Posts tagged ‘Live Blog’

Hey everyone…sorry I’m late, I was briefly blacked out of the game in favor of the Sabers on MSG.  But, thanks to a free preview of NHL Center Ice I’m watching now.  The Garden is buzzing for this Original 6 home opener.  Lets go Rangers!

Rangers ave six games in the next nine nights…must be hockey season.

Scratches for tonight - Prucha, Rissmiller, Fritsche

By the way, I know some of you were expecting to hear Steve and My NHL Preview show.  That will be coming up sometime this week for your enjoyment.

7:19 pm: Korpikoski called for the penalty…Chicago gets the first man advantage…Rangers look good on the PK so far…fast pace so far

7:22 pm: No shots for Chicago on that PP….Callahan just got into a fight with Fraser…Cally’s line is looking like a bat out of hell…Good way to pump the Garden up

7:28 pm:  WADE REDDEN, WELCOME TO THE GARDEN!!!!!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Drury puts the puck on the net and Redden puts in the rebound…Rangers lead 1-0! Rangers getting great pressure, but up until that goal they weren’t getting to many pucks on net.  But, Drury able to get one on Huet and Redden was in the perfect position to follow it up.

7:33 pm: First real test on Henrik…nice stick save.  Followed up by a great 2 on 1 stop.

7:38 pm: Rangers starting to give away to many pucks in their own zone…Drury just gave one up behind the net that led to a nice chance for the Blackhawks…On the opposite end Huet continues to give up nice rebounds for the Rangers.

7:42 pm: Nice little move by Zherdev…missed the net on the sho, but still looked good doing it.

7:49 pm: GOAL Chicago…Brian Campbell shot goes of the side of the net, rebounded by Pat Kane through the legs of Henrik…Game tied 1-1.

7:51 pm: Drury draws the penalty with 6 seconds left…they’ll start the second period on the PP.

End of 1st Period: Chicago stepped their game up the second half of the period.  Rangers a little careless with the puck but still playing pretty physical.  Huet is giving up some juicy rebounds, Rangers just need to keep challenging. Game tied 1-1.

8:11 pm: Rangers come out on the PP…great shot by Gomez and an even better glove save by Huet.

8:13 pm: PP over…Rangers get one shot on goal…not a great PP, no real pressure

8:16 pm: WELCOME TO THE GARDEN AARON VOROS!!!!!!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great feed by Dubi to Voros and a great finish for Aaron’s first goal as a Ranger…Rangers lead 2-1!  The crowd is back into it at the Garden.

8:17 pm: Voros showing Tom Renney he belongs on that second line…that was a great shift for the second line…excellent job on the forecheck and their rewarded with a goal.

8:21 pm: Wade Redden missed a wide open net, not to sure if it hit the post or if he just whiffed.  Penalty called on the Blackhawks….Rangers on their second PP and they are buzzing.

8:24 pm: PP over…a little better than the first one, but still not great…Chicago controlling the puck right now, Hank with some great saves.

8:30 pm: The Dubi, Zherdev, Voros line is looking excellent…Marc Staal with a nice shot, off the shoulder of Huet.

8:35 pm: DUBI DUBI DUBI!!!!!!!!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I not just say that line was looking excellent…great pass and a great finish by Dubi.  Rangers lead 3-1!

8:37 pm: Paul Mara getting into the fisticuffs.

8:39 pm: Gomez will join Mara in the box.  Questionable call of tripping, Gomez’s not happy and if he’s not happy I’m not happy.

8:42 pm: Short handed 3 on 2 for the Rangers…great shot by Betts and an amazing save by Huet. Full strength fot the last minute and fifteen.

End of 2nd Period: Great energy by the second line turns into two goals.  Much more energy in the second period, not giving up too many chances for the Blackhawks.  Blueshirts doing a good job of taking advantage of turnovers.  Rangers lead 3-1.

9:03 pm: Rangers come out hot…but they’ll cool down as Redden takes an interference penalty.

9:05 pm: Great short handed effort by Freddy Shoes to force the turnover and continue to work for a wrap around shot that went wide.  Teams at full strength.

9:12 pm: Goal Chicago. Blackhawks just kept the puck in the zone and kept the pressure on Hank.  Goals will happen when you give up so many chances.  Rangers lead 3-2 with 12:31 to go.

9:17 pm: NIKOLAI ZHERDEV, WELCOME TO THE GARDEN!!!!!!!!!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The new guys getting into the action.  Another goal by the second line.  A great shot after the assist from Voros.  Picture Perfect.  The second line has seven points.  Rangers lead 4-2!

9:25 pm: Chicago now out shooting the Rangers.  They are starting to put the puck on net more than they were earlier.  Rangers need to remain tight on defense.  Two goals is insurmountable with seven minutes left.

9:30 pm: Pace of the Ranger continues to be impressive.  Not necessarily getting a whole lot of opportunities but moving the puck and staying in control.

9:34 pm: Rangers can’t capatalize on their thir PP.  Under a minute to go.  The perfect season is still in tact!

9:36 pm: RANGERS WIN 4-2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  They go to 3-0 for the first time since 1989-1990.  Heck of a job on their home opener.

New guys getting the job done tonite.  THe second line looked phenomenal.  Henrik with 30 saves on the night.  A total team effort.  Great win.  Aaron Voros gets the first star, well deserved.  On to Philly tomoorow for the Rangers first road game in America.

Thanks for tuning into the Live Blog everyone.  Steve and I will be back with a new podcast on Tuesday night to discuss all the Rangers games of the weekend.

PRE-GAME: It’s been five months, but New York Rangers hockey (and the NYRangerscast) is back!  I’m running on very little rest right now, seeing as I don’t think I slept for more than a half an hour at a time last night.  It’s just hard to contain my excitement.

After an off-season face lift, we get our first real look at Zherdev, Naslund, Redden and Kalinin.  I’m most excited to see Nik the Great and most curious to see how Redden responds after a sub-par pre-season.

My one prediction for this year: Brandon Dubinsky is going to be a monster.  Whether or not that’s going out on a limb is questionable, but if last year was a revelation for the rookie, this year will be a breakout.

Zipay’s reporting that contrary to the thought yesterday, Petr Prucha will indeed play today.  It’s the right move, especially because Prucha is one of the few actual Czechs on the team this year.  Prior to the news coming out, Larry Brooks had a this to say about the prospect of Pru sitting.  Larry…tell us what you really think!

So here we go.  Rangers/Lightning, Game 1 of the NHL season kicking off in Prague! Let’s kick it off in style!

Update 12:05 p.m.: John Amirante move over…listen to the pipes on this woman!

Update 12:11 p.m.: Can someone turn Joe’s mic on?

Update 12:13 p.m.: Great couple saves by Lundqvist after Kalinin gets muscled off by Lecavalier.

Update 12:16 p.m.: Rangers looking real quick to start the game.

Update 12:21 p.m.: Well Lundqvist certainly looks ready to go. The defense…well that’s a different story.

Update 12:28 p.m.: Nice rush up the ice by Gomez.  A bit of a strange way to start off the season if you ask me.  There just seems to be a lack of atmosphere in Prague with no real rooting interest.

Update 12:31 p.m.: Good work there by the first line to create a couple of nice opportunities.  Now the Rangers with their first power play of the year.  Let’s erase the memories of last year…

Update 12:40 p.m.: Hooking call on Kalinin.  The Rangers defense is looking very, very shaky right now.

Update 12:41 p.m.: Big opportunity for Drury there.  It would have been only fitting for the captain to score there, seeing as Jags lit the lamp first in the last two seasons.

Update 12:44 p.m. End of 1st: Very eh period there.  It doesn’t really have the feel of a season opener.  The Rangers look a lot more north-south then the last couple of years (which we expected), but I’d like to see some more quality shots.  Lundqvist looks great, but the defense is forcing him to have to look that good.

And can MSG get there act together here.  First Joe, then Al.  Anybody bring a backup microphone abroad??

Update 1:05 p.m.: That was a great looking power play.  Fantastic puck movement and a couple of great chances.  Mike Smith and Henrik Lundqvist have been the best two players on the ice today.

Update 1:12 p.m.: Girardi takes a bad penalty on the power play, but you have to give St. Louis credit.  He made that happen with his speed.  The power play for the Rangers is noticeably better so far.  It’s early, yes, but the puck movement and shooting is distinctly different from last season.

Update 1:15 p.m.: If the power play looks good, the penalty kill may be even better.  It’s picking up right where it left off.

Update 1:20 p.m.: Another PP attempt for the Rangers.  It’s about time to cash in one of the chances…

Update 1:23 p.m.: Interesting choice by Renney to roll three forward lines on the power play.  

Update 1:29 p.m.: Another power play for the Rangers after Drury gets interfered with.  Gomez is flying right now.

Update 1:33 p.m.: OH! What a move by Naslund, but again nothing to show for it.  This is eerily reminiscent of last season, when the Rangers would dominate and still go into the third tied or down one.

Update 1:37 p.m.: GOAL! That line deserved to get it.  They’ve looked great the whole game.  Great pass by Gomez, great shot by Naslund.  

Update 1:39 p.m. End of 2nd: Great period by the Rangers there.  They looked very quick and dominated in the offensive zone.  Mike Smith’s been great so far, but the first line, which looks better and better with every shift, was able to break through.

MSG has to be longing for the USA at this point.  The technical difficulties are getting laughable.

Update 1:59 p.m.:  Bad break there for Mike Smith.  Girardi absolutely ripped that one and Smith took it in the arm.  You have to give him a lot of credit for staying in the game and making another fantastic save later in the sequence.

Update 2:04 p.m.: Wow what a goal by St. Louis.  He’s been flying all game.  Kalinin beat on the outside and then a bad angle shot beats Lundqvist.  1-1.

Update 2:07 p.m.: Great hardworking shift by the third line draws a penalty.  

Update 2:11 p.m.: This lack of scoring with the man advantage today is laughable.  The power play looks great, but the finishing just isn’t there.

Update 2:17 p.m.: What a save by Lundqvist on the rookie Stamkos! But Kalinin is making a real case to by Marek Malik’s replacement, getting burned again on the outside.  

Update 2:22 p.m.: Gary Roberts with the high stick on Dubinsky.  Seventh time’s a charm?

Update 2:25 p.m.: GOAL! DUBI DUBI DU! Perfect shot by #17.  It’s a power play goal!

Update 2:27 p.m.: Drury takes a penalty in the offensive zone.  With three and a half minutes to go this might be the game.

Update 2:33 p.m. 2-1 RANGERS WIN!: Well that’s a wrap folks. Very, very solid first game for the Rangers.  Were there mistakes? Sure.  Was there sloppy play at times? Sure.  Was there a lack of scoring? Absolutely.  But there were a lot of good flashes in there.  Lundqvist looked to be in mid-season form already, which is a big relief following that pre-season he had.  The first line, and especially Scott Gomez, looked phenomenal and already look to have the chemistry the Rangers first line lacked for the firs half of the year last year.  And the team looked to be a whole lot quicker than they were last year.

Things certainly need to tighten up, especially the defense, but there was a lot of good to take out of the win.

How are we feeling folks? Rejuvenated? Loose? Petrified? Comatose? I’m alive and ready to go and I believe the Rangers are as well. As reported by our very own Steve Gelbs earlier today, Hollweg returns while Prucha sits. Hey, at least it’s not Malik and Strudwick. No matter who’s in the line up this team needs a win. This is a new series , one that starts tonight at MSG. With a win by the Rangers, it’s anyones ballgame. LET’S GET EXCITED! Rangers fans, Game 3 starts right now…

6:55 pm: Rangers fans holding signs that say “Nice Dive - 8.7″ Must have been the French judges who gave such a low score to Sid.

7:11 pm: Well talk about falling asleep at the wheel from the very beginning. Penguins GOAL. Marian Hossa. Disgusting.

7:13 pm: Shocking that play started when Rozsival tried to go cross ice to Jagr?

7:17 pm: STRAKA! Wide open net can’t finish. Jagr headed to the penalty box along with Hossa. 4 on 4.

7:23 pm: Marc Staal just laid out his brother Jordan. Oh, brotherly love. Rangers are starting to get some great pressure on Fleury but he has made some excellent saves.

7:30 pm: Nice little run by Nigel and Drury. Got to have that line produce on some level tonight.

7:33 pm: THAT’S A GOAL! It will be reviewed after the brawl is over THAT WAS IN! Hit Fleury’s pad while it was in the net, no question.

7:38 pm: Straka GOALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! New game folks, game tied 1-1. Jagr, Mara, and Dubi celebrate in the penalty box. Can’t doubt the Rangers intensity for this one. LETS GO!

7:43 pm: Defense anyone? Tyutin just watches Laraque put one behind Hank. Pens lead 2-1. Add on top of that the Pens now get a 4 minute PP.

7:46 pm: Well this team really knows how to kill a good feeling. Malkin from the point on the PP. Pens lead 3-1. Unreal.

End of 1st: Rangers down 3-1.

8:11 pm: Rangers start this period well, now they get a chance on the PP. Sykora for holding.

8:13 pm: Jagr draws another penalty. Rangers on the 5 on 3. MUST SCORE. Let me repeat. MUST SCORE.

8:16 pm: How many penalties does it take for the Rangers to score a goal. Another 5 on 3 opportunity. Come On.

8:19 pm: Well even with 9 hours on the PP the Rangers can’t put one in. Unbelievable. On top of that Drury heads to the locker room injured. It just get’s better.

8:29 pm: OK OK OK! Callahan GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s a start. Pens still lead 3-2. Great play by Gomez, must have seen Steve’s comment.

8:31 pm: OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!!!!!!!!!!! JAGR GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TIE GAME.

8:37 pm: This is nuts, the Rangers are a completely different team this period. Off the crossbar, off the top of the net, off the post. Intense.

8:39 pm: Ryan Hollweg called for a penalty. Can’t let up, let’s get a short handed goal.

8:40 pm: Rangers were just out on the ice too long. Malkin scores, Pens lead 4-3. All Hollweg there, you can’t take that penalty and kill your teams momentum like that.

End of 2nd: Well there you see the perfect example of a great period being ruined by a stupid mistake. Rangers make up the 2 goal deficit and Ryan Hollweg immediately wipes it out by taking an inexcusable boarding penalty. You can’t let the Pens have a PP. But, the Rangers are still only down one and proved this period that they can score in bunches. One period, two goals to win.

9:06 pm: Instead of coming out intense, Rangers come out flat and suffer. Pens lead 5-3.

9:08 pm: Betts injured and out for the rest of the game.

9:12 pm: Rangers go on the PP. If there is a time for a comeback, this is it.

9:17 pm: Rangers are a mere 2 for 22 on the PP this series. It’s a real exercise in futility with this PP unit. Period’s almost half over and Rangers are giving no sign of a run.

9:20 pm: Another penalty upcoming on the Pens. Rangers should decline this one.

9:33 pm: This team is ready for a summer tee-time folks. You would think down two goals with the season on the line, the Rangers would play with some intensity….not the case.

9:35 pm: Steve mentioned in the comment section but we are doing a show right after the game ends. Any questions or comments you want us to discuss shoot us an email at hosts@nyrangerscast.com

End of Regulation: Ugh. Rangers fall 5-3.  Trail the series 3-0.  Make sure to catch Steve and I’s thoughts on tonights podcast.

So, we didn’t create the Rangers Live Blog but we are continuing it. Rangers try to continue their post season success on the road tonight against the Pens. Folks, I’m nervous. I expect plenty of heart attacks during this series and I think it’s going to be a fun one. The quest for the cup continues. Let’s Go Rangers!

7:09 pm: Well Rangers are going to start a man down. Jagr gets called and is sent to the box. Oh Boy.

7:10 pm: Rangers are wearing white. Pens fans are wearing white. Hmm…opposite day at the Igloo?

7:13 pm: Well some scary chances for Pitt but no goal. Even strength, like to see the Rangers press offensively and slow up the Pens momentum.

7:16 pm: Tyutin with some criminal turnovers in the Rangers zone. This team can’t afford to have Tyutin play the way he did at the beginning of the Devils series.

7:18 pm: Rangers called for another penalty, on Backman. This game has started horribly, Pens have 8 shots - Rangers 0. Luckily the Rangers aren’t down a goal but you can’t keep giving this Pitt team chances.

7:23 pm: Hell of a PK for the Rangers. Almost got a SH goal at the end there. Need to turn that into some offensive momentum.

7:27 pm: Boys in blue look like they have their heads back on their shoulders. Got some nice pressure on the Pens defense but not to many shots got through to Fleury. But, the ones that did get to the net came out for long rebounds, let’s hope Fleury is drinking the same Kool-Aid Marty was in the Devils series.

7:30 pm: Ryan Whitney called for high sticking. Rangers on the PP. Time to quiet the crowd.

7:31 pm: DUBI GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s how you take advantage of the other teams mistake. Rangers lead 1-0.

7:37 pm: Rangers are being very physical on Crosby. I like that game plan, force him to adjust and feel uncomfortable.

7:38 pm: Hooking called on Sykora. Rangers go on their second PP of the night. Wouldn’t mind going into the locker room up two.

7:40 pm: Interference called on Shanny. 4 on 4 hockey for about a minute. I didn’t see the penalty but the camera angle was not great.

End of the 1st: Well the Rangers survive playing a bad opening 8 minutes to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room after one. Classic Rangers slow start but they were able to overcome it by killing off a couple of Pens PP and converting on one of their own. Can’t complain about the score.

8:00 pm: Goal has officially been given to Straka. Still 1-0.

8:03 pm: DRURY GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Might get overturned because Drury’s stick was pretty high. For now Rangers lead 2-0.

8:06 pm: GOAL COUNTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rangers lead 2-0. Tough call but Rangers get the benefit of the doubt. Great hand eye coordination by Drury to make the deflection. Fleury was six feet in the air trying to make that save.

8:09 pm: AVERY GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Rangers lead 3-0. You gotta be kidding me! Fists pumps of the world unite!

8:15 pm: Rangers doing a nice job winning face-offs. That’s an area they had trouble with against Jersey.

8:18 pm: This is why insurance goals are very important against the Pens. Looks like the goal went of Rozsival’s skate, credited to Ruutu.

8:19 pm: So much for the cushion. Goal by DuPuis. Rangers lead 3-2.

8:23 pm: Well let’s see if a penalty can slow this Pens momentum down. Rangers on the PP.

8:29 pm: PP can’t convert, although they had some nice chances. Backman shot one right into the chest of Fleury, Rangers remain in control with 6 minutes to play in the period.

8:34 pm: Sid the Kid draws the penalty on Dubi. Questionable call to say the least. Pens on the PP.

8:37 pm: Rangers kill of the PP with the help of some great saves by Hank. Got to make it out of this period alive.

End of 2nd: Whew! Well after dominating the first five minutes of this period the Rangers back peddled for the last fifteen. You never want to blow a 3-0 lead to anyone but it just goes to show you how powerful this Penguins offense is. Rangers still lead by one, so after all of that the score remains the same margin. Rangers lead 3-2.

9:00 pm: Here come the heart attacks.

9:04 pm: Pittsburgh goal. This game is tied. That play was allowed to happen because Tyutin decided not to hit someone and cause a disruption at the start. Game tied 3-3.

9:06 pm: You gotta be kidding me. Three on two break away right after they allow the tying goal. Sykora goal. Pens lead 4-3.

9:14 pm: BACK FROM THE DEAD! GOMEZ GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tied 4-4. OK, OK.

9:23 pm: Rangers have definitely stepped up their play after that Gomez goal. Just over four remaining, I don’t want this game to go to OT. I want a quick goal, I’m feeling a young gun like Callahan stepping up here at the end. Call me crazy.

9:27 pm: Rangers called for the penalty. Straka for interference. Oh boy.

9:30 pm: Well I didn’t mean that young gun. Crosby scores. Pens lead 5-4.

End of 3rd: Jagr had a chance to put one home there at the end, instead it goes off the post.  Disappointing loss.

Let me go out on a limb and say this game should be good. Forget who’s got the confidence coming into this one, the Rangers MUST WIN this game. You can not allow the first two wins of the series to go to waste. My pre-game first star…Sean Avery. He’s going to have a good one after the Avery Rule change. Game 4 STARTS NOW! LET’S PLAY HOCKEY!

7:11 pm: Girardi gets the first shot of the game. Off a Rangers face-off win, one aspect of the Rangers game that definitely needs improvement from Game 3.

7:16 pm: OH MY! Marty barely got a piece of that one. Great start by the Rangers…Gomez, Girardi, and Staal had great chances to take the first bite in this game.

7:20 pm: First shot all day by the Devils. Took them 7 minutes. Rangers doing a nice job of getting back quickly on defense.

7:24 pm: Penalty on Drury. He doesn’t agree, so therefore I don’t. Replay should be coming so I can make a more objective decision.

7:27 pm: Penalty now on the Devils. Great job by Backman and Drury to reset to waste time and let Henrik off the ice. 4 on 4 for a bit.

7:29 pm: GOMEZ PP GOAL!!!! Great job by Tyutin and Girardi to keep the puck in and a fantastic finish by Gomez. Rangers lead 1-0.

7:36 pm: Have to clear the puck quicker than that. Devils got a great shot off after they were able to keep a Rangers center ice clear in. Have to play smart.

7:39 pm: Dubi and Clarkson go in the box. 4 on 4.

7:41 pm: What an excellent series by Staal. Having a great game so far. 4 on 4 over.

End of 1: Great start for the Rangers. Take a 1-0 lead into the locker room. No chances for the Devils, defense a huge improvement from game 3. Got to keep it going for all three, but a nice way to start it off.

8:03 pm: Devils GOAL. Terrible way to start the second period. Rangers don’t get back quick enough and not picking up the open man. Tied 1-1.

8:07 pm: THATS HOW YOU RESPOND! DUBI to STRAKA…RANGERS GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to execute the 2 on 1, the MSG crowd is right back in it. Rangers lead 2-1. I’m not to sure Dubi can be considered a rookie anymore, he’s playing like a guy who’s been there before.

8:10 pm: Coincidence that the goal came right after the Garden was blasting Bruce Springsteen????

8:12 pm: Rangers get called for to many men on the ice. Second PP for the Devils, on the first one the Rangers were able to draw a penalty of their own.

8:15 pm: Well that’s not what the Rangers wanted to do. Devils GOAL. Tied 2-2.

8:17 pm: Devils called for a high stick that drew blood on Rozi. Double minor coming up for the Rangers. 4 minutes of the PP.

8:22 pm: Two shots in four minutes. What a terrible job by the Rangers on the PP. No intensity, no movement, no shots.

8:23 pm: WHO NEEDS A PP? Rangers GOAL!!!!!!!!!!! Drury deflection off the shot by Tyutin. Rangers lead 3-2.

8:25 pm: Penalties upcoming. Looks like on both sides, more info when the commercials over. But it looks like Freddy Shoes for interference is one of the penalties. Brodeur called for diving. 4 on 4 hockey. I don’t get that penalty, Sjostrom got pushed into Marty, where’s he supposed to go?

8:28 pm: Refs completely missed a trip the took Gomez down. Not even close, atrocious no call. Now, to many men on the ice…what is going on?

8:33 pm: Excellent job by Avery to draw the trip on White. Just for good measure he got to plow Marty over with no consequence. Rangers on the PP.

8:35 pm: Marty is such a flopper. Play stopped because Marty was crying on the ice. Oduya and Jagr go into the box, Rangers still on the PP.

End of 2nd: Heart attack period. Rangers remain up by one, but not after the Devils put two by Henrik. Rangers lead 3-2. Nice chance for Dawes at the end of the period. Callahan has been getting lambasted with hits but he keeps coming and gets a great pass off to Nigel.

9:00 pm: Rangers start off another period poorly. Give away by Girardi right in front of Hank so he takes the penalty instead of allowing the goal.

9:03 pm: Nice PK by the Rangers but this team continues to shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to taking offsides.

9:05 pm: Devils GOAL. Tied 3-3. Hank loses his stick on a CLEAR SLASH and the Devils able to capitalize.

9:13 pm: Rangers have just gotten outplayed by the Devils in the first half of this period. The terrible calls by the refs haven’t helped but the Rangers need to step it up.

9:21 pm: Finally a good shift by the Rangers. Let’s see if they can swing the momentum and start working harder to win some loose pucks.

9:26 pm: How does Avery miss that??????????? Three quarters of the net wide open and he shoots it into Marty.

9:29 pm: STAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! GOAALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a fantastic game by Staal and he caps it with the go ahead goal. Rangers lead 4-3!

9:37 pm: EMPTY NETTER GOMEZ GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RANGERS WIN! RANGERS WIN! RANGERS WIN!  WHAT A GAME! RANGERS LEAD 3-1!

Series may be over if the Rangers can win tonight.  Who wouldn’t like a two game lead coming home to MSG?  Let’s get it on….

7:11 pm: Early penalty on Straka.  Devils have the man up, let’s see if the Rangers PK can continue their stellar play.

7:14 pm: Good PK for the boys in blue.  Never like to start the game a man down but the Rangers kept it together. 

7:23 pm: Question of the day…how many Devils employees does it take to fix a board?

7:27 pm: Game ON!

7:31 pm: Good pressure by the Rangers to stat.  Gomez leading the charge…shocker.  Ryan Hollweg terrible turnover, this guy does not bring anything to this team.

7:34 pm: HENRIK!! Stops the two on one and the rebounds that followed.  Bad decision by Tyutin that lead to that chance.  Would have liked to see Avery finish that two on one from Gomez just before that though.  Goal could have gone to either team there.

7:42 pm: Different feel to this first period than in Game 1.  More chances for he Rangers, they are definitely the outright aggressors to start.  No goals yet but definitely a more positive feel.

7:53 pm: Penalty called on the Rangers, Staal to the box.  Devils have been putting the pressure on, Rangers need to get out of the period tied at zeros.

End of 1 st: Rangers opened up the game with high intensity, mainly Scotty Gomez generating the opportunities.  Devils crept back in the second half of the period and will start the second on the PP.  No score so far.

8:14 pm: Rangers start out the period with a solid PK.  Gomez headed to the locker room, hopefully nothing serious.

8:20 pm: Gomez back on the ice and generates the two on one.  The Rangers would be up three goals if they could finish an odd man rush.  Gomez is absolutely dominating this series.

8:24 pm: High stick on Backman.  That’s a four minute penalty, knocked two of Parise’s teeth out.  That may be a suspension on Backman.  Not good.

8:29 pm: Great save by Henrik off the deflection from Tyutins leg.  Someone other than Callahan has to make a hit on someone in the slot.

8:31 pm: EXCELLENT PK!  Four minutes of solid defense and some SH opportunities.  Henrik continues to play out of his mind.

8:34 pm: Penalty on the Devils.  Avery draws it on Zubrus.  Let’s see if the PP can play up to the PK.  First PP of the game for the Rangers.

8:37 pm: Little extra curricular activity after Marty makes the save.  Shanny pushing and shoving with Colin White.  Now Langenbrunner and Gomez.  This is Rangers Devils hockey ladies and gents.  Shanny and Gomez in the box with White and Langenbrunner.  Rangers still a man up.

8:40 pm: Rozsival and Zubrus going at it after the Rangers PP ends.  Looks like Zubrus is going to the box, Rangers get another two minutes with the man up.

8:42 pm: This is the only series where each team is happy to go on the PK, that’s where they get all their chances.  Bad Rozsival turnover that led to a two on one.

8:49 pm: Devils picking up the intensity much like they did at the end of the first.  Jagr looked like he got away with hook but I’m not complaining.  Can’t let the Devils score a quick one before the end of the period…..These fights are just not stopping, every whistle to stop play starts a new fight..Dubi getting into it with Zubrus…got to love the kids intensity.

8:51 pm: How bout Henrik slapping Zubrus on the back of the head?  Zubrus and Clarkson, Shanny and Dubi all get sent to the box.  Second period shots and hits for each team are equal.

8:55 pm: Avery gets called for interference with Marty.  TERRIBLE CALL!  Another period where the Raners finish a man down.  That call is made because it’s Marty, make no mistake about it.

End of 2nd: Fun period of hockey.  Game got quite chippy, lot of penalties for both teams.  Still no score.  Rangers will start the third a man down.

9:15 pm: Another exceptional PK by the Rangers to start the third.  A Let’s Go Rangers chant at The Rock, love to hear that.

9:18 pm: JAGR GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!  Marty made a great save on Backman but let’s one from Jagr go in.  Rangers lead 1-0.  Great hustle by Jagr to beat Colin White and confuse Marty.

9:20 pm: Avery GOAL!!!!!!!!  That was quick.  Great shot by Avery.  Rangers lead 2-0.  This game just went from Good to AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!  I’m calling for all Ranger fans to do their best Avery fist pump celebration in honor of that goal.

9:23 pm: Chant at The Rock is MARTY! MARTY! 

9:28 pm: Three on two for the Rangers, Colin White’s skate got in the way.  Nice chance none the less. 

9:33 pm:  Hustle play by….Ryan Callahan of course.  Nice try at the wrap around.

9:37 pm: Play is getting reviewed.  No way that’s a goal.  Great job by Hank to get his left pad kicked out to make that save.  Wouldn’t have this problem if Hollweg could have cleared the puck in the first place.

9:41 pm: SCORE UPDATE: Washington and Alexander the Great come back from down 4-2 to win 5-4.  A.O. is out of this world.

9:47 pm: Rangers 17 shots this period.  Devils 8.  Empty Net for NJ.

9:49 pm: Devils GOAL.  This one is not over yet folks.  Still 1:20 remaining.  Hold the phone.  Rangers lead 2-1.

9:51 pm: Rangers time out.  Blueshirts are getting dominated on the face offs.  Can’t keep letting the Devils gain control of the puck, have to milk the clock sometime.

9:52 pm:  Penalty on the Devils.  Langenbrunner goes to the box.  Big break for the Rangers.

End of Regulation:  Who said I was crazy when I said the Rangers would win in five.  Maybe I was crazy, maybe I should have predicted a sweep.  Rangers go into Jersey and take the first two of the series.  Blueshirts get away with some close calls there at the end, especially that icing that the Devils are allowed to take with a man down.  Also, that cross check went uncalled.  But, a win is a win is a win is a win.  GET READY FOR THE GARDEN!  LETS GO RANGERS!

Regulation. That is the key word. The Rangers/Devils playoff match up is already guarantee. Thank Boston for that. Today’s game is for home ice advantage. The Rangers need a win in regulation to attain the fourth seed and home ice. If the game goes into OT and the Rangers win, total points between the two teams would be tied and the Rangers lose the tiebreaker. This is a prelude to the playoffs folks, I would love an 8-0 season record going into a series where the Blueshirts have home ice. Candlesticks always make a nice gift, and uh, maybe you could find out where she’s registered and maybe a place-setting or maybe a silverware pattern…alright boys? LETS GET TWO! (Bull Durham references anybody?)

3:08 pm: Great start by the first line. Nice set up by Straka to Jagr. Have to put pressure on Marty and keep forcing turnovers on the defensive end.

3:12 pm: Devils GOAL. Rebound gets stuffed back in Madden. Henrik needs to cover that one up but at the same token the Rangers can’t let the Devils plant themselves in front of the net. Devils lead 1-0.

3:20 pm: Shot from the point by Backman turns into a 3 on 2 breakaway for the Devils. Rangers are lucky that it’s not 2-0 right now.

3:21 pm: Henrik is just getting bombarded. Penalty against the Rangers. Things are not looking good for the Rangers right now. Charging call on Drury, can’t say that’s a good call, looked pretty clean to me.

3:25 pm: Nice PK for the Rangers.

3:26 pm: Devils GOAL. Rupp goes five hole on Henrik. Hank just didn’t get position on that shot, maybe was looking for the pass instead of the shot. Either way, Devils lead 2-0. Oh Boy.

3:32 pm: I think everyone’s gotten right in the comments section. The defense looks off it’s game. Malik on both goals. Girardi letting Madden stand at the net and take a whack at the puck. Someone on that side of the puck needs to step up. Powerplay for the Devils. Straka called for holding.

3:36 pm: PK successful again. Anyone for playing with four men for the rest of the game?

End of the 1st: Rangers down 2-0. This game could not have started any worse. Two periods to turn it around.

3:57 pm: Two shots in the 1st. One shot, one GOAL! in the second. Drury cuts the lead in half. Devils lead 2-1. Great set up by Dawes.

4:01 pm: Rangers absolutely buzzing to start the second. Marty is the one getting bombarded now and that’s how it should be.

4:12 pm: Jagr’s skating really well. Nice shot from the point fended off by Marty. Pace is up in this period but unlike the first the Rangers seem to have their heads on straight.

4:20 pm: Penalty called on the Devils. First PP of the game for the Rangers. If the Rangers can continue to pressure Marty on the PP like they have been all period than the can find themselves in a tie game.

4:24 pm: Rangers PP can not prevail. Didn’t get many shots and gave up two SH opportunities. Still they continue to pressure, I’m looking for a garbage goal.

End of 2nd: Big turnaround for the Rangers this period. A quick goal and than solid play for the rest of the period. Some long rebounds that the Rangers could have gotten in but other than that not to many complaints. One goal in the third is doable. But let’s not forget, only a win in regulation matters, the Rangers need two goals.

4:55 pm: JAGR GOAL!!!!!!!! This game is tied ladies and gentleman. Beautiful set up and great finish, this game is up for grabs in the final 15 minutes.

5:00 pm: Brawl, that’s what I like to see. You know this game means something when Jagr is throwing punches. Got to like the resiliency this Rangers team is showing right now. Malik and Jagr get put in the box along with two Devils.

5:07 pm: Nice work by Callahan. I know we mentioned on the podcast how hard this kid works, but I don’t think it can be overstated. He plays with a lot of heart. Great hit by Staal on Zubrus.

5:14 pm: Penalty upcoming on the Rangers. Malik gets called. Not shocking he has had a TERRIBLE game.

5:17 pm: WHAT A SAVE! Henrik sprawls out and stops the go ahead goal….incredible. Heart attack city right now.

5:25 pm: Henrik Pulled.

5:26 pm: Penalty on the Devils with 30 sec to go. Rangers playing 6 on 4 hockey right now.

End of Regulation: Rangers take the fifth seed, no home ice.

5:31 p.m.: Steve taking over for Eric here. As I said in the comments section this is still important. Another come from behind win and an 8-0 regular season record agains the Devils would be very nice. Don’t allow the Devils to know what a win over the Rangers feels like…

5:33 p.m.: That was, without a doubt, the single worst call I’ve ever seen in my life…

5:36 p.m.: Another fantastic penalty kill. If I had a nickel for every time I typed those words…

5:38 p.m.: Lundqvist just polishing his game up a bit before Wednesday! Shootout…

5:45 p.m.: Well there you go.  Look at it this way, hopefully now the Devils got it out of their system!  Either way 7-0-1 against the Debbies ‘aint bad!

And it’s just been announced: the Rangers have indeed wont the Metro Ice Challenge! Everything else from here on out is gravy.

I’m telling you, this has the makings of a classic series.  Don’t be shocked to see it go 7 and have 3-4 games go into overtime.  It’s going to be tough on the heart.

Great regular season folks and Eric and I will be back with a new episode tomorrow as we begin our expanded coverage of the Rangers’ 2008 playoff run!

Well folks, now that the Rangers are in the playoffs, it will be interesting to see how they come out and play. I’m hoping for an exciting game with a lot of goals because the Blueshirts need a win to remain in the hunt for home ice. And frankly, it would be embarrassing to lose to this Islanders team to end the season series. I want to see a thoroughly dominating game by the Rangers. Lets get it on…

7:06 pm: Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award presented to Brandon Dubinsky.

7:18 pm: Slow pace to start this one. Shanny and Jagr both getting decent looks, only Shanny’s on net. Not to many hits, but the fourth line did a good job of keeping the puck in the offensive zone during their shift.

7:20 pm: Hollweg put on some nice moves. Just shows that he can be successful against the Sound Tigers. Intensity has picked up real quick.

7:24 pm: Islanders putting the pressure on, getting some decent opportunities. Putting some pucks on net, Henrik hasn’t had any trouble though.

7:28 pm: GOAL Islanders 1-0. Quick wrister gets through the legs of Henrik. Puck didn’t look screened, Henrik should have been able to stop that one. He got a piece but it still slipped past him.

7:30 pm: Just a fair warning. Bill McCreary is the ref tonight, this should be interesting.

7:35 pm: Nice couple saves by Hank. Rangers just look lethargic, maybe it’s the back to back games. Maybe it’s cause they clinched yesterday. Either way, the only player on the Rangers skating with some intensity and purpose is Ryan Hollweg.

7:38 pm: Penalty on the Islanders. Both teams miss 2 on 1 opportunities, Jagr draws penalty. Let’s see if the PP success can continue.

7:42 pm: Penalty on Islanders, boarding. First PP got some nice shots, rebound chances. Let’s see if the back to back PP can score a goal.

7:43 pm: Penalty on the Rangers, Gomez. 4 on 4 hockey for one minute. High stick was the call, right call.

End of 1st: Frantic finish to the first. Dubi misses great chance from Jagr. Islanders regain full strength and get a breakaway. Puck skids wide as Henrik gets plunged into the net. Islanders lead 1-0 at the break.

8:06 pm: Rangers GOAL! Dan Girardi wide open look from the point just after the Rangers regain full strength. Great way to start the 2nd, great PK turns into an odd man rush and a goal. Tie game 1-1.

8:10 pm: Islanders GOAL. Henrik makes the stop than can’t find the puck. Poked in by Satan. Islanders lead 2-1. Delay of game penalty right after on the Islanders. Rangers fo on the PP.

8:14 pm: PP gets no shots. Way to many passes and the Islanders PK wasn’t giving an inch.

8:17 pm: Henrik having real trouble finding puck on rebounds. Islanders should have had their third goal right there but Hank did a good job of just sitting on the puck. Penalty upcoming on the Islanders, boarding is the call.

8:22 pm: Best PP of the night for the Rangers. Dubielewicz made a couple of nice saves on a Rozsival shot and Jagr chance. Still no PP goals for the Rangers tonight.

8:24 pm: Rangers GOAL! Nigel Dawes gets the goal off a deflection from an Islanders skate. It’s all about putting pucks on net folks, thats what Dawes does best. Game tied 2-2.

8:29 pm: Penalty called on the Islanders. Fifth PP chance for the Rangers. Drury draws the call.

8:31 pm: Islanders SH Goal. That was unbelievable. Rangers get not only a man up, but a 5 0n 3 and give up a breakaway SH goal right off the face off. Islanders lead 3-2. That was absolutely inexcusable.

8:35 pm: Rangers continue the 5 on 3. About 3,000 shots are taken and Dubielewicz able to make some spectacular saves. Rangers shoot themselves in the foot by allowing a goal when they were up two men.

8:37 pm: Rangers penalty upcoming. Maybe the Rangers PK can get a SH goal.

End of 2nd: This should be a tie game at worst folks. Rangers give up a goal when they are up two men. All five goals in this game have been weak. Frustrating.

9:01 pm: Rangers GOAL! Jaromir Jagr! Beautiful 2 on 1 breakaway with Jagr and Straka. There’s that chemistry that we have heard so much about. That was a beaut. Tie game 3-3. Jagr has 6 goals in the last 7 games.

9:05 pm: Scrum in corner. Hollweg vs. the Islanders. Can’t say for sure but I’d give the Fish Sticks a slight advantage. Rangers go on the PP, there seventh of the game.

9:10 pm: SCORE UPDATE Devils trail Philly 3-0. These two points against the Islanders are huge if the Rangers can win and the Flyers hold on.

9:13 pm: Rangers are showing new life. They are firing on all cylinders. Credit Dubielewicz for having a fantastic game because he is just getting bombarded with shots. 42 shots so far.

9:25 pm: Penalty upcoming on the Islanders, to many men on the ice. Rangers eighth chance at the PP tonight.

End of Regulation: Rangers climb back to push the game to OT. Huge point, keeps the Rangers in contention for home ice advantage if the Devils don’t come back. Although, the second point is even bigger because the Rangers wouldn’t have to win in regulation against the Devils if they get it.

9:37 pm: Rangers called for hooking penalty, Gomez to the box. Terrible call. Rangers PK needs to step up and hold off to a shoot out. There’s the call I have been expecting all game, bad, bad call.

9:41 pm: GREAT PK by the Rangers. Two SH opportunities and the Rangers take it to a shoot out. Big point up for grabs, Henrik vs. Dubielewicz. Let’s Go!

Rangers lose 4-3 in OT.  Great effort by Dawes and Sjostrom to keep it alive.  Two of the shots Henrik should have saved, no doubt about it.  The one point is important but to get home ice the Rangers will have to beat the Devils in regulation.  Not the greatest game for the Rangers but they are able to get a point.  Devils struggled tonight against Philly, a prequel to the playoffs in the last game of the season on Sunday.

It would be a huge understatement to say this game is huge. But, ladies and gents this one is HUGE! With a win the Rangers move into a tie for fourth in the Eastern Conference. With a loss they would remain at 91 points and in danger of being eclipsed by Philly and Boston. The key for me is to keep the speed of the game as slow as possible. The Penguins will skate until your feet fall off, that hurts the Rangers. Time to see some bouncebackability by the Rangers…

7:13 pm: Not to many chances so far for either team. Rangers need to continue to pressure and play a little more physical.

7:15 pm: Avery KO’s Malone. Great right hook by Avery, good fight to get the intensity going at the Garden. Avery vs Mayweather during the off season?

7:20 pm: No shots for the Pens so far. Five for the Rangers. Top line is looking good, everyone is hustling. My expert analysis says that if the Pens don’t get any shots, it will be tough for them to score goals.

7:23 pm: Rangers are getting some good chances, they’re keeping the pressure on and controlling the tempo. On a side note, for as much as people bash the VS. coverage of the NHL, these playoff commercials are pretty awesome.

7:27 pm: Nice job by Gomez to bring the puck up quickly and generate that opportunity. Penalty upcoming. Gomez gets called for tripping, time for the PK to step up.

7:32 pm: Great PK by the Rangers. Drury is a one man clearing machine. Nice 2 0n 1 chance with Shanny and Cally. That PK supports Steve’s theory that the Rangers are better off down a man than up. Penalty on the Pens, anyone up for only putting 4 out for the Rangers?

7:36 pm: Shocking, no shots on net for the Rangers on the PP. Only two pucks were thrown somewhere in the same zip code as the net. Why is it that the Rangers lack any presence in the slot during the PP?

END of 1st Period: Tie game. Rangers really controlled play during the first. Nine shots for NY, one for Pitt. Like I asked for earlier the Rangers controlled the tempo for the most part and didn’t allow themselves to start chasing the Pens up and down the ice.

8:00 pm: Dawes breakaway gets stopped. Got to finish those, especially Dawes who has been so good on shootouts this year.

8:03 pm: Crosby just made Shanny look silly. Shanny hasn’t played great today, couple of turnovers that could have bee costly. Dawes and Callahan with two nice chances, someone has to finish.

8:05 pm: Fourth line getting a great opportunity. Prucha and Sjostrom working hard, of course they have to, to compensate for Hollweg.

8:11 pm: Dawes and Callahan put two shots off the post/crossbar. Got to love the way those two are playing tonight but it’d be nice to get a goal. The Pens are turning up the heat, Rangers can’t get caught in a track meet.

8:14 pm: Prucha playing great, working hard to generate that opportunity. No goal but the Rangers will go on the PP. Oh wait, that’s not a good thing, BAD JOB Petr!

8:17 pm: Rangers have a 5 on 3 and they almost give up a goal.

8:18 pm: Can’t tell if Gomez touched the puck. Looks like he hit it right at the same time it was gloved by a Pen. Tough call, let’s see. Review looks like Gomez missed it, should be a goal.

8:23 pm: Jagr GOAL! After the review, Gomez didn’t hit it, off Fleury’s head. PP goal on the 5 on 3…Rangers up 1-0!

8:29 pm: First test on Hank right there. Nice save, even better job to avoid letting up a rebound.

8:32 pm: Just want to throw this out there. One reason I’ve been impressed with Backman’s play is the fact he seems very confident in his puck handling ability. He looks in control when he has the puck. Penalty upcoming on the Rangers. Can’t let the Pens get a quick one before the end of the period.

8:36 pm: Hank all over that PK. Girardi also had a nice heads up play to clear it. Rangers just have to hold out for the next 35 seconds.

End of 2nd Period: Rangers lead 1-0. Pens really started to turn it on with about 2:30 left to play in the period. Rangers need to regain their legs and get a quick goal to start off the third. I thought the opportunities the Rangers had in this period were higher in quality than in the first. Defense has looked good, just got a little lax there at the end, got to clear the puck quicker, can’t be giving up multiple opportunities as a time.

8:58 pm: WOW! That was a fast start to the third period. Great saves by Hank and another great chance generated by Dawes and Callahan. Rangers don’t seem to be fazed by pressure from the Pens.

9:00 pm: Shanny still out. No word on what the injury is or the extent of it.

9:02 pm: Penalty called on Jarko Ruutu, high sticking. Got Tyutin right in the face. Here we go, the circus that is this Rangers PP gets another chance.

9:06 pm: Well a bad PP gets even worse, penalty called on Rozsival. 4 on 4 for thirteen seconds, than Rangers go on the PK.

9:09 pm: Another great PK by the Rangers. Callahan another opportunity, quick little back hand that find Fleury.

9:10 pm: Pens GOAL. Talbot puts it by Hank. Pens have been pressuring all period, Rangers need to pick it up.

9:16 pm: Rangers are getting outplayed right now. As much as you want the Rangers to win in regulation, they can’t afford to lose it in regulation just as much.

9:20 pm: Penalty on the Rangers. Refs completely missed the high stick by Crosby on Avery. It’s the correct call on Avery.

9:27 pm: Another GREAT job by the Rangers PK. Two minutes left, a goal would be nice. But a point should be the focus.

9:30 pm: Timeout taken by Pitt. 34 seconds remaining, Hank has made some excellent saves here in the last minute. Hold your breath and cross your fingers.

End of Regulation: Tie game 1-1. Rangers make it out of regulation alive and with a point. Now the focus shifts to the second point. Rangers need this one to move into a tie for fourth place. Five minutes to go.

9:34 pm: Penalty called on the Pens. Whistle blew real fast, Jagr still had the puck. Let’s see what a 4 on 3 PP can do for the Rangers.

9:37 pm: RANGERS WIN!!!! It’s a Power Play GOAL by Captain Clutch Chris Drury. HUGE two points for the Rangers. That was the best PP in a while for the Rangers, lot of hard shots on net and great passing by Jagr.

Well the ten game stretch begins tonight at home against Pittsburgh. Time to forget Florida and focus on the Pens and getting two points. I’ll be paying close attention to the defense and how the return of Malik changes things around. Also, I want to see this offense slow things down and not get into a track meet with Pitt. And maybe a power play goal would be nice too. Let’s get it on…

7:08 pm: Strudwick is a healthy scratch. Steve must be so happy. Good physical play by Dawes to start things off.

7:11 pm: Nice defensive play by Straka to keep the puck in the zone and generate a shot. Quick pace to the start of this one.

7:13 pm: Dawes is all over the place. Almost puts one in off a Conklin miscue and a great defensive hustle play to get back and poke check.

7:15 pm: Avery wide open net and Conklin with an incredible diving stick save. Conklin looks lost out there, got to take advantage right there.

7:17 pm: Penguins go on power play. Great play by Malik to save a goal; shocking to realize how much a guy like Malik has been missed these past few games. First stoppage of a very fast paced first period.

7:21 pm: Nice penalty kill by the Rangers. Only two shots allowed but Staal limped off after a block he took off the foot.

7:23 pm: Avery GOAL! Beautiful pass by Jagr after he skates hard to bring it back into the zone. Great quick wrister to put the Rangers up 1-0. Avery 9 goals in last 15 games, a product of the chemistry this first line seems to have.

7:25 pm: Callahan GOAL! Great defensive play to cause turnover. Drury shot, long rebound, Callahan puts it in. Rangers lead 2-0.

7:30 pm: Rangers are controlling the tempo just like I asked them to do. Henrik is playing well, hasn’t had to make a fantastic save yet but thats a good thing. Only guy I’m concerned with is Backman, he looks clueless out there; keep an eye on him.

7:35 pm: Rangers playing very physical. Great defense from Malik and Tyutin. Great relentless offense by Dawes and Callahan.

End of 1st Period: Rangers lead 2-0. Good period by Henrik and the defense, although they got a little lackadaisical there at the end. Forcheck has been solid, a different tone than the two games in Florida. Dawes and Callahan have looked excellent.

8:00 pm: Rangers get caught in a bad change and Ruutu capitalizes on a break away. Rangers 2-1. Not a good way to start out the second period.

8:02 pm: Here we go. Jordan Staal rebound goal after a bad handoff by Henrik. Renney calls a time out, this team has lost all its focus in the first three minutes of this period. Tie game 2-2.

8:05 pm: Sjostrom GOAL! Rangers lead 3-2. Rangers come out of the time out and capitalize off a Pens mistake. Three goals in the last five minutes, this one has become a shootout.

8:10 pm: Penguins offense is generating opportunity much like the Rangers did in the first period. Some little shoving matches are starting as the intensity is rising. Rangers need to regain control of the puck and start hitting people like they were in the first. Avery and Malone get 2 minutes each for unsportsmanlike conduct.

8:15 pm: Penalty called on Dupuis. Rangers go on the power play. Rangers defense has been sloppy and have given up to many turnovers this period. They cannot give up a shorthanded opportunity.

8:16 pm: Lucky break for the Pens, puck goes off the post and than wedged in Conklin’s pad.

8:25 pm: Plenty of opportunities to put one in, just can’t squeak it by Conklin. Straka has played very well so far. Big save by Henrik on a Malone breakaway. Another turnover by Avery gives way to the odd man rush.

8:29 pm: Rangers get a power play. Gomez draws the tripping call on J. Staal. Gomez and Dawes have been a nice combo tonight. Rangers 0/1 on PP tonight so far.

End of Second Period: Rangers got away with a sloppy period, lead 3-2. Too many turnovers in the defensive zone allowing for odd man rushes by Pens. This is gonna be a barn burner of a third period.

9:00 pm: Slower start to the third period. Drury had a nice shot from the point that almost got by Conklin. This is the pace I would like to see for the rest of the period.

9:02 pm: Avery GOAL! Put back off a rebound, great patience to put it in, his second of the game. Rangers 4-2.

9:09 pm: Game has become very physical, already half way through the period. Rangers seem to play more engaged hockey when they are on the brink of getting into brawls, it’s good to see.

9:11 pm: Straka GOAL! Great job by Drury to get the puck to the net and find Straka wide open. The Drury, Callahan, Straka line has been dominant tonight. Rangers lead 5-2.

9:24 pm: It’s not over yet but it’s pretty darn close. If the Rangers hang on it will be the fourth win in six games against the Pens this year.

Final: Rangers win 5-2.  Great job of overcoming a sloppy second period to pick up two points against the Pens.  Definitely a nice sign of this teams ability to bounce back.  A completely different feel to this one than in the two games in Florida.  100th win for Henrik, he had a very solid game.  My three stars go to; 1) Avery 2) Callahan 3) Straka with honorable mentions to Henrik and Dawes.  HUGE win, way to start off the final ten games of the season.