as implementing the trapezoid to help offense by preventing goalies like Martin Brodeur from playing the puck. Besides, it's not as if blocking a shot is a foolproof play. If done incorrectly, pucks can deflect off you and past your goalie, pucks can hit you in the wrong spot and injure you, and you can take yourself out of position if the shooter makes a patient play and fakes a shot.

Already after Game 1, the Devils seemed preoccupied and frustrated with the Rangers' system, with captain Zach Parise saying succinctly, “I feel like everyone is obsessed with this shot blocking because that’s what they’re doing...a lot of teams block shots. We’ve just got to get it around.” Well yeah, people are obsessed about it because the Rangers are winning games with it, with a team that wasn't expected to do anything before the season. To a degree, they're a Cinderella masquerading as a top seed.

Brodeur was even more direct afterward:

“We’re playing a different team defensively than maybe the Flyers,” Brodeur said. “I think they’re a lot more in our shooting lanes for our (defensemen), so we’ve just got to find ways to try to expose them a little more. We’ve done it in the regular season. We’ve got to try to get it done. Right now, they’re hot. They’re blocking pucks. Hopefully we’ll be able to hurt a few guys hitting one-timers off their foot and their head or something. Right now, they’re paying the price to win and that’s what playoff hockey is all about.”

I got into a bunch of arguments with Devil fans last night over on the HF message board, apparently it's okay to wish injury because that's the way they did it in the olden days, with Bobby Hull aiming at goalies' heads in the days where they didn't wear masks. Well not everything about the good old days was good, it's one thing to not care if someone gets hurt because they're blocking a shot but actively hoping to take out a few players isn't too far off from what the NFL's Saints did with Bountygate. If you can't win with talent and wearing down the opposition by skill, legal hockey hitting and attrition, then what's the point? I wouldn't have even cared if Marty had left the head out of it, but you can't go bringing up head injuries in this climate, you just can't.

In the interest of full disclosure, I find it amusing on the one hand (and an annoying double-standard on the other) that the Devils got killed for years having a counterattacking defensive system where they were able to play in all three zones of the ice as being boring and killing the game when they were one of the highest scoring teams in the league, but now when the Rangers put together a system that basically involves being in their own zone 75% of the time and employing a Ali-like rope-a-dope, somehow that isn't boring. Honest to god, a couple of these Ranger games this year have been among the most boring beyond belief games I've ever seen. While the Devils forced mistakes with the neutral zone trap, the Rangers just sit back and wait for mistakes to happen. I'm not saying they shouldn't get credit for what they do, I've been giving them more credit than most this year - but god, let's call a spade a spade. What the Rangers do is akin to a team in one of the big foreign soccer leagues playing for 0-0 draws, only it's easier in hockey to take advantage of mistakes and counterattack, so a 0-0 game turns into 1-0, and that changes everything like last night.

So what, if anything should be done about an extreme shot-blocking system? I say let the coaches have a crack at working it out...leagues go through ebbs and flows all the time of being more offensive, then more defensive. The worst thing the NHL can do is enact nine million changes that really aren't needed. Coaches will figure out a way to adjust and beat the system over time. Either that, or they'll imitate it en masse and then you can talk to me about changing the game when fifteen or twenty teams are playing 2-1 games in their own end. For now though, it seems unfair to legislate against a team just because they do something extremely well - but it's not exactly unprecedented. Once upon a time, if you took a penalty for two minutes you stayed in the box for two minutes even if the other team scored, like a five-minute major these days. However, the offensive prowess of the Canadiens and early '80's Oilers prompted the change to the current rule where a penalty ends once a goal is scored.

For now, all the Devils can do is quit whining and figure out a way to beat the system. You want to stop the system from spreading? Score goals and make good hockey plays.

New series, same old story

I feel like pulling a John Tortorella and writing five lines before shutting down this blog for the night. There isn't really much to say other than it was a typical Ranger-Devil game in the Henrik Lundqvist era. Play tight defense until you get a seeing-eye shot in on the first goal early in the third period, have Martin Brodeur give up a softy on the second and then shut it down the rest of the game. People have been talking about 1994 for weeks but honest to god, this feels like 1997 all over again, or 2008. This could be over quicker than people think if the Devils don't figure out a way to get pucks through to the net and ATTEMPT to score a goal.

Of course that task would be easier if the ice surface at MSG resembled an NHL rink. I'd say the Rangers should be embarassed over the quality of ice...except I honestly think it was by design. The league really needs to look at this before Game 2, this is easily the worst ice surface I've ever seen. Considering there are literally no other events at MSG right now, it seems fishy to say the least. It certainly helped what 'should' have been a tired Ranger team, not to mention completely neutralized Brodeur's puck-handling, which was a disaster. Not that he was alone in stinking, Zach Parise somehow getting caught from behind by a supposedly tired Ryan McDonaugh in the first period on a breakaway was the sign right there that things weren't going well tonight. At this point, I'm not even in the mood to complain about the refs who certainly gave the Rangers the benefit of the doubt on a couple of ticky-tack calls (and didn't call a penalty on Michael Del Zotto when he clearly interfered with Travis Zajac canceling out an icing). Not in the mood.

All I'm going to say is I've been hearing and reading from Devils fans all year how 'lucky' the Rangers are and they're overrated, not that good, whatever. I've feared this team from the opening weeks of the season when they somehow went .500 on a crazy trip around the world to a playoff run where they somehow found a way to win two series that literally came down to a bounce of the puck. Not to mention our hideous playoff history against them. If we lose this series against them, and easily as I fear we might...let's just say I'm going on a rampage.

Hello, Armageddon!

After a season where the Atlantic Division dominated the East with four 100+ point teams including the top-seeded Rangers and pre-playoff favorite Penguins, perhaps it's fitting that the Eastern Conference will in the end, come down to not only a classic division showdown - but yes, a Battle of the Hudson on the highest stage possible. Although the two teams have met in the playoffs three times since 1994, this season will be the first time since that memorable series that the two teams will meet with the Prince of Wales trophy at stake. With all that's on the line and given how much the world's changed in these last eighteen years, there has never been a more hyped Ranger-Devil series among their previous five playoff showdowns.

Unlike in 1994, when the Devils were an upstart and the Rangers were a prohibitive favorite with an entire city counting on them to end a 54-year drought, this year there's pressure on both sides to win. Although the Rangers aren't anywhere near the favorite this year they were in the spring of '94, they are still the #1 seed, and expectations have been ratcheted up warp-speed after a 109-point season and grinding out two seven-game wars in the first two rounds. And to a degree, there's still pressure on Henrik Lundqvist to deliver and not get outplayed in the prime of his career by a 40-year old Martin Brodeur, who has what Lundqvist wants - Cup rings.

Our pressure comes entirely from who the opponent is. Every Devil fan knows about our lack of playoff success against the Rangers - one win in five previous series. Brodeur knows this as well as any fan sitting in the corner sections of the Prudential Center, since he's been a part of all five series. After a short relief appearance in '92 when the Devils lost a seven-game series in the first round to the Rangers, Brodeur's been center-stage ever since. If 1994 was epic from a Ranger standpoint, it was a missed opportunity for the Devils, as they held a 3-2 lead in the series and a 2-0 lead at home in Game 6 and couldn't close it out thanks to legendary heroics from Ranger captain Mark Messier in Game 6 and Stephane Matteau's double-OT wraparound winner in Game 7. Even after the Devils won the Cup in 1995, the stigma of never beating the Rangers would haunt the franchise in 1997, as a top-seeded Devil team got bounced in five games (losing the last four in a row) at the hands of their bitter rivals, with Adam Graves providing the coup de grace with yet another OT wraparound goal in Game 5.

For several years after that, the Rangers fell on hard times while the Devils won two more Cups, cementing their status as the best team in the area - if not the most well-publicized. Our winning (especially a ridiculously long unbeaten streak against them in the regular season) grated on Ranger fans, and the attention the Rangers got despite being an overpaid and mediocre team made Devil fans envious. Finally in 2006, the two teams met again in the playoffs with the Devils on an eleven-game winning streak that gave them an unlikely division title and the Rangers having a surprisingly good season get spoiled with a five-game losing streak to end the regualr season and cost them the division. Both teams carried their momentum into the playoffs, as a four-game Devils sweep in the first round where we outscored them 17-4 and eliminated the Rangers on Garden ice finally got rid of the stigma of never having beaten Big Brother.

Just two years later, the teams met again in the first round with a drastically different result, as the Rangers would beat us eleven times out of thirteen that year between the regular season and playoffs, culminating in a 4-1 first round win. That series still remains a bitter memory for Devil fans, as they eliminated us on home ice with the Ranger fans making up approximately half the crowd and cheering Lundqvist as he took a victory lap around our rink. Not to mention ex-Devil Scott Gomez coming back to gain the best of us a year after leaving as a free agent. Perhaps the most memorable part of that series was when Brodeur refused to shake the hand of Ranger pest Sean Avery in the post-series handshake line.

While Avery's long gone, Brodeur still remains for the teams' sixth playoff showdown in two decades. Unlike in the last few seasons where Lundqvist has gotten the better of Brodeur, this year's been played on more even terms with each team winning three (though Martin Biron was in net for them in one of our wins). Two things have characterized this year's Ranger-Devil games - every one of them's been close, and three of the six games saw staged fights at the drop of the puck. In fact, they increased in number...from December 20 when Mike Rupp fought Cam Janssen three seconds into the game at the Rock, to February 7 when Eric Boulton and Brandon Prust dropped the gloves at the opening faceoff, along with a Janssen-Rupp rematch at the Garden, to March 19 when Boulton fought Rupp, Prust fought Janssen and Stu Bickel fought Ryan Carter in a three-fight start to the teams' last showdown at the Garden. That one proved memorable after the game too, when Ranger coach John Tortorella and Devil coach Pete DeBoer engaged in a verbal sparring match of their own during and after the game.

Fortunately, there probably won't be too many sideshow theatrics at this point, with what's at stake. Especially since talentless goons Boulton and Janssen won't play (thank goodness). What does concern me is how each game has been close. One of the few games that was decisive either way was the teams' first showdown at the Rock, where the Rangers dominated in terms of shots and used three third-period goals to break a 1-1 tie and win 4-1. Our next meeting also came in the Prudential Center on the last day of January, just after the All-Star break. Since he went to Ottawa, Lundqvist sat out for a rare Devils-Rangers game, but the Rangers still led 3-2 until a fluke goal off the boards by David Clarkson with less than a minute left in regulation got the Devils to OT, and eventually a shootout where they gained two points and evened the season series.

A week later, the teams played at the Garden with Brodeur getting a memorable 31-save shutout in a 1-0 win that saw contreversy towards the end when an apparent Artem Anisimov tying goal with seconds remaining was waved off due to goaltender interference. Three weeks later, they met at the Garden again and the result this time was a thoroughly dull game, with the teams combining for just twenty-eight total shots (15 for the Rangers, 13 for us) in a 2-0 Ranger win where they got an early goal by Carl Hagelin and then shut it down the rest of the way. On March 6, the Devils registered their most decisive win of the season series when they got three third-period goals to come up with a 4-1 win at home. Finally, the Rangers won the teams' last matchup 4-2 three weeks later after the six-person goonfest at the start of the game only served to fire them up more.

I'm not going to bother to preview the series proper, I'll let Derek do that since I'm sure he's got a lot to say about this showdown as well. All I'll say is this: Eighteen-on-eighteen I believe us to be the better team, and the Rangers you would think have to show the wear and tear at some point of playing ninety-six high-pressure games with the cautious, low-scoring, shot-blocking style they do. What worries me is twofold - Lundqvist-Brodeur and the fact the Caps matched the Rangers' intensity and shot-blocking in the last series, threw their game back at them really, and with better skill players...and the Rangers still found a way to win. While there's no real way to measure intangibles, the fact is Brodeur has to match Lundqvist for us to win. Whether that's by him stepping up or Lundqvist proving fallible. Despite Marty's struggles at times in the first two rounds (particularly against Florida), goaltending wasn't an issue against the Florida tandem of Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen, or against the streaky Ilya Bryzgalov. It could be in this series though. It's a strange thing to say, but among the four goalies left in the playoffs Marty's been the least effective of the four, and that's with numbers of around a 2.1 GAA and .920 save percentage.

What's clear is this...the stakes have just gotten amped up. No longer is it good enough that the Devils finally got out of the first round of the playoffs and had a great run, finally giving us mid-May hockey again. Now it's all chips to the middle of the table time. Either the Devils win and have a really epic playoff run beating the Flyers and Rangers back-to-back, or they lose and get their great run spoiled (especially if the Rangers go on to win the Cup). Armageddon starts Monday, with the full schedule below:

Game 1: Devils at Rangers, Monday, 8 p.m., NBCSN
Game 2: Devils at Rangers, Wednesday, 8 p.m., NBCSN
Game 3: Rangers at Devils, Saturday, May 19, 1 p.m., NBC (Ch. 4)
Game 4: Rangers at Devils, Monday, May 21, 8 p.m., NBCSN
*Game 5: Devils at Rangers, Wednesday, May 23, 8 p.m., NBCSN
*Game 6: Rangers at Devils, Friday, May 25, 8 p.m., NBCSN
*Game 7: Devils at Rangers, Sunday, May 27, 8 p.m., NBCSN
*If necessary

Do or Die

In a few hours, the Rangers will take to the Garden ice for another Game Seven. Last time, it was the Senators. Tonight, it's the Capitals. It doesn't matter who the opponent is. The pressure is all on the home team. Sure. Washington expects to win too. But it's the Blueshirts who earned the right to home ice for such special occasions.

Do or Die. This has been a very competitive series from the word go. The Caps have proven grittier than the Rangers, who always put the hard hats on. Washington has matched them in the trenches check for check and blocked the most shots in the tournament. So, they know they have their work cut out. If the Rangers want to advance and set up a dream Eastern Conference Final against the very relaxed Hudson rival Devils, they'll have to go the extra mile.

Simply put, the Blueshirts will have to control every single aspect. From faceoffs to puck possession to forechecking, backchecking, team defense and goaltending, the Original Six club will be under the radar in another unique setting. Win and they are halfway there. Lose and let the questions begin along with a long offseason. As Frank Sinatra says, "It's up to you New York."

The last home game produced a Miracle on 34th Street. Brad Richards and Marc Staal supplied the real fireworks in one of the great playoff games the franchise has played. The same team in its 86th season chasing a fifth Stanley Cup also was part of an epic Game Three that went three overtimes before Marian Gaborik played the hero. Given how almost every game has been decided by the slimmest of margins (1), there's a possibility that the deciding game could require sudden death.

Anxiety is building. Tension is everywhere. Whether you're a player on either side or a fan living and dying with every shift, it's bound to cause panic attacks. I almost had one after Richards tied Game Five. I didn't care. That's what these playoffs are. A place where you cheer as loud as possible until it's over. I think I speak for all #TwitterBlueshirts when I say:

I don't want it to end!

Nobody does. You can bet Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Semin, Jason Chimera, Braden Holtby and John Carlson are thinking the same thing. The Caps have played a wonderful series. Sacrificing for a new team concept similar to ours under new coach Dale Hunter. They won't fear our building. So, the atmosphere must be chaotic. If you're there like Dad will be just like at Round One's conclusion, let our Blueshirts know how you feel.

There will be plenty of nerves. When it looked like Carlson's power play goal would stand up this past Monday, groans could be heard. The crowd which had been subdued throughout started getting into it. "Let's Go Rangers" became the battle cry. The cheers increased in that emotional final minute. Then pandemonium. Fans really can make a difference. Our blood rival made sure that their team rallied from two goals down to put the Flyers on the brink. Our energy is vital.

I am not going to bother with the Rangers' Game Seven history at The Garden. That's a superstition. We all have them. It's why I'll be in our house watching with Justin. But we'll be there in spirit along with everyone else dying for the first meaningful hockey this club's seen since Messier, Gretzky, Leetch, Graves and Richter starred on Broadway.

If you love dramatics, then Game Seven is as good as it gets. I hope it lives up to the hype. But most importantly, it's time for Ryan Callahan, Richards, Gaborik, Staal, Henrik Lundqvist, Carl Hagelin, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Mike Del Zotto, Brian Boyle, Artem Anisimov, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, Brandon Prust, Ruslan Fedotenko, Mike Rupp, John Mitchell, Stu Bickel, Anton Stralman to rise up.

All season, the battle cry's been The Right Way from a resilient group who are facing another challenge. From John Tortorella on down, it's time to respond. Every inch matters. Play with passion. Play with discipline. Play with heart. Dare to dream.

'7'

What is with the number '7'? Why do so many consider this number lucky? Whether its going to the roulette table in Vegas, or playing the local state lottery, this number is commonly selected in in the hope of striking it rich.

There are many other historical reasons:

In Chinese culture, the seventh day of the first moon of the lunar year is known as Human's Day to be celebrated as the universal birthday of all human beings.

Seven ancient planets - the sun was the greatest planet of the ancient seven and next to the sun, the moon, changing every seventh day. Seven visible planets and luminaries (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn)

Pythagoreans called it the perfect number, 3 and 4, the triangle and the square, the perfect figures.

Ok, enough with the history lessons, I sure hope you didn't fall asleep reading this yet

In the NHL Playoffs, the number '7' drums up a lot of other thoughts and feelings:

Nerves.
Pressure.
Excitement.
Heroes.
Goats.

No number brings more adjectives to the table. No number brings more swings of emotions, especially in the context of the NHL Playoffs.

Fast Forward to Saturday Night, as all of the NHL world set their eyes in Madison Square Garden to watch the number '7' in all its glory as the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals play. One team advances. One team goes home.

Sure, we can sit here and analyze the series for hours. Will a proclaimed 'King' in Henrik Lundqvist stone Washington and carry the Rangers to the Conference Finals for the first time since 1996-1997?  Will Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals win a 2nd straight Game 7 on the road and send the Blueshirts home?

Does scoring the 1st goal mean anything? Ask the Philadelphia Flyers fans that question and see what the answer is. Does having a 1 goal lead going into the 3rd make all the difference? Sure it can, but based on how this series has been, how can you count on historical trends?

No matter how you analyze it, one thing is certain: The Number '7' will have a front row seat.

PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT:

A special No Goal Sports Show in Association with The Program: 1030PM EST on Saturday 5/12/12 we will be on the air to review of Game 7 or do a live show if the game goes into OT or beyond! Listen to the show following the link below and feel free to call us at (347) 826-7358!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theprogram/2012/05/13/game-7-review-ny-rangers-vs-washington-captials

Deja Vu: Caps force another Game 7

Let's be brutally honest. With a chance to close out this best-of-seven Conference Semi, the Rangers stunk. I could care less what the final shot totals were or how ridiculous Pierre McGuire gushed over Braden Holtby, who made routine saves without traffic. The Capitals did what they had to by taking it to the Blueshirts for a well earned 2-1 win in Game Six.

Now, it's deja vu for both teams. Yes. Let's not forget the Caps went seven against Boston too. They have already proven that home ice doesn't matter. If you think they're going to be afraid of our Game Seven history at MSG (5-0 all-time), forget it. Washington has outplayed the Rangers, beating them at their own game. If not for Joel Ward's penalty, we're probably discussing the offseason.

The Rangers have no one to blame but themselves. They weren't desperate enough, letting the Caps off the hook. Sure. The final tally says otherwise because Marian Gaborik scored with Henrik Lundqvist pulled in the final 60 seconds. His third of the series went off John Carlson with Carl Hagelin in front. But the Caps weren't about to let our team force overtime like the other day. They were hungrier and now it's onto a do-or-die seventh game again.

All that's on the line for the Blueshirts is their reputation. Win and all is forgotten including John Tortorella's mystifying line combos and overuse of an ineffective top power play unit that have hurt the team. Lose and it's the same old story. Not good enough to win when it counts. Forget Ottawa. That was the first round. I don't know about you but I'm sick of early exits. And if they blow it Saturday against a team that needed a new coach and similar system on the fly, that falls on everyone. Someone better step up.

The Capitals were superior once the puck was dropped. If the Rangers thought they had it wrapped, they obviously forgot that Game Five was over. The Caps are experienced enough to forget such a crushing defeat. All it took was an Anton Stralman penalty for their top three players to combine on a pretty power play goal. Classic passing from Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom to Alex Ovechkin for a rocket high glove. The same spot they picked to rally from a deficit three years ago. Lundqvist better fix it in two days because they've been having success.

What our goalie can't be responsible for is the lack of effort. Getting outworked, outhustled and outgrinded by a more skilled team willing to play the same way they do. The Caps block more shots. They also push our players to the perimeter and let Holtby see the puck. The only one he didn't was a similar result as Game Five hero Marc Staal's. It's the eighth seed that's gotten consistent traffic on Lundqvist. They're the ones making life difficult while our guys just aren't bringing it.

Yesterday sucked so bad I went to fill a prescription and went to the radio for the second period and a majority of the third. The Rangers are making this harder on themselves. Now, it's win or suffer a colossal defeat that could really hurt the club's future. Such losses can mess with the psyche. Look at the Canucks who never recovered from how they blew the Cup last year.

It's up to everyone to make sure it doesn't happen. And if Tortorella thinks giving Chris Kreider the kid treatment due to a poor Game Four is wise, he better take a look in the mirror before it's too late. The lines are a mess. He has hindered Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan is out of place with Brian Boyle. Brandon Prust should be on the fourth line cause he's playing hurt. It is ridiculous that Kreider is stuck with Mike Rupp and John Mitchell while Stepan is misplaced with Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko.

What in the world is Tort doing? He's overthinking trying combos that haven't been used all year. This isn't the place. Stepan, Kreider and Callahan had great chemistry against Ottawa. They were our best forechecking unit. By splitting them up like nomads, it's made life easier for Dale Hunter, who has just checked the Hagelin/Richards/Gaborik line. The cohesive trio has done their part, cycling the puck and contributing. But to win Saturday, they'll need help. It's time for the coach to go back to familiar combinations.

Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik
Kreider-Stepan-Callahan
Anisimov-Boyle-Fedotenko
Rupp-Mitchell-Prust

Artem Anisimov has been one of our better forwards this series. He can't be wasted. Keep him with Boyle and substitute Fedotenko for Prust, who is better suited for the crash line. Mitchell has also looked good, which is why Tort's used him on the second power play unit. If he doesn't trust the second PP to give our top players a rest, it could be their downfall.

Full marks to the Caps last night. But this is still the Rangers' series to win. The pressure is on.

Devils complete shocking demolition of Flyers, advance to Conference Finals

Just like the 98% of analysts that picked the Flyers to win this series, I'll eat crow here. Before the series and especially after Game 1, I thought the Flyers were the better team. I did think we had a chance to win the series...if we stole Game 1 while the Flyers were rusty and then turned home-ice into a fortress, winning 3, 4 and 6. However, the Devils turned this series on its ear dominating Games 2 and 4, and getting a crucial Game 3 OT win despite being the victim of some tough late-game calls. And with Claude Giroux suspended for his cheap shot on Danius Zubrus late in the second period of Game 4, the Devils had a golden opportunity to finish off the Flyers in their house.

It was an opportunity that didn't go to waste, though the Devils again conceded an early goal even that doesn't seem to matter to this team. After all, the Devils had won the prior three games of the series when being scored on first, and would do so again after some late first period puckluck got the Devils the lead. From there, the game became only a matter of whether the Devils would maintain their discipline long enough to watch the Flyers self-destruct. And that's exactly what happened as the Flyers took the final three minor penalties of the game, with the third one proving costly after an Ilya Kovalchuk rocket found its way past Ilya Bryzgalov five minutes into the third (and just four seconds into the power play) for a critical insurance goal. Kovalchuk's goal would be the last in a series where the Devils stunningly outscored the Flyers 15-7 in the final four games.

Although I wasn't sure if the Devils would finish it off last night, my main concern wasn't about the Flyers play, but about whether they would turn the game into a goonfest, especially with chief goon Zac Rinaldo replacing Giroux in the lineup. Ironically, it was the Devils who began hitting when Anton Volchenkov leveled Brayden Schenn early, then Rinaldo got almost instant payback nearly thumping Volchenkov into next week. For once, it was a clean but hard hit from the normally dirty enforcer and one that made me shudder. I thought it could be a Scott Stevens-like whomp that turned around the game, if not the series. For a while it did, and the Flyers would (as usual) get the first goal when Max Talbot scored off a netmouth scramble at 7:18.

Showing their resiliency yet again, the Devils didn't wait long to answer. It took just two minutes and nine seconds for a seeing-eye Bryce Salvador shot that deflected off Wayne Simmonds and by Bryzgalov to make the Flyers' lead dissapear. Adam Henrique and Kovalchuk would get the assists on Salvador's second goal of the postseason (both in Philly). If Salvador's goal was surprising, what happened next at 12:45 would be shocking. A back pass during a line change went back to Bryzgalov who had wide open ice - and David Clarkson charging toward his left. Incomprehensibly, Bryzgalov tried to sneak the puck through Clarkson and instead wound up hitting his skate and watched in horror as the puck deflected by him for a shock own goal, also Clarkson's second of the series and playoffs.

From there, the Flyers started to show more frustration, taking silly penalties and making other borderline and cheap hits that weren't called. I was getting worried someone wouldn't get up from one of those, as Volchenkov, Zubrus and Marek Zidlicky all went down at one point or another, and the animals that call themselves Flyer fans booed when each got up. Zubrus was again felled by a cheap shot, this time by Rinaldo who went knee-on-knee but was merely called for a two-minute minor. Just like the last game with the Giroux hit however, Zubie took a licking and kept on ticking. Zidlicky however, would eventually have to leave the game with either a concussion or a wrist injury suffered when he skidded toward the boards and Simmonds finished a check against a defenseless player. I'm sure 'upper body' was the official designation, but whatever it is hopefully it won't be a factor in the next round.

As each player went down, the urgency to finish this off tonight and not rely on the red wall of sound to save us in Game 6 ratcheted up. About the only good thing in the second period was that twenty more minutes ran off the clock with no change on the Flyers' end of the scoreboard. Our scariest moment came of our own doing, as Martin Brodeur again nearly got caught in no-man's land playing a puck and left the net vacated. However, the Flyers somehow couldn't take advantage, firing one off the post. Perhaps that was a sign right there that it would be our night, considering Bryzgalov's boo-boo was costly but this one wasn't. We had our chances but hit a couple of posts, and Bryzgalov continued a strong series stopping the puck, more than his stats (and gaffe last night) would suggest.

However, after a shaky start to the third period, a penalty on James Van Riemsdyk for holding proved decisive, after Henrique won a faceoff onto the stick of Zubrus, who found an open Kovalchuk. And the rest as they say, was history as Kovy fired a rocket home for his fifth goal of the playoffs. In the final fifteen minutes, the Devils put on a clinic in how to protect a lead. Compare and contrast the Devils' play against the Panthers from in front with their play in this series with a lead, it's literally like watching two different teams! Fortunately the final fifteen minutes went by without incident (coach Pete DeBoer's mandate on not engaging the Flyers after the whistle proving sage advice), and the Devils' improbable victory was complete. Sixth-seeded New Jersey joined eighth-seed LA and a 96-point Phoenix team out West in what has to already be the most unlikely final four in NHL history.

Of course, the Devils will now have their eyes glued to the remaining second-round series. Two straight Caps wins on tonight and Saturday would stunningly give the Devils home-ice throughout the remainder of the playoffs as they would start the Eastern Conference Finals at the Rock sometime early next week, not to mention complete a Cinderella final four. However, one more Ranger win and it'll be the best of times or the worst of times depending on your point of view. If I were a neutral fan (or even a non-sth) I'd definitely want to see Devils-Rangers, and that series would likely be nip and tuck, just like the two teams' six games during the regular season. As an sth though, I'm not going to lie, I'm not looking forward to the Ranger fan invasion at the Rock - even if the Ranger fans aren't on the subhuman level like Flyer fans. Especially after finally developing a home-ice advantage in our building during this year's playoffs. It's going to be a challenge for our sales team to be able to sell tickets to Devil fans, and Devil fans themselves need to step up and not flip tickets for a profit.

Whoever winds up waiting for us, the Devils have already succeeded beyond outside expectations. Ironically, our win last night resulted in the loss of two draft picks over the next two years since this now becomes without any doubt the year we'll give up our first-rounder to fulfill the Kovy salary cap penalty with a pick at 28, 29 or 30 in the draft. Plus, getting to the Eastern Conference Finals fulfilled our condition in sending the Wild an additional 2013 third-rounder in the Zidlicky trade. It's hard to imagine any other scenario over being happy to lose two high draft picks, but this is definitely one.

Dramatic win seen once before

When it was over, somewhere we'd seen this act before. Ironically in the same round and pivotal Game Five. That it played out like a cardinal copy was even more eerie.

It was five years ago that the Rangers had rallied from an 0-2 deficit to tie the Eastern Conference Semifinal against heavily favored Buffalo. They brought the series back to Western New York even following the second greatest game we've ever seen. Game Three. Michal Rozsival in double overtime. Then, they held on for dear life to take Game Four, making Blueshirt Nation dream of an upset.

On May 5, 2007 the Blueshirts and Sabres played a beauty in Game Five. Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan Miller went toe to toe, matching save for save. For the game's first 57 minutes, nothing separated the New York clubs. Then, Martin Straka snuck a wrist shot past Miller touching off a mini-eruption at our house. Could it really be? Of course, we were facing Brian's team but this was Civil War. It was not quite Axl Rose and Slash in Guns 'N Roses heyday. But the hockey was epic.

When Straka scored, the way the game was being played it felt like they'd won. Of course, it didn't go as planned. Chris Drury ruined it when he tied the game with 7.7 seconds left, channeling Valeri Zelepukin. Then, a cruel ending occured when Maxim Afinogenov ripped a shot off Jed Ortmeyer past poor Lundqvist for a dramatic Sabres comeback win. A loss so deflating I hated Buffalo. In that one moment, everything changed.

The Sabres finished off the Rangers, hanging on for a 5-4 win in Game Six. A game they led throughout. But Jaromir Jagr kept bringing his team back. Straka scored again to slice the deficit to one with two minutes to go. The Garden was electric, almost willing the team to force overtime. They pushed till the bitter end. But Miller and Buffalo advanced to the Conference Finals a second consecutive year. That's how close we were. It just wasn't meant to be.

It was much of the same last night. Only the Caps got victimized. They had been outplayed for large portions but trailed by one. Then, tied it. A strange thing happened. For what was the biggest game the Rangers have played in two decades, the crowd was fairly quiet. They must've had the same pit in their stomachs I did in my seat. Nervous tension that somehow Washington was gonna find a way to win.

When John Carlson buried one past Lundqvist, it looked like that was it. The Caps protected the lead into the final frantic 60 seconds. Joel Ward high sticked Carl Hagelin with 21 seconds left. Suddenly, the powerless play came through thanks to Brad Richards, who ironically is now credited with the tying goal with 7.6 seconds remaining. Every Ranger fan knows what 7.7 means. 7.7 ain't 7.6. But it may as well be if Washington suffers the same fate we did. I'm begging the Blueshirts to take a page from Buffalo and finish them off tomorrow. Do not chance it.

TALE OF TWO

May 5, 2007 EC Semis NYR at Buf Game 5

May 7, 2012 EC Semis Wsh at NYR Game 5

It's all too familiar. A late goal. A costly penalty. A power play winner early in sudden death that deflected off your own player. A helpless goalie. The similarities are striking. What does it all mean? Will May 7, 2012 go down in Ranger lore? It doesn't mean anything if they don't get it done.

To be continued...

Faceoffs key big win for Blueshirts

One of my favorite memories hanging out with our Jersey hockey crew had to be when we watched Coaches Corner with eccentric personality Don Cherry. The always controversial former Bruins coach who led them to a Cup has been a fixture on Hockey Night In Canada for decades. Love or hate him, he is always interesting.

I was introduced to Grapes by John, Tim and Brian @sambone73 one night in South River. From that moment on, I was hooked. Cherry has had many outrageous rants along with his zany outfits that would make Craig Sager drool. One of his absolute best came several years back on faceoffs. For all the anti-Grapes sentiment, the man does bring up good points. One which I continue to want to see from our D when pressured. Lift the puck out just as long as it's not a delay of game.

However, it's his passion about faceoffs that rings true. Puck possession is crucial during any game. If you win a majority of the draws, there's a good chance you have the puck more and are able to dictate. In Game Four, the Caps won the big ones and the game. Last night, it was the Rangers' turn. Of the 49 faceoffs, the Blueshirts controlled 28 or 57 percent. Never was that more evident than on Brad Richards' tying power play goal and Marc Staal's OT winner.

On the first goal, Richards cleanly won it with 21 seconds left. If he doesn't, there's a good chance the Caps get possession and clear without icing the puck. Our team was on a power play with Henrik Lundqvist off for a six-on-four. So, one clear could've been the difference. Instead, Richie controlled it and eventually the puck came to Mike Del Zotto, who wisely passed for Ryan Callahan in front. He had two cracks at it only to be denied by Braden Holtby. But Richards somehow stuffed the puck in to tie it with 7.6 seconds left. The NHL officially changed it from 6.6 to 7.6. What if it had been 7.7?!?!?!?!?!

For the game, Richards went 12-and-6 in the faceoff circle, winning a good chunk of the 28. However, he wasn't the only player who stepped up. While Brian Boyle was a solid 10-and-8 totaling 22 between him and Richards, it was little regarded John Mitchell who went 4-for-4.

That included the deciding faceoff win that went to Staal at the right point. With Artem Anisimov and Derek Stepan in front, Staal moved to the left and then fired a shot which deflected off a sliding Cap past a screened Holtby. On the winner, many things went right starting with Mitchell, who picked a great time for his first point of the playoffs. In my last recap, I begged for our team to win draws, shoot and get traffic. They did all three, resulting in pandemonium on Fashion Avenue.

In the postseason, it's the little things that win. In this instance, the team's success on faceoffs won them Game Five- allowing the Blueshirts to take a 3-2 series lead with Game Six at Verizon Center tomorrow. They're one win away from the Conference Finals. It'll be the toughest.

Miraculous comeback stuns Caps

Sports can be the unknown. There are moments that don't seem real. Last night was one of those holy f#*$**& #$%* I don't believe what I just saw games. If you were lucky enough to be there as we were along with the other screaming 18,200 in the building, then you know how amazing it was. A miraculous comeback that hopefully will be something we talk about for years.

Brad Richards scored with 6.6 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the Caps. Then Marc Staal scored the oh my god winner 1:35 into overtime- giving the Rangers a dramatic 3-2 win in Game Five to stun Washington for a 3-2 series lead. That both came on the power play were equally as shocking considering how well the Capitals shut us down after John Carlson put them ahead on a power play goal. I can only say how unbelievable it was and still have a hard time summing it all up.

All I know is it looked like a 17-shot first in which the Blueshirts dominated along with a heavy edge in shots (38-18) was going to get wasted. How our team was once again gonna rue the day they didn't cash in on all the chances early. That again, the offense would cost us big time. I just kept picturing being down 3-2 to this damn team who gives them so many problems, wondering how they'd win a second straight game on the road to force a seventh game.

I stood up the final four minutes. When it looked like they were done, I started heading down. Another fan in front of me muttered, 'What a waste of money.' I was thinking 'What a waste of a season,' while wondering why they can't beat the Caps. Editor's Note: They need one more before we get ahead of ourselves.

While he departed, I couldn't leave. This was our playoffs hanging by a cliff. Instead, I walked to 114 right where as fate had it, Richards took a faceoff with 54 seconds left following a timeout. It didn't look good. But a funny thing happened. Richards won another big draw and Carl Hagelin was high sticked by Cap folk hero Joel Ward. As they announced the double minor, a little voice in my head went it figures. The power play had already seen its collective shadow. How were they going to score with 21.1 left? Half the time, they don't win offensive draws. But Richards won it and then madness ensued. First, Ryan Callahan fired wide with 13 ticks left and I feared the worst like everyone else. Then, Mike Del Zotto passed for Callahan who was denied twice by Braden Holtby.

Something unpredictable happened with Richards from the toughest of angles with little real estate, somehow poked the puck just inside the far right post and in. The Garden erupted. Like many, I lost it. Must've slapped and hugged whoever was there. The best was this kid and his Dad. The kid was awesome. Thanks to Richards, they tied it. But there was still overtime with another two minutes up a man. If you were a betting person, the odds might've been a zillion to one that they'd score on both ends of Ward's double minor. There are two parts I'll take away from the break.

1.Some suit named Rich told me that they would win in double overtime as we were getting water.

2.After I went back upstairs and told Dad, Justin and Mike everything, they sent me back down with two minutes to spare. I was gonna head down anyway. It was for the team. Superstitions.

The overtime began and there were quite a few people around a big screen. I eventually made my way there and waited. Then the goal horn sounded. When you don't think it's possible, you don't believe it. I didn't because the OT had barely started. At first, I thought it was a joke. Then, thunderous cheers in a circus-like environment that featured confetti and fireworks. Apparently, someone forgot to tell MSG that this was only the third win of Round Two. It's nice and all but there's still much work left.

What we witnessed last night was a team not giving up. That's how these Blueshirts play. They had nothing going the final 10 minutes until the final breath. In fact, the Caps came very close to making it 3-1 twice. First, Nicklas Backstrom came in on Henrik Lundqvist and his backhand deke went off our goalie and off the crossbar. Then, Washington came three-on-one with Alex Ovechkin in the middle. But Staal calmly anticipated the pass and harmlessly poke checked it away. He also cleared the zone. Phenomenal game saving plays.

The Capitals cashed in on a Mike Rupp hook. It looked like they would steal it. Something I was worried about when the lead was only one after the first. You knew the Caps would awaken. They did with Ovechkin setting up Brooks Laich for the tying goal in the second. Kind of bad luck because it went off Brian Boyle's stick right to Laich, who buried it. Earlier, John Mitchell had Marian Gaborik all alone for a sure PPG only to misconnect on the pass. There were twists and turns, which is what made it so compelling. From almost two up to eventually falling behind thanks a Carlson rocket which eluded Lundqvist's outstretched glove.

Afterwards, Dale Hunter had his team trap. They were very effective limiting us and countering. If not for some luck, they're up 3-2. Washington has transformed from a wide open team to a defensive minded one that finishes every check and blocks every shot. The Rangers attempted 63. Twenty-five never made it. Another 15 missed altogether. So, it really was 78 to the Caps' 35. They attacked hard on the forecheck but most of it came during the first half. Then, the Caps took over by out-Rangering us. Ward's undisciplined penalty changed everything. The rest is history. Miraculous.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-John Carlson, Wsh (power play goal, 4 blocked shots in 33 shifts-21:53)
2nd Star-Brad Richards, NYR (tied game at 19:53, won 2 critical faceoffs-12-6 in 22:58)
1st Star-Marc Staal, NYR (scored at 1:35 of overtime-2nd career playoff winner, assist, huge defensive play, +1 in 24:05)

Devils push Flyers to the brink of madness and elimination

Holding a 2-1 lead in the series, it would have been easy for the Devils to let down when falling behind 2-0 in Game 4 after a strong start went unrewarded. A lot of other Devil teams probably would have mailed it in for the night, heck a lot of other teams in the NHL would have likely been doomed to a night of frustration. However, this Devils team is better than that. This Devils team is not looking for excuses this year, they're just looking for ways to win. And a way to win is what these Devils found at the Rock last night, coming back to win a 4-2 performance that was more dominant than the score suggested.

Really, the dominance started from the opening drop of the puck...to such a degree that Flyer coach Pete Laviolette used his timeout in the first five minutes of the game - when the game was still scoreless. I've never seen anything like that close to happening, early timeouts yes, but never that early with the game still at 0-0. Clearly the Flyers didn't have jump, but the timeout didn't really help anymore than whatever the genius said to them before the game. What did help the Flyers was an asinine penalty called on Travis Zajac, who somehow fouled a Flyer when he was the one who was upended and high-sticked. Although the Flyers didn't score on that power play, it got their pulse going again and after Marek Zidlicky took another penalty just after the Devils had killed off Zajac's penalty, the Flyers would take advantage when Scott Hartnell's tip-in beat birthday boy Martin Brodeur at 11:50.

If that wasn't annoying enough, a Devils power play soon after that would get me even more peeved when shoddy defense and shoddy goaltending brought back memories of our early-season PP struggles when the dangerous Claude Giroux scored his eighth of the playoffs at 13:40 (but only the second of the series) on a slow puck that trickled under Brodeur, who surprisingly followed a subpar game with another shaky outing. Even some of his saves were adventures. At this point, I was kinda hoping Pete DeBoer would use his timeout, but he isn't looking to micromanage at this point of the year. He showed faith in his team, and got rewarded when Zidlicky atoned for his earlier penalty and bad defense on the shorthanded goal by giving Petr Sykora a perfect pass for a tap-in goal at 15:14 for Sykie's second of the playoffs.

After being on the giving end of the Devils' first goal, Zidlicky would be on the receiving end of a Bryce Salvador feed as Salvador continued his surprising spurt of offense with his fifth point of the postseason after Zidlicky's masterful tip beat Ilya Bryzgalov at 18:09, tying the game at two. Also getting on the scoresheet with assists in the first period were Travis Zajac on Sykora's tally and Ilya Kovalchuk on Zidlicky's scoresheet. It would be an otherwise quiet game for the big guns though, as Bryzgalov looked like the Game 2 version as he stifled the Devils for most of the first two periods despite the Flyers literally getting nothing going even-strength. New Jersey held an insane 32-10 advantage in shots through forty minutes, but were still tied late in the second.

In fact, the Flyers nearly scored the go-ahead goal but a block by Sykora that I still haven't seen (at the arena I could have sworn it was Danius Zubrus who got a piece of the puck) led to a breakout the other way, and Zubrus proceeded to fire a snapshot past Bryzgalov at 17:47 for Zubrus's second goal of the postseason. Sykora and Adam Henrique picked up the assists on the all-important third goal, which relieved a little of the pressure off the Devils. Just a little though, certainly this is a postseason where no lead has been safe. And when Flyers are around, no player is safe either - as Zubrus found out when a cheap shot by Giroux of all people angered everyone and sent Zubrus staggering off the ice. I was more nervous about whether Zubrus would return at that moment than about our slender lead, for Zubrus has been an absolute beast along the boards and in puck possession this postseason.

Fortunately, the third period started with good news as Zubrus came out and returned to the game, somewhat dramatically since he was the next to last player to come out of the locker room as I was nervously looking at who was going onto the ice or the bench to start the third period. However, a wasted power play on the Giroux headshot meant nervoustime could begin. While the Flyers didn't seem to get too many real opportunities, they did manage ten shots in the third period as the Devils played more defensively, not even attempting to score when Kimmo Timonen's late holding penalty gave the Devils a power play in the last three and a half minutes of the game. Thank goodness they didn't need one, as the Flyers had to empty the net and Zubrus would take advantage with another monster effort to ensure a putaway goal with just forty-five seconds left.

Zubrus's second of the night was assisted on by Mark Fayne...and Brodeur, who surprisingly became the oldest player ever to get an assist in a playoff game. No matter how much former Flyer GM Bobby Clarke tried to take away his puck-handling ability the winningest goalie ever has still found a way to make that part of his game an asset. Marty got to celebrate his 40th birthday in style with a win and assist that helped his team take a surprising 3-1 lead against a favored Flyers team that looked like it was disintegrating, showing its frustration time and again as the Devils refuse to play into their hands with after-whistle scraps - and the Flyers paid even more consequences for it today when Brendan Shanahan suspended Giroux for Game 5 after his inexcusable hit on Zubrus last night.

Unlike the first round where the Devils had to come from behind, now they have to show killer instinct and close the Flyers out while they're reeling. If not tomorrow, then absolutely on Thursday. This cannot be allowed to get to a Game 7, it's almost unprecedented for teams to win two straight Game 7's on the road. I can only think of two that have done it - the '09 Canes and the '03 Wild, and both were spent and got obliterated in the Conference Finals. We need to take the crowd out of it early and get them to turn on the home team, much like the Flyers did to us two years ago. Don't settle for a Thursday game. We might have to play a Thursday game in front of the red wall of sound, but don't let it be because we gave the game away easily. Make them work, and try to beat us three times at our best. From what I've seen the last three games, the Flyers will eventually have no answer if we keep playing our best.

No excuses at this point...get it done.

Caps Capitalize: Green does in Rangers to square series

Mike Green is someone who you have to watch closely. Especially when the Caps are on the power play. Sure. He hasn't been the same since all the injuries. But this is still a dangerous player who can impact a game. In Washington's 3-2 Game Four win in regulation, it was the All-Star defenseman who showed that form with a game deciding power play goal with under seven minutes left to tie the best-of-seven second round series 2-2.

It didn't go the Rangers' way last night. Not because the refs screwed us on a couple of calls. Sure. They did including Brooks Laich tripping up Ryan Callahan, who failed to clear the puck- resulting in Green's winner. A call that was missed by Brad Watson and partner Marc Joannette, who also failed to detect Alex Ovechkin slashing the stick of Brian Boyle a few minutes earlier with the game tied. The one they got rookie Carl Hagelin on was weak. However, that's the breaks. The Caps took full advantage of it to win the game and make tomorrow another pivotal Game Five at Madison Square Garden. They didn't win that one in Round One. I don't advise they tempt fate twice.

I get why some of our diehard Blueshirts are still upset. Between the blown calls and Ovechkin's dangerous hit on Dan Girardi in which they made the appropriate call of charging, I understand. But honestly, I didn't think it was bad enough to merit a suspension. The controversial Russian superstar slightly left his feet. Ovechkin's shoulder made contact with Girardi's head. I just didn't view it as suspendable. There's been far worse in these playoffs with the inconsistent Brendan Shanahan. Bottom line. The Rangers still had a power play at a time when the score was tied and didn't Capitalize. What makes anyone think another powerless play would've been any different? Even if Mike Knuble probably should've been whistled for delay of game.

Our power play is disgusting. It is embarrassing, humiliating, sickening and enough to make you puke. More often than not, they don't get anything accomplished. From losing key draws in the offensive zone to the indecisiveness, it allows opponents off easy. The Caps must've felt like it was a walk in the park. That's how sad it is. There's no fluidity and zero creativity. Good power plays are instinctive. Quick passes setting up shots before the D gets set. Not even Brad Richards has been able to solve the ineptitude that is our powerless play. Almost like it's the Brian Leetch/Sergei Zubov curse. Funny thing is Richards has factored in in a couple of big wins for actual power play goals. I'm just not counting on it.

What we should count on is for our Blueshirts to come with a much better effort. They mailed in a lopsided first, allowing the Capitals off the hook. So much for riding momentum. Washington dominated the first 20 by peppering Lundqvist with 14 shots including a half dozen on one power play! That's six shots. For those scoring at home, our team only got 20 through on Braden Holtby, who could've been on the beach checking out girls in bikinis. There was not enough gumption or urgency. The Caps were the more desperate team as Dale Hunter forecast because they didn't want to go down 3-1. Even if Hunter came off like a clown defending Ovechkin by labeling the hit "accidental," he had his guys ready. For whatever reason, ours weren't and that falls on John Tortorella.

If our fiery coach who's up for the Jack Adams can bully and blow off the media who are too afraid to ask him routine questions following a loss, then he can take the blame for the lackluster effort. Yes, the players who will go through a brick wall for him responded with a strong second, scoring twice thanks to the determination of Artem Anisimov. Arty accomplished something astonishing when he went to the front of the net and found Girardi's rebound and deposited it past Holtby to tie it. Unfortunately, he also got absolutely wrecked by a clean Nicklas Backstrom shoulder leading to the Caps' second goal. But it wasn't his fault Anton Stralman failed to take Backstrom, who had all day to bury one within 10 feet. Stralman was atrocious.

Chris Kreider also had a rough time, setting up Ovechkin's second of the series in the first when he gave away the puck right to the Washington captain, whose quick wrister fooled Lundqvist, going off his glove. Not the best goal to give up but considering the amount of rubber he saw, it was understandable. Without our Vezina frontrunner, the game would've been over. He made at least five huge saves to give his teammates a chance. If not for the one foul up on Backstrom's goal along with the powerless failures that got the fans back in it along with their team, it's a good bet we're talking about the Rangers going for the clincher instead of fighting tooth and nail like Ottawa.

When our team forechecked, the Caps couldn't handle it. They control the back boards. That's also where Anisimov scored his first of the postseason in Game One. Arty has been one of our most effective forwards. But they need more from Carl Hagelin and even Callahan, who's been fairly quiet outside of a huge Game Three in which he demonstrated why he's the leader of the club. Marian Gaborik also tallied for a second straight game thanks to hustle from Anisimov who negated an icing and then set up Gabby in front for a gimme. They spent the last few minutes of the second searching for the go-ahead that never came.

It wasn't all bad. Our team is resilient enough to fight back. But so are the Caps, who aren't playing like a No.8 seed, emulating other teams. Washington is four lines deep and boasts more skill. Hunter also plays everyone even if Tortorella finally gave Stu Bickel actual ice-time (9 shifts, 7:02). However, he still isn't utilizing the fourth line enough with Mike Rupp and John Mitchell playing well. Brandon Prust eventually replaced Kreider on the third line.

It's still their series to win with two out of three left at home. This is what they played for. Now it's time for the Rangers to make a stand.

Kovalchuk returns, leads Devils to another thrilling OT win

Before Game 3, the story was would Ilya Kovalchuk play or wouldn't he? And just how effective could he possibly be if the story floated by the Star Ledger's Rich Chere was true about Kovy's mystery injury being a herniated disc? Granted, that might be the third different 'theory' on why Kovy's looked like he's skating with a two-ton weight on his back - but whatever the case, his play in the postseason had been increasingly a concern.

Yet after missing Game 2, there was Kovy ready to go after rest and work with the doctors and trainers. Not only was he ready to go, but he made an impact befitting of his star status, scoring a goal and coming up with two assists - including a beautiful feed to Alexei Ponikarovsky for the game-winner 17:21 into OT of a back-and-forth Game 3 last night at the Prudential Center. For their collective efforts, Ponikarovsky got the first star and Kovy the second star and adulation which he's never experienced in his two and a half seasons as a Devil.

Heading into the arena, I was anxious to experience an atmosphere the likes of which we haven't yet seen in Newark. After all, this is already the deepest postseason run the Devils have made since moving to the Rock. And the crowd didn't dissapoint, loud and towel-waving from the opening faceoff (not to mention at least 90% Devils fans, after some worrying from people in our fanbase that the Flyer fans would 'invade' Newark this year). I could do without some of the super-loud sound that if anything, drowns out the crowd noise and gives us all headaches but that's what you get at most big games these days.

At least most of the music is good, thanks to part-time deejays Zach Parise and Danius Zubrus (who've apparently branched out from just picking the pre-game music to picking some of the in-game stuff as well), and the fan experience team did a good job by adding numerous Devil-Flyer playoff clips to their montages throughout the game. Not to mention a jab at Philly's most famous fictional character Rocky Balboa - showing clips of Sylvester Stallone getting his block knocked off, culminating in the knockout by Clubber Lang (Mr. T) in Rocky III lol. As a Rocky fan myself I was chuckling and at the same time asking was that really neccesary haha.

On the ice however, things didn't start out as swimmingly - as a slow first five-ten minutes culminated in a Brayden Schenn power play goal at 6:08, off a feed from playoff pest Danny Briere. Things picked up when Zubrus had a monster two-minute shift, leading the way in some nice cycling work with Petr Sykora and others. It didn't result in a score, but Zubrus and company got a nice ovation at the end of play and it got the Devils into the game, I felt.

Fittingly, it was Zubrus who wound up drawing a penalty on his next shift that led to a Devils power play which would even the score when Elias hesitated, then fired a wrister through traffic past Ilya Bryzgalov for his third playoff goal of the year at 12:33, after assists from Marek Zidlicky and Kovalchuk - already starting to make me look silly for publicly second-guessing the decision to start him. Just twenty seconds later, it would be Kovalchuk who got on the board with his fourth goal of the postseason - off a nice feed from Travis Zajac, who somehow wound up drawing all three defenders to him before feeding #17 with a nice drop pass, and Kovalchuk took it from there beating Bryzgalov with another patient wrist shot. Ponikarovsky got an assist as well, a slight hint of what was to come.

After the Devils controlled the rest of the period, the Flyers came out determined to even the score in the second period...which they did, when a defensive breakdown led to another wide-open one-timer, this one from Matt Carle at 4:44 off a pass from Jakub Voracek. It was at this point that the referreeing started to get on my nerves, calling Adam Larsson for a penalty when it looked as if Briere dove (shocker), then far more egregiously whistling Kovy for a delay-of-game penalty, when a clearing attempt glanced off Flyer forward Matt Read and into the stands.

This is one of the reasons I hate the rule, you're giving a tremendous disadvantage to a team for what amounts to a judgement call most of the time. If anything, you should treat throwing the puck in the stands like an icing, enough of an advantage to matter but not too much to kill a fly with a machine gun. If you are going to have the rule though, then the officials can't be liberal with calling it, they have to be absolutely sure it didn't hit off a player or the glass. When he saw the replay in the box, Kovy went ballistic...fortunately it didn't matter when a goaltender interference penalty nullified both the power play and a potential Flyers goal. Even that was mild compared to what was to come later in the game, however.

Momentum continued rocking back and forth in the third, with the Devils edging in front after he fed the captain at the side of the net, and Parise stuffed the puck past Bryzgalov for his fourth playoff goal at 7:29 allowing us to dream the dream of going up 2-1 in the series. Zidlicky continued his strong game with his second assist of the night on the captain's goal. Minutes later, Kovy came inches from ending it when he hit the crossbar with a shot (even more gut-wrenchingly, he put his fist in the air thinking he'd scored)...then as so often happens in hockey, you pay for a near miss at one end on the other end. Of course, it was Briere who scored (and again with his foot, though this time legally) at 11:04 to tie the game.

After a tense final nine minutes of regulation, the Devils found themselves in their fourth OT in the span of five playoff games. Things began questionably, when Elias was clearly interfered with and high-sticked but there was no call. You figured, oh well the refs are clearly letting them play now at least since there were no penalties in the third either. Yet, that non-call was exacerbated further when Zubrus got called on a weak boarding at 8:23 that gave the Flyers another OT power play. After somehow killing that off, the Devils had to kill another penalty when Bryce Salvador threw the puck over the glass (this time there was little doubt, unfortunately). Despite not having their leading defenseman on the ice - Salvador led the team with 31:43 icetime on the night, a full two minutes more than Andy Greene and Zidlicky - the Devils managed to kill one more power play from a dangerous Flyer unit.

Finally, the momentum shifted toward the Devils after the second penalty kill and they started to pepper Bryzgalov. Yet, it was a faulty line change that led to a Devils' win, as Kovy somehow eyed two Flyers coming off the ice and an open Ponikarovsky more than a hundred feet up ice despite having his back mostly turned to the play. Like a shark, Kovy quickly turned and pounced on the opportunity, feeding Poni with a tape-to-tape pass that led to a two-on-one with Poni and Greene. Poni did the work himself, shooting the puck on net, then somehow swatting a bouncing rebound past Bryzgalov to send most of the 17,625 into a frenzy (and me into a tired state of relief).

At that point, little else mattered. It didn't matter that the refs screwed us with bad calls, non-calls and strange calls all night (a couple of offsides were highly questionable as well), or that I was so out of it I nearly forgot my jacket going out of the arena - thankfully the guy next to me got it and found me down the hall. Even the fact I didn't get home till 12:30 because of train connections or woke up earlier than I wanted to was nothing more than a slight annoyance. All's well - at least till Sunday night - when your team wins a big playoff game, and you can soak in the celebration at the arena.

Blueshirts make history in OT classic

Yesterday's three overtime classic which the Rangers won 2-1 was the longest game the Original Six franchise has played in 41 years. Marian Gaborik's winner at 114:41 of sudden death made it the fifth longest playoff game the Blueshirts have ever been involved in in their eighty-six year history.

It was back in 1971 that Pete Stemkowski scored at 1:29 of third overtime to defeat the Blackhawks in Game Six of the Semifinals, forcing Game Seven. Of course, everyone knows Chicago prevailed. Hopefully, this series will play out differently. To think we're still in Round Two is pretty crazy. The playoffs have been unbelievable so far with already 19 games needing overtime, including the Flyers' 4-3 win (Danny Briere) over the Devils in Game One of their second round match-up. Whoever wins it all will have really earned it. Especially in the East. No disrespect out West but the series in our conference have been more grueling. Unless St. Louis puts up a fight against the Kings later tonight, maybe you get one great series with Nashville and Phoenix. Yes, I fully expect the Predators to even that up, making for an interesting final three games. We'll see.

Getting back to the Rangers for a second. Before last night, you have to go all the way back to 1939 for a playoff game involving our franchise that's lasted so long. Yes. That was prior to them winning the third Stanley Cup in 1940. Funny enough, the organization got it wrong on the press release- calling yesterday the fourth longest before Jim Cerny fixed it. On the flip side, the Caps have never won a game that went at least three OTs. They're now 0-4 in such games. I won't bother with the extra details :P. If you recall Pat Lafontaine's miraculous winner for the Islanders in '84, that helps explain Washington's luck when it goes late.

Wednesday's game was the first one that required at least three overtimes since April 22, 2010 when Ottawa's Matt Carkner notched the winner at 107:06 against Pittsburgh. ... It became the longest overtime game since May 5, 2008 when Dallas defeated San Jose 2-1 at 129:03 of the fourth OT. ... Rangers improved to 1-2 in OT this postseason. ... Of their 10 games thus far, half have needed sudden death for the Capitals. After prevailing in Game Seven thanks to Joel Ward, they fell to 2-3 following last night.

Triple the fun: Gaborik wins epic

It couldn't go on forever. Or so you thought. For most of the evening, I was out, putting in a shift at work and hitting the gym. The text updates came. Ryan Callahan on the power play. Then John Carlson to some disappointment. At that point, I concluded 'So it's gonna be one of those series.'

Little did I know that an epic Game Three between the Rangers and Capitals would go on and on into Thursday. The score didn't change when I flipped on MSG radio at the end of regulation. As much as I wanted to listen to overtime, I decided to go workout. The fear of your team losing seven consecutive times in sudden death along with five straight in D.C. can play tricks on you. I figured it would end early just like Ottawa. I was prepared. But a funny thing happened. No updates till the first overtime ended. Then, the same for the second OT as I finished up.

At that point, I knew I was going home to watch what had already been a classic game. Ironically, I joked with another Ranger fan at the gym that maybe it'll go three and we'll be able to catch it. So, I headed back with Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney starting period six as I parked. I didn't leave till there was a whistle, walking in quickly to watch with Dad and Justin. Predictably, they were on pins and needles. Maybe it's not the same as the pressure the players feel along with logging ridiculous minutes like Ryan McDonagh and sucking down Gatorade an ounce at a time. But for any diehard pucker, nothing beats playoff hockey and nothing is more nerve racking than overtime. If you don't get a pit in your stomach, maybe you're immune to such high drama. I'm just glad I got to see an unreal conclusion to a great game that the Blueshirts prevailed in thanks to Marian Gaborik finally getting the proverbial monkey off his back- scoring the winner off a brilliant one-touch feed from Brad Richards with 5:19 left in the third OT.

It made the Rangers winners in the extra session for the first time since Michal Rozsival blew the roof off MSG in double overtime against Buffalo. A game we were fortunate enough to be at. Not as fun when you lose like the time John Madden beat us a year later or Chris Neil a couple of weeks ago. That's why you're shift to shift like the players you're cheering for. And when your team wins, you jump for joy and hug whoever's around you like last night.

It was a great response from the Rangers following Game Two's disappointment. They reclaimed home ice by outlasting the Caps 2-1 with Gaborik snapping an eight game drought, notching his first goal since our Game One win over the Sens. It couldn't have come at a better time, allowing the Rangers to breathe easier for a moment. Yes, it's nice to be leading the best-of-seven Conference Semi 2-1. However, it's only one win as the always guarded John Tortorella was quick to point out during the postgame. That it was Gaborik is encouraging for the Blueshirts because if they want to advance, they need their best finisher to start popping a few. Maybe this is what gets him going after being reunited with Richards and Carl Hagelin.

They were great with Gaborik nearly ending it minutes earlier on a similar play but ringing the post. The Caps came close too with a shot deflecting just off the far post to Henrik Lundqvist's right. Speaking of our goalie, he was at his absolute best making 45 saves including a couple of clutch ones with the glove prior to Gabby's heroics. As I soon found out watching highlights, the Rangers don't win without King Henrik, which is why he's up for the Hart, Vezina and Lindsay. He stoned the Caps and also caught a break when Alex Ovechkin rang one off the post in the first OT after a scary turnover by Anton Stralman. Ovechkin played much more and was dangerous following his Game Two winner. But Lundqvist was better.

On the other side, there was a heroic effort from Braden Holtby who like a goalie still around in another series, shows poise beyond his 22 years. He was remarkable again, turning away 47 of 49 for the hard luck defeat with his parents living and dying with every moment. Great camera work by NBC Network on Gabby's dramatic decider, showing the pain of Mom and Dad following a goal their son had no chance on. If you love theater, this was it. An absolute thriller much like Hasan's Devils last round. Moments earlier, Holtby flashed the leather robbing Stralman and also Brandon Prust while watching teammates dive in front to deny Ryan Callahan's bid. Captain Cally was again a true warrior delivering big hits and putting his body in harm's way like you'd expect from your leader.

I began contemplating thoughts of quadruple overtime which I'd discussed with Devil buddy Rob Davis. In some way, I was glad I didn't watch the entire thing. It had to be crazy. With fans telling me they nearly had heart attacks which is the usual anxiety we're accustomed to, it was a bit easier only dealing with one exciting period. The best aspect is it took a perfect play and shot to beat Holtby. It wasn't Jason Chimera cashing in on a Gaborik gaffe that killed us last year. It was splendid play from the top line, getting the puck in with Richards wisely attempting a shot just wide that Hagelin retrieved to an open Dan Girardi. Girardi pushed it down to Richards behind the net who with no hestitation centered for Gaborik in front for the decider. Just a terrific play all around that exemplified why Richards was brought in. He started it and Gaborik finished it.

It ended a game that had begun 90 minutes before Nashville got back in their series with Pekka Rinne blanking Phoenix 2-0. Of course, that already ended. The Rangers and Capitals kept going until someone played the hero. Luckily, Gaborik did allowing our team to win a game so well fought that the shots were almost identical as well as the blocked shots. This was playoff hockey at its finest. Maybe not the most scoring but gritty, physical and in your face as McDonagh would attest after getting absolutely crunched by Ovechkin in the fourth period. Marc Staal also caught Ovechkin. The totals justify the type of game it was.

Game 3 Classic Breakdown

Shots              NYR-49 Wsh-46
Hits                NYR-46 Wsh-59
Blocks            NYR-41 Wsh-40
Missed shots  NYR-18 Wsh-28
Faceoffs         NYR-46 Wsh-48
Takeaways     NYR-10 Wsh-12

ICE-TIME LEADERS

Rangers      TOI    Shifts
McDonagh 53:17  60
Staal          49:34  63
Girardi      44:26  50
Del Zotto   43:33  51
Callahan    41:48  46
Richards    39:26  45
Stepan        37:50  39

Capitals     TOI    Shifts
Wideman   40:42  46
Carlson      39:19  47
Hamrlik      38:43  45
Green         37:59  47
Alzner        37:14  49
Johansson   35:21  35
Ovechkin    35:14  37

The only real spectator was Stu Bickel, who had to sit after just three shifts (3:24) because Tortorella doesn't trust him. You have to wonder why Tortorella refuses to play him more. Bickel is physical. Yes. It was his brutal turnover that led to the Caps' tying marker in Game Two. But if he's not going to play him, wouldn't he better served reinserting Steve Eminger or giving Tim Erixon a taste? While it sounds risky, Erixon looked steady down the stretch before Tort replaced him with Stralman. Erixon can skate. You don't want to wear out our top guys. They lay a lot on the line. Hence, Girardi's lower ice-time with Tortorella riding McDonagh and Staal, who really looked gassed. Both clubs can certainly benefit from the extra day off with Game Four Saturday afternoon on NBC. Still, Dale Hunter is playing everyone and that might be cause for concern.

Based on how the first round transpired, the Rangers are aware that the series is far from over. They don't need to be reminded of how close they were to biting the dust. This is a young nucleus but with enough experience in the locker room to not fool around. Yesterday, it fell their way. The Caps easily could've won. The way it's being played, every shift matters. What our team needs to do is ride the momentum of an emotional win and take it to Washington. It doesn't get any easier.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Braden Holtby, Wsh (47 saves, utterly brilliant)
2nd Star-Richards/Gaborik, NYR (combined for 3 OT winner at 114:41)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (46 saves, money, 2-7 in playoff OT)

Perseverance gains Devils split in Philly

I admit it, after Game 1 I thought the Devils were out of their weight class against the Flyers. A game which saw the Devils dominate the first period quickly got dismissed by many including me as a brief aberration based on the Flyers’ long break when Philly dominated the last forty-five minutes including an OT where Danny Briere scored twice – the second time legally – to give the Flyers a 4-3 Game 1 win. Philly looked bigger, stronger and faster, much the way they did in 2010 against the Devils.

However, nothing was going to stop this Devils team from winning tonight. Not even the absence of Ilya Kovalchuk (ruled out due to a lower-body injury), or conceding an early goal by Matt Read 2:53 in, or watching Ilya Bryzgalov turn aside twenty-five shots in the first two periods was going to deter these determined Devils. Finally, they got their just reward from what was by all accounts a dominant effort with no fewer than four third period goals, including a surprising opener from Adam Larsson. The young Swede had been the forgotten man on the team after being benched in favor of Peter Harrold late in the season, but ironically Kovy’s injury provided an opportunity for Larsson to play on D (with Harrold manning the wing and getting some PP point time), and he made the most of it with a huge goal off of assists from Harrold and Danius Zubrus at 3:08.

New Jersey’s next goal also came from someone who hadn’t scored yet in the postseason – thirty-goal man David Clarkson, who put home a rebound from a Zach Parise shot to give the Devils the lead at 11:17. For his efforts, Clarkson wound up on top of a dislodged net after the goal was scored, but the goal did count and was Clarkson’s seventh point in nine postseason games...despite not having a goal until that moment. At 14:01, Travis Zajac scored a crucial insurance goal, putting home a wraparound with Zubrus and Stephen Gionta getting the assists on the gritty centerman’s fifth goal of the postseason, after having had his regular season shortened to just fifteen games due to achilles issues.

With Zubrus in the box after a late interference penalty and the faceoff in the Devils’ zone, the Flyers pulled Bryzgalov to get a two-man advantage. However, New Jersey took advantage of the empty net in the most unlikely fashion possible when Bryce Salvador cleared a puck almost from his own crease, and the puck not only bounced but also inexplicably curved until it found itself deposited neatly in the open goal for the coup de grace at 17:09. Now that the game was out of reach, the Flyers resorted to their typical goon tactics late, with Max Talbot and Wayne Simmonds both getting misconducts in the final sixteen seconds, but fortunately the shenanigans came too late to hurt figuratively or literally.

For the first time since late March I missed a game, out at a movie with friends. Maybe I would have been better off staying home since Cabin in the Woods sucked. At least I taped the game and was able to re-watch the third period. Ironically, I didn’t want to know any score updates during the movie cause I figured it wouldn’t be good news and my friend didn’t help when she told me the Flyers were already up 1-0 just before the movie started. After we got out of the theater, I saw the 1-1 update, and by the time I got to my car it had changed to 2-1. Then I turned on the radio just in time to hear Zajac’s goal, and got home in time to see Salvador’s troll job on the Flyers.

Admittedly, I came into this series hoping not to get embarrassed, but now that the Devils have shown they can play with the Flyers (and their one-point difference during the regular season and fairly even season series should have convinced me of that before), they have every chance to win this series. Especially with a grittier, more determined team than we’ve seen around here since 2003. Maybe we won’t win the series in the end, but at least now I’m confident there’s more excitement to come. And I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at the Rock on Thursday for a Game 3 at 1-1 in the series. It was electric enough at the end of Game 6 against Florida, now that we finally broke the first-round jinx and shown we have a chance in this series it’s going to be absolutely nuts for the next two games.