Bounce Back Weekend?…It All Starts in Buffalo
After the epic collapse in Montreal, the Rangers can take this weekend and go one of two ways. The first way would be down, right along the same path they were traveling in Montreal. Or they can go up, using this weekend to propel them to the finish of what has been a very strong February, where they have already claimed 12 out of a possible 18 points.
Plenty of story lines heading into tonights game.
1) Chris Drury returns to Buffalo for the first time. I have to think Buffalo fans are going to BOO Drury. But, with Drury playing so well he has to stay focused. If he clams up from the pressure of his former fans I think the Rangers are in for a rough night. Drury has really been a model of offensive consistency this month and I would really hate to see him revert back to how he was playing earlier in the year just because the Buffalo fans aren’t being kind.
2) How does Henrik bounce back? According to the Rangers Report, Henrik will get the nod tonight. As Steve and I talked about on the latest episode, we believe Stephen Valiquette should get the start tomorrow. But as for tonight, its THE KING’S opportunity to reclaim his throne and show us that he can brush off that terrible game in Canada.
3) How will Buffalo bounce back? No doubt the Sabres are not to pleased with being pummeled 5-1 by the Rangers just a week ago. You have to think Ryan Miller is going to have a better showing than he did in the last go around, especially because they are playing at home.
No doubt about it, this is a huge weekend. Not only are the game big but they precede the trade deadline. I do believe the Rangers will make some deals no matter what the result of these next to games. But, I also believe that if this team struggles there are going to be more trades than if they prevail. There are definitely some holes in this Rangers ship. Some of those holes can be plugged with trades, others can not. But, to keep the ship afloat they need to BOUNCE BACK from the Montreal game and it all starts in Buffalo.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Which player do you think needs to step up against Buffalo? Post your comments below.
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10 Responses
Foster February 23rd at 5:21 pm
As important as it will be for Drury to have a big game back in Buffalo for the first time, I think the key player tonight has to be Mr. Lundqvist. After what happened against the Habs, he must have a bounce back game if he wants any confidence for the remainder of the season. A good game for him tonight will not only lead to a Rangers win but can prevent him from getting down on himself as well as show Blueshirt fans that he really is going to be THE MAN down the stretch.
Michael February 23rd at 5:33 pm
Agreed, Foster.
The bottom line is this: The Rangers have no chance to do anything in the playoffs without great (not good) goaltending from Lundqvist. Just to get to the playoffs though, they need Lundqvist to come up big and win some games for them, especially on the road in a tough atmosphere like Buffalo.
We need Hank to be confident heading into the last 20 or so games of the season. Another disastrous night tonight and I honestly think Renney will have to go with Valiquette for the next week. I’m not necessarily against that myself, but Henrik is the type of goalie who likes to play every game and if he’s benched for a week, who knows where his head would be at afterwards?
It’d be nice to see Jagr break his goalscoring slump also..
James C February 23rd at 6:29 pm
I think we really need Jagr to score, otherwise I fear that the fans will get on his back and he will really go into himself. If we’re going to make a charge down the stretch we can’t do it with an anonymous Jagr.
trixsy February 23rd at 6:57 pm
any word if prucha is in tonight?
Scummy February 23rd at 7:24 pm
Hank needs to keep his head in the game… Drury needs to be what we’ve seen the past month. SO far they look solid…
Michael February 23rd at 7:29 pm
Hey, Jagr scored one!
Looks like he’s turned the…
Just kidding!
trixsy February 23rd at 7:38 pm
what a goal by dawes.
Scummy February 23rd at 10:02 pm
Way to tough it out there in the end. A prelude to the end of the season. WE hope atleast.
Michael February 23rd at 10:19 pm
Big, big win.
Henrik did what I talked about earlier, he made some great saves from close range and allowed the Rangers to stay in this game.
Inferno February 23rd at 10:52 pm
Henrik made big saves in the Montreal game as well. Difference tonight? The Rangers actually bounced back in the offensive zone, created pressure, and scored a goal. If we lose this game 3-2, or 4-3 or whatever, that save by Henrik on Vanek is quickly forgotten.
Its the nature of being a hockey fan I suppose. What have you done for me lately, and what were the results.