FULLTILT FINAL BUZZER: RD 2 / GM 4
It all started with a coaching decision...
1. The Benching of Brad Richards!
In what was the most anguishing move for the coach all year, he called up his Stanley Cup winner and told him to sit. People scream, shout and call for heads, but if you've never led a team (sports, community or business), you don't understand how difficult this can be. Especially when you know they care so much but are failing anyway. Courageous move, by a gutsy coach.
2. Nothing to Lose Attitude!
That's right! NY played the game with no pressure and looked relaxed and free for the first time all series. You can't play the game of hockey uptight, it just doesn't work. They even scored a PP goal! Take that pressure! Also, if you thought they quit on their coach...you were wrong. Man up and admit it.
3. LUCK!
The Bruins won game 3 on two lucky goals, NY started their comeback off one. Carl Hagelin's shot was partially blocked, changed speed and Rask fell down. From here on out, the Rangers will need a bounce a game to stay alive.
It's on a plane to Boston where the Rangers will try to take another bite!
TOP HEADLINES
NY POST discusses Kreider's OT magic.
NYDN writes how Tuuka falling on his Rask opened the door.
NYDN's Pat Leonard delves deeper into the Richard's benching.
nhl.com
FULLTILT WARMUPS: RD 2 / GM 4
NEW YORK RANGERS vs. BOSTON BRUINS
Thursday, May 23 - 7:00 p.m. – Madison Square Garden
Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 4
Play every minute like it is your last, because it just might be. This how the NY Rangers must play tonight. Head Coach John Tortorella has praised the character of his team all year, and did so again yesterday. Tonight at Madison Square Garden, we will find out just how true that is.
In 2010, the Flyers roared back from a 3-0 deficit against Boston, to win! Darroll Powe was a member of that team and was quoted by Rick Carpiniello after practice yesterday:
“What I remember is going in every day and just focusing on the game at hand. I mean, obviously we can’t win four games tomorrow night so we’ve just got to focus on the task at hand, which is coming out strong on our first shift. You go shift by shift and you just chip away. You’ve got to try and win every shift. That’s how you’re going to get back in the series.
“You have to go in with that belief (that it’s possible) for sure. You win that one game and things start to change. Then after that you worry about the next game, and as you go, in that series, your confidence builds and grows and the other side you can see kind of going the other way. But you can’t do any of that without a big next game.”
The Rangers will attempt to eat the proverbial elephant, one bite at a time! Let's Go Rangers!
TOP HEADLINES
Larry Brooks says it's time for the Rangers to retaliate! I agree.
NYDN believes Stralman will miss game 4. That hurts....BIG TIME!
Andrew Gross writes about taking the first step.
Getty Images
FULLTILT FINAL BUZZER: RD 2 /GM 3
NY shut down the top 2 units of the Caps, but had a hard time with their 3rd and 4th lines. This series, the line of Paille, Thornton and Campbell are killing them. Simply put, Michael Del Zotto (-2), John Moore (-1) and Steve Eminger (-1) couldn't hang in Game 3! All three are not strong enough or smart enough to get the job done against much bigger forwards.
The laundry list of what is wrong with the Rangers is about a mile long right now. So I will shy away from it here. It belongs in a much larger discussion. The focus is on what Boston is doing right!
1. The defenseman for Boston are getting the puck out quickly and sharply. They are killing the Rangers this series with good breakouts and jumping into the offense. That is something they did not see from the Caps. Also, this kid Krug is amazing. The worst thing to happen to the Rangers were the injuries to Seidenberg, Ference and Redden. Odd, but that's hockey.
2. Big Boston forwards are grinding down and wearing out the Rangers. Can't go on the forecheck when you are getting your rear end kicked in your own zone.
3. Rask! The goalie has been quiet but good when his team has had any breakdowns. Give him credit.
There you go! That is it in a nutshell on the Bruins success.
TOP HEADLINES
NY POST focuses on the issue with face-offs!
Charles Curtis at NJ.COM on Rangers game 3 injuries.
NYDN cries out for Lundqvist!
nhl.com
FULLTILT WARMUPS: RD 2 / GM 3
Tuesday, May 21 -7:30 p.m. – Madison Square Garden
Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 3
Can you smell that? I can and it smells good! It's called "home-cooking" and the Rangers will be primed and ready to serve it to Boston tonight!
Coach Tortorella and the players all said the right things leading up to tonight's crucial game 3 at the Garden. NY will utilize the home crowd to their advantage and get back into this series. Here is why?
1. HOME ICE!
The coach may disagree, but for the Rangers, it means something. For the season NY is 16-6-2 and 3-0 so far in the playoffs. John Tortorella is a master at getting the right players out at the right time. It will pay dividends tonight.
2. HANK'S SHOULDER!
What? Huh! Seems like a pretty odd one I know, but here is why? The backbone of the team is playing hurt. That is inspirational enough. The Rangers will buckle down defensively and protect the King with every ounce of energy. I believe that Girardi will play like an absolute beast after his horrific game 2 performance. It will all add up to 2 or less goals for Boston.
3. THE POWER PLAY...WILL SCORE!
NY has 2 power play goals in the playoffs and they both came at home. I saw enough at times in game 2 to believe that the new PP units can generate enough offense to score. I also believe it will be Rick Nash that makes it happen tonightl. The Big Man, is about to show us why we traded for him so enjoy the show.
It's "Do Or Die" time, again! As per Steve Zipay of the Newsday, no NHL team has ever overcome back to back 2-0 deficits in a postseason. Here's to firsts! Let's Go Rangers!
TOP HEADLINES
NY POST looking to a Rick Nash breakout.
NYDN says Hank's shoulder is "under control".
NYDN Torts versus NBC's Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury! FIGHT!!!
AP/ Elise Amendola
FULLTILT FINAL BUZZER: RD 2 / GM 2
FULLTILT WARMUPS: RD 2 / GM 2
Sunday, May 19 - 3:00 p.m. – TD Garden
Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 2
NY is hoping for an afternoon delight at the TD Garden. For us Rangers fans, we'd like to win by a TD and tie the series at one! Here are the Fulltilt Keys to Victory:
1. FORECHECK and TURNOVERS!
As of this morning, it looks like Seidenberg and Ference are still out. Wade Redden looks to be a game-time decision as per Claude Julien. What does that mean? Nothing! Personnel changes or not, the Rangers need to dump and blast every Bruin defensemen they can find. This goes double for Chara, who keeps playing over 35 minutes a game. NY must create turnovers off the forecheck and make Boston pay.
2. SCORE ON THE POWERPLAY!
At yesterday's presser, John Tortorella was asked about putting Hags on the PP. His response was "He Stinks!". The coach clarified that statement by saying, he is just too quick on it and it screws up everyone else. However, he didn't say he wouldn't try again. It's time to make some changes and to score. If the Rangers can capitalize on it today, we may actually be able to enjoy the third period in relative comfort.
3. RICK NASH MUST ENTER BEAST MODE!
This just isn't just for game 2 key. However, NY must take it game by game and Nash must go wild. In game 1, the big winger had more room than he has seen all playoffs. Chara will not be able to shut him down every shift. I believe, Chara is starting to tire playing so many minutes. Rick Nash must use his size and speed and starting burying pucks, today!
TOP HEADLINES
NYDN's Pat Leonard does a tremendous piece on Coach Tortorella's early years.
NYDN on Hagelin on the PP and Tort's reaction.
NY Post's Brooks talks FORECHECKING! Who else said that? Shameless self promotion.
Getty Images / Tortorella
FULLTILT FOCUS: POWER PLAY MADE EASY
The Power Play! Yes, it is killing us all slowly. If someone with any authority is reading this, please pass this along to coach John Tortorella. I hope it will help him fix the power play once and for all.
The problem with it seems simple to me, it's personnel. However, it's more about which guys he has out there together! The Rangers have 2 PP goals in the playoffs:
1. Brassard (Zuccarello/Boyle)
2. Girardi (Brassard/Zuccarello)
The names involved in those goals should speak volumes to anyone reading this. So here are my units:
PP UNIT 1:
C - Brassard, LW - Boyle, RW - Nash
Points - Zuccarello and Girardi
PP UNIT 2:
C - Stepan, LW - Hagelin, RW - Callahan
Points - Moore and Del Zotto
Immediately you will notice no Richards on the PP. He doesn't belong there right now. He is over-thinking and squeezing the life out of his stick. Until he earns it 5 on 5, he needs to stay off of it.
If Clowe was healthy, I'd put him on PP1 instead of Boyle. PP2 I would then use Boyle over Hagelin. Both those 2 forwards provide that slot area presence that causes traffic, deflections and GOALS! However, since Clowe is out, Hagelin needs to play the role of puck getter and Callahan must play like the big man in front.
Some of you will question the points. Here it is, Zuccarello is a PP specialist and can QB it. I really believe that. Girardi has a decent shot and provides that defensive reliability you need if you are going to have 4 forwards out there.
So there you go, my simple solution to this powerless play. Let me know what you think here or on twitter.
FULLTILT FINAL BUZZER: RD 2 / GM 1
Ultimately in the end, the Rangers would fall to Boston in OT, on a Brad Marchand goal. Let's just summarize a few key game points:
1. Forechecking!
NY simply didn't do enough of it. The best line for the Rangers was Boyle, Dorsett and Pyatt. Although they didn't score they gave Boston fits every shift. The Rangers offense is dependent on the forecheck and everyone needs to step it up.
2. Faceoffs!
Actually, the Rangers were very good against Boston. winning 30 out of 67. Except for Derek Stepan, who was 5-14. Stepan needs to battle a lot harder in the faceoff circle and get closer to 50%. He takes too many draws to be that bad.
3. Special Teams!
It's no surprise the Rangers lose when they give up a PP goal. You know why? Because they can't score one themselves! The Rangers PP woes continue because they refuse to simplify it. It's time for Torts to do that for them.
nhl.com
FULLTILT BREAKDOWN: RANGERS VS. BOSTON
The Rangers and Bruins meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 40 years! Each team went a grueling 7 games in the first round. NY came back from a 3-2 deficit to beat the Caps. The Bruins blew a 3-1 series lead to Toronto and overcame a 4-1 game 7 deficit to win 5-4 in OT. So what should we expect in this Round 2 matchup? Let's find out!
During the lockout shortened season the two teams each earned 4 points in the 3 games played. NY was 2-1 with a win in OT and another in the shootout. Boston was 1-0-2 with the only regulation win. The last time they played was on February 12th! If you remember in that game, NY was up 3-0 until Milan Lucic elbowed Rick Nash’s head into the boards. Boston roared back in the third period to tie. Rick Nash scored the eventual game winner in the shootout, but would miss time with a speculated concussion. If the regular season showed anything, it’s that these two teams are evenly matched.
Let's start the breakdown by looking at the way each team finished the 1st round:
NYR: GFA (2.29) - GAA (1.71)
BOS: GFA (3.14) – GAA (2.57)
NYR: PP 07% - PK 81%
BOS: PP 15% - PK 76%
NYR: FOW% - 49%
BOS: FOW% - 60%
These stats indicate to me is that both have special team issues. While NY’s PP has been terrible, Boston’s has been below average. It evens out when you see the PK better for NY. The goals for versus goals against differential are basically even. The Rangers biggest concern has to be face-offs! Boston dominated the circle and the Rangers couldn’t win half their draws against Washington. NY needs to rectify this more than anything else in order to advance to round 3. Let's dive deeper!
GOALTENDING
Statistically, the matchup between Rask and Lundqvist is heavily in the King’s favor. Henrik Lundqvist is an early candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy. The King is the reigning best goaltender in the league. His games 6 & 7 shutout performances has the entire league buzzing. Henrik will be focused and determined to continue his stellar play. Boston will crowd the net and try to screen him because if he sees it, he stops it. Rask has been shaky to stellar thus far. It is in NY’s best interest to fire from everywhere!
Edge - Rangers
OFFENSE
Krejci, Horton and Lucic are all on fire! David Krejci was the leading scorer with 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points in round one. Horton had 4 goals against the Leafs, while Lucic was a beast, hitting and scoring often in round one. You add Bergeron to the mix and it’s no doubt Boston has the edge. You should fully expect Tortorella to put McDonagh and Girardi against that top line.
On the opposite end, Derick Brassard was a revelation. He led the Blueshirts with 2 goals and 7 assists. The young center is now being charged with the responsibility of raising Rick Nash’s game. All is not gloom and doom because the Rangers are getting scoring from all four lines. If Nash, Stepan, Callahan and Richards can get going, the edge goes away.
Edge - Bruins
DEFENSE
In round one, it was about shutting down Mike Green. Now NY has to raise their game and stop Zdeno Chara! The hulking defenseman was a monster against the Leafs, scoring 1 goal and 7 assists with a +6 rating. Here is the good news, that’s it for Boston. The Bruins are dealing with injuries to Dennis Seidenberg who left early in game 7 and did not return. Add the injuries to Andrew Ference and Wade Redden and Boston may have to play 3 rookie defensemen. This will impact them in zone breakouts and handling momentum swings.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers continue to shine on the blue line, as John Moore and Anton Stralman have elevated their play. Even Steve Eminger has done a tremendous job in Marc Staal’s absence. If Staal can return from his latest setback it would provide a boost. However, this defense and Henrik Lundqvist can absolutely lead the way to a series victory.
Edge - Rangers
SPECIAL TEAMS
NY and Boston aren’t scaring anyone with their powerplays. However, the Rangers must continue to play with the level of discipline they displayed against Washington. Milan Lucic will run any Ranger over, especially Rick Nash. I expect coach Torts to keep them away from each other for Nash’s safety. What NY and the referees must look out for is Boston running Lundqvist. If that is the Bruins game-plan and the refs won’t call it, NY must protect the King. Even if it means taking penalties.
Edge - Even
PREDICTION
The Bruins top line is red-hot and should instill fear in any team. However, the Caps were even hotter. McDonagh and Girardi shut them down, while the rest did a great job. The Rangers defense blocks shots, 91 one of them against the Caps. When you factor in Henrik Lundqvist, NY has to be the best left in the playoffs defensively. You can expect Claude Julien to use home ice-advantage to keep Krejci’s line away from Girardi and McDonagh.
The Rangers need to improve offensively. Rick Nash having only 2 assists was mind boggling, but there were late signs of him breaking out. He did lead all Rangers with 22 shots last round. If Rick Nash can find room and NY can sustain scoring from the 3rd and 4th lines, this series will finish early.
NY’s defense and goaltending edge make them the favorites. Even though there is a major concern in the faceoff circle, I feel NY can overcome this. The Marc Staal and Ryane Clowe injuries aside, NY has shown enough depth to compete. The fact that Boston may have to start 3 rookies on the blue line, has to be a major concern for Claude Julien. If you factor in that Boston has played 17 games to the Rangers 15 in the last month, fatigue could also come into play around game 5. It looks like the Rangers will return to the Eastern Conference Finals.
NEW YORK RANGERS IN 6 GAMES!
FULLTILT FINAL BUZZER: RD 1 / GM 7
1. Henrik Lundqvist!
The King's stats for this series: 4 Wins, 3 Losses, 1.65 GAA, .947 SV%, 2 SO (leads the league) The current reigning Vezina winner was the best player for the Rangers in this series. Without him, NY is an average NHL team. Having Henrik Lundqvist makes them Stanley Cup favorites.
2. Derick Brassard!
If the King is #1, Brassard is 1A! The 25 year old center from Quebec is the 3rd leading scorer in the NHL playoffs. Through 7 games he has 2 Goals, 7 Assists, 9 Points, +4! Brassard is making the most of his first post season appearance, can he keep it up? My answer is yes! He will also get Nash going in round two.
3. DEFENSE!
NY's vaunted defense lead the way again. The shutting down of the explosive Caps offense and Alex Ovechkin was incredible. Collectively, the defense was a +10! That includes Staal's one game at a -1. The leader of this defense is Dan Girardi. He was a +4, with 22 hits and 24 blocked shots. Even Steve Eminger finished with a +3. Remember, he was benched in game 5! Blocked shots again were key, led by Girardi with 24. Finally, we all get on Del Zotto, but let me leave you with this. The young defenseman was +2 with 22 hits and 12 blocked shots.
4. FIVE on FIVE!
The Rangers scored 16 total goals in this series. 14 of them were at even strength. 5 on 5, NY had a 14-9 advantage. If NY can just get the PP to be decent, we will go further in less time.
5. Rick Nash!
New York's prize acquisition in the off-season finished with 2 assists and a +2 rating in 7 games. We all expect more and we will not be disappointed. Nash was solid in high pressure games 6 & 7. He screened Holtby on the game winner at the Garden and was all over the puck last night, getting an assist. The signs are there for a breakout, it will come and it will be fantastic.
TOP HEADLINES
NY Post discusses Rangers game 7 rout.
NY Daily News praises Ryan McDonagh.
Charles Curtis (quickly becoming a favorite of mine), discusses Rangers depth!
NHL.COM
Who Am I?
