Rangers Report Blog

Be there for a Live Game 1 Chat from the Garden at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Or else.

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Here are my matchups for the Eastern Conference finals:

FORWARDS:
How the roles have changed. Used to be that the Rangers had all the high-profile skill and the Devils had the grinders. Well, now the Devils are clearly a more potent offensive team and it’s the Rangers who clog and give up nothing and win 2-1 games. The Devils’ Ilya Kovalchuk (5-7-12 in the playoffs) is the most explosive player in the series, as was Washington’s Alex Ovechkin in the previous series, and he’s surrounded by linemates Travis Zajac (5-5-10) and Alexei Ponikarovsky; plus captain (future Ranger?) Zach Parise, who plays with the still-dangerous Patrik Elias and David Clarkson, who had a career year, plus rookie of the year candidate Adam Henrique. The Rangers have relied heavily on the Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik, and obviously need some consistent scoring from the second line, which for Game 7 was rookie Chris Kreider with Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan. In terms of two-way forwards, the Rangers have more of them, and their third and fourth lines, especially Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust, were at times stellar in the first two rounds.
EDGE: Devils.

DEFENSEMEN:
These aren’t your father’s Devils, of Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Ken Daneyko, or even Slava Fetisov. The Devils’ D-men  are solid, if unspectacular. Ex-Ranger Marek Zidlicky and Anton Volchenkov were both injured in the Devils’ clinching game against Philadephia, but both expected to play tonight. The Rangers’ top four have been sensational — Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal and Michael Del Zotto. They go with five most of the game, and ex-Devil Anton Stralman has fit in nicely as the fifth, adding some offense, too. The Rangers win with defense … and goaltending.
EDGE: Rangers.

GOALTENDERS:
Martin Brodeur is an all-timer with three rings, going directly to the Hall of Fame and in the argument of the best ever. But he’s 40 and he’s not the Brodeur from the 1990s and early 2000s. And he’s sure had his problems with the Rangers in the postseaton, losing three of four series, two of those on wrap-around goals (Stephane Matteau in ‘94, Adam Graves in ‘97). Henrik Lundqvist owns the Devils (23-6-5, 1.73 goals-against average, .935 save percentage, plus five shutouts in the regular season) and has split two series against the Devils in the playoffs, including a five-game victory in 2008.
EDGE: Rangers.

SPECIAL TEAMS:
It’s easy to say the Rangers’ power play has stunk in the playoffs (and it has), and that their penalty killing hit a bit of a skid against Washington (it did). But, truth is, they each scored four PPGs in the series. The Devils’ power play is at 20.8 percent in the playoffs, by far the best of all the remaining teams, but their penalty kill was an awful 73.9 percent, having allowed 12 PPGs in 12 games.
EDGE: Even.

COACHES:
They’ve already had their contentious moments … the three synchronized fights to start the last meeting at MSG, after which Peter DeBoer, who as the visiting coach first submitted his lineup that included all his sluggers, suggested that John Tortorella either has memory loss or is a hypocrite. DeBoer has done a terrific job, no doubt about it. Tortorella may not win the coach of the year, which was already voted upon by the league’s broadcasters, but if you add up regular-season and playoffs he is the coach of the year hands-down.
EDGE: Rangers.

PREDICTION:
Rangers in 6.

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Make your picks over there—————>

 

FYI, before I turned on the recorder, Brandon Prust was saying that the teams don’t like each other. And he said it twice.

I’ll have a link to transcripts, I think, from the Devils later on.

John Tortorella:

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Henrik Lundqvist:

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Mike Rupp (former Devil):

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Brad Richards:

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Ryan Callahan:

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Brandon Prust:

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Brandon Dubinsky:

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You can click here to read all the Devils’ transcripts from today’s post-practice media sessions.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

Thoughts:

1) I am almost without speech because I don’t know what to say. Other than that was a fabulously hard-played hockey game, the kind you’d really hope to get in a Game 7. The Rangers were really good from the start, and to the finish. In the middle, the Capitals were really good for a while, and never went away all night (all series, for that matter). I thought your boys were almost drawing-board perfect protecting the lead with aggressiveness, too. I didn’t expect anything less.

2) Is Brad Richards everything a free-agent signee should be? Yes, I still question whether his contract is going to be a disaster toward the end, or at least perhaps an anchor … but not if he performs like this for a bunch of years first … And especially not if he gets the Cup handoff from Captain Callahan at some point. The guy had a rough year at times, but man has he been all the clutch Captain Drury was supposed to have been, and much more. And he bought the Broadway Hat and ended up with it on his head after Game 7. Stat: Richards is 7-8-15 in his teams’ last 11 elimination games.

3) Here’s the thing with playoffs. A lot of people, off the season this team had, thought, well, they have to win two rounds. But what about that now? My, how things change. Because they are by far the highest seed in the tournament, by far the team that has had the best season, and I imagine that this now becomes an opportunity that changes the expectation. Not sure if that’s fair or just. But this is a chance to really do something special now. Though let’s remember they are only halfway home.

4) How many years has it been since a Rangers team was this tough? How many years since a Rangers team played this hard almost every single night? And now we can also ask this, how long has it been since the Rangers had the kind of speed they can put on the ice? Carl Hagelin’s wheels created the first goal. Marian Gaborik’s wheels helped create the second. Ryan McDonagh’s kept Alex Ovechkin off the board, with plenty of help from Marc Staal (who was exceptional in Game 7 again) and Dan Girardi. And Chris Kreider’s wheels made a big difference on a top line. Speed kills.

5) I swear, Ovechkin’s nostrils were flaring and he could barely contain himself when he came out of the tunnel before the anthem. I thought he was going to jump out of the building. Then, right off the hop, he got away with a couple of potential penalties—a tricky trip/borderline slew-foot on Girardi, and a hit from behind on Ryan Callahan. He was good, but he was clearly frustrated. And I will say this about him—he’s an absolute star in this league, but I think he should be better. I think he goes into glide mode too much.

6) And while we’re knocking Capitals, was there a softer player in the series than Alex Semin? Makes Petr Nedved look like Zdeno Chara.

7) I’m not sure why, but Artem Anisimov reminds me of Bernie Williams. Maybe it’s all those tools but at times something’s lacking. He played a really solid Game 7. He needs to do it more. And do more.

8) Hey, is the Garden available next week or are the Knicks playing? Seriously, though, while I’m sure it’s not great for the blood pressure of a lot of the Garden inhabitants and employees, not to mention players and coaches and staff, I’d guess some of the bean counters have to be doing cartwheels having the maximum eight home games so far.

9) Here’s a question: Why do people leave a game when their team is down by a goal with a minute or two left, but stay when the team is up by a goal with a minute or two left?

10) That two-minute shift the Capitals had in the Rangers end … Henrik Lundqvist made a couple of great saves there, and the defense, though it was dead on its feet and couldn’t get the puck, didn’t really give up much. Crucial point in the game, I thought.

11) Was pretty funny, John Tortorella taking a shot at Michael Del Zotto for finally hitting the net. For 14 games now, Del Zotto’s mixed in a good amount of offense (leading all playoff D-men with 2-6-8) and he has really used his body. … vs. Chris Neil for an entire seven-game series … and last night he plastered Jason Chimera and, just before his goal, slammed Ovechkin off the puck.

12) Probably shouldn’t have waited until No. 12 to get into Lundqvist, who has won a pair of 2-1 Game 7s now. He was so good. And he will have to be the man for the next four to seven games. Plus, you know how I always say he gets it? Listen to his interview a few threads down.

13) I thought Kreider did really well, tossed a few big hits, including one on the Great Eight. Thought that line could have been better. Clearly  Callahan is having trouble holding his stick with two hands. And Derek Stepan, who was very good with the puck, was late getting back on the Roman Hamrlik goal. But I still liked the lines much better than the ones they used in Game 6.

14) Too bad Cam Janssen and Officer Joe Boulton haven’t gotten a sweater for any playoff game yet. I was kind of hoping for some synchronized fights to start the series. The Devils haven’t had a single scrap in the postseason. Rangers haven’t had one in eight games.

15) I thought it was pretty cool for Phoenix GM Don Maloney to admit he was rooting for the Rangers … and ripping brother Dave over his playoff beard: “Obviously you have to be somewhat impartial,” Don Maloney said. “I played with (Caps GM) George McPhee. I hope the Rangers win tonight. I got a lot of good friends … Glen Sather was very, very good to me. And not only Glen Sather, but the whole organization was very, very good to me. I’ve got nothing bad to say about them and I’d love to play them in the finals. … My brother Dave, he scares viewers away on occasion. A young Stan Fischler there.”

16) Told ya.

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My Three Rangers Stars:
1) Henrik Lundqvist.
2) Brad Richards.
3) Marc Staal.
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AP photos, above, below.

One more thing … On short notice, I’m looking for volunteers to do the Three Rangers Stars for the Eastern Conference finals games. E-mail me at rcarpini@lohud.com.

 

John Tortorella:

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Brad Richards (Part I; I believe Josh, 26, will have more later):

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Henrik Lundqvist:

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Marian Gaborik:

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Brian Boyle:

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Marc Staal:

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I’m sure you saw that Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan were elevated to a line with Ryan Callahan in practice today, with Brian Boyle being reunited with Brandon Prust (Artem Anisimov on the left) and Ruslan Fedotenko dropped to the John Mitchell-Mike Rupp line. FWIW.

John Tortorella:

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Henrik Lundqvist:

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Ryan Callahan:

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Brad Richards:

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Brian Boyle:

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Derek Stepan:

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Ruslan Fedotenko:

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Headed to the Rangers’ practice today as they return from their one-day respite. Will have some audio later on.

We’re at that point in the playoffs now where there are nights with no hockey. Awful. Then NBC stretches it out an extra day. More awful. So we’re here to try to help you get through two says with no playoffs. Yeesh.

Those looking for good signs: Rangers 4-0 at home all-time in Game 7s; Ruslan Fedotenko 5-0 all-time in Game 7s. Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, each 3-0 in Game 7s. John Tortorella 3-1 in Game 7s.

More, courtesy of the NHL:

RANGERS, CAPITALS TAKE COMPELLING SERIES TO A DECISIVE GAME 7

NEW YORK (May 10, 2012)—The New York Rangers host the Washington

Capitals in a winner-take-all Game 7 Saturday night at Madison Square

Garden in the finale to their rousing Eastern Conference Semifinal series

(7:30 p.m., ET, NBC Sports Network, CBC, RDS).

The winner of Saturday’s showdown will face the New Jersey Devils in

the Eastern Conference Final beginning Monday, May 14.

The Capitals’ 2-1 victory over New York in Game 6 Wednesday night

extended both clubs’ exciting playoff roller-coaster ride this spring:

• Three times the Rangers have led their series against Washington, winning

  Games 1, 3 and 5. They won Game 3 in a marathon triple overtime thriller

  and captured Game 5 early in overtime after tallying the game-tying goal

  with 7.6 seconds remaining in regulation.

• Three times the Capitals have fought back against the Rangers, winning

  Games 2, 4 and 6. Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby improved to 6-0 with a

  1.24 goals-against average and .960 save percentage following a loss in the

  playoffs. Including the regular season, Holtby has gone 29 consecutive

  starts without suffering back-to-back defeats.

• Twelve of the 13 Capitals playoff games have been decided by one goal,

  while the Rangers have played 10 one-goal games in their 13 playoff

  contests.

• The Rangers and Capitals have been tied or separated by one goal for 90%

  of total playing time in their series.

• Washington ousted the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins in the

  first round, capturing the first playoff series in NHL history to feature

  seven one-goal games. Four games were decided in overtime.

• The Rangers also needed seven games to eliminate their first-round

  opponent, the Ottawa Senators. In the first Game 7 played at Madison Square

  Garden since they captured the Stanley Cup in 1994, the Rangers edged the

  Senators 2-1 on goals from Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, marking the first

  time since 1950 that a team won a Game 7 without a forward scoring.

  The Rangers are 4-5 in nine Game 7s in franchise history, including a

  4-0 mark at Madison Square Garden. The Capitals are 3-7 in a Game 7,

  including their first-ever road victory on April 25 at Boston on an

  overtime goal by Joel Ward.

   

Thoughts:

1) During and after this game, I thought about a lot of stuff that didn’t completely have to do with the game. For instance, no matter how much we think we know, we don’t know. Example: Many of us thought Washington would be a much easier matchup that Ottawa. Many of us thought, well, the Rangers will have a much less physical series against Ottawa while Philly and Pittsburgh are beating the crap out of each other for seven games; and then we thought the same about Devils-Flyers. And here are the Rangers playing their second seven-game series, each with two OT games, while the rested Devils (who had a physical bye in the first round) await.

2) And another thing. I wondered if these playoffs—which might turn out to be like nothing we’ve ever seen before in history—might make next year’s trade deadline different. Because, right around the deadline, Phoenix and Washington were thinking about being sellers instead of buyers. I know the Capitals were going to sell if they didn’t think Nick Backstrom and Mike Green would be healthy this year. Look at those teams now. And Buffalo did sell and missed the playoffs on the final day. Who’s to say the Baby Buffaloes wouldn’t still be playing if they hadn’t sold and just got in? Oh, and the Rangers got John Scott.

3) I’m pretty sure (very educated guess) that John Tortorella’s fines have muzzled him, because when I asked him about the icing before the Jason Chimera goal, before the timeout before the Chimera goal, he didn’t want to discuss it. I wasn’t asking him to criticize the officials. I just asked if there was some confusion or thinking that it shouldn’t or might not have been an icing.

4) Because Stu Bickel had played the puck toward the blue line, and there was a Ranger there, with Roman Hamrlik, and the puck went right through Hamrlik’s skates and down the ice. How can that be icing? Did I miss something? Also, the NHL’s official play-by-play sheet said that play was reviewed? Has anybody ever heard of an icing being reviewed? If somebody did review it, well, they’d better stop reviewing such things, because they effed that up. And how about the long-time hockey writer from Canada asking Tortorella what the timeout was about—when it was obviously because they iced the puck and his players were gassed?

5) I’m not trying to coach (Pat Leonard reference), and I’m not second-guessing, and I certainly don’t want to sound like one of you guys who love to talk lines, because I don’t. But I just don’t like the Rangers’ lines the way they are. I don’t mind Chris Kreider on the fourth line because the kid’s had some struggles lately. I just think, in my humble opinion, that Ryan Callahan should be playing with Derek Stepan, who had a pretty decent game … and I don’t care who’s on the left, though Artem Anisimov makes sense, especially when you need some secondary scoring. And I think, in so many cases this year, especially the Ottawa series, that Brian Boyle with Brandon Prust, and usually Ruslan Fedotenko, gives them so many good minutes and such a good forecheck. Maybe there’s a matchup situation I’m not seeing. But I didn’t care for the lines they used last night.

6) That Alex Ovechkin goal? If Callahan doesn’t blow a tire, that probably never happens and maybe it’s a totally different game.

7) This has got to be the longest the Rangers have gone without a fight. Not that Prust wasn’t trying to rile up the Capitals. He speared The Great Eight in the ovechkins, and he shoved around Jason Chimera, who embarrassed himself by diving backward … though the officials embarrassed themselves more by falling for it.

8) Yes, the Capitals have exploited Henrik Lundqvist’s glove in this series. But it’s been some pretty good shooters who solved it. And these deep-in-the-net, butterfly guys are always susceptible to glove shots … just like bad-angle shots.

9) Going back to the icing that led to the second Washington goal: That’s a lousy break, because it shouldn’t have been icing; then after the timeout, Richards lost a draw. Then John Carlson’s shot hit the toe of Nick Backstrom’s skate boot and hopped right to Chimera … who now has five of his seven career playoff goals against the Rangers.

10) Matt Hendricks is Washington’s MVP in this series for my money. Ironically it was he who lost the draw on the GWG in Game 5. But he’s done everything else, including shut down Marian Gaborik’s line for long stretches, and kill penalties (the Rangers helped him) and won so many faceoffs. And squished people. Like a clean Chris Neil/Zenon Konopka combo platter.

11) Did you see Mike Green cough up the puck right over the glass because Boyle was coming?

12) Tortorella ripping the effort, to me, is him already coaching Game 7. Because I didn’t think it was about effort. Maybe in a few cases. Do I think this was their best game. Certainly not. But overall, it was Washington’s ability to score on the PP, and the Rangers’ inability to do the same. Tortorella did agree that the four-minute power play “sucked. It killed us. It sucked.”

13) You guys missed some near fisticuffs between yours truly and a radio clown in the tight quarters of the visiting lockerroom (my second such close encounter of the playoffs). Unfortunately I had just turned off my recorder. Well, maybe fortunately considering some of the vocabulary I used. I would have been banned from the blog.

14) Finally, and maybe this should have been No. 1 … we all saw first hand how difficult it is when all these teams are so even, for a team to match the desperation of the team that’s actually in a more desperate situation. We’ve seen it time and time again in these playoffs. That said, I expect the Rangers will not not have to manufacture desperation and will win Game 7. But not easily.

15) Just wanted to see if you’re still paying attention. That’s a photo of the last time the Rangers clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference final. And the last time that guy played was the last time they had a good power play.

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My Three Rangers Stars:
1) Derek Stepan.
2) Brandon Prust.
3) Henrik Lundqvist.
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Gravy’s Three Rangers Stars:
1) Dan Girardi.
2) Henrik Lundqvist.
3) Ryan McDonagh.
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AP photos, above.

John Tortorella:

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Henrik Lundqvist:

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Ryan Callahan:

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I may have audio from Alex Ovechkin … but here’s part of what he said:

“We don’t want to stop playing. We don’t want to finish the season. We knew we could beat them. It was very intense  … their top D played lots of minutes. We are going to have our chances. We had our chances. But Lundqvist played unbelievable again in the third period. Same as Holtby.”

And Braden Holtby:

“It’s a big one. I think we earned it in a way that is going to benefit us in the long run. We played a very solid team game. Very gutsy effort and we got rewarded tonight.”

 

Here’s Josh (age 26) Thomson’s story from The Journal News and LoHud.com today:

By Josh Thomson, 26

NEW YORK — With a young team on the verge of contending in the Eastern Conference, John Tortorella found himself motivated to land Brad Richards as a free agent.

The 32-year old was a champion and a former Conn Smythe winner who’d earned Tortorella’s trust in moments that separate those who lift Stanley Cups from others who simply dream of it.

“He’s got ‘it,’ ” Tortorella said. “I’ve known him since he was a kid when he broke into the league. He’s just made big plays at key times.”

That included an NHL-record seven game-winning goals during Tampa Bay’s 2004 run to the Cup, a victory that helped put the Conn Smythe in his hands and the Cup in Tortorella’s. He added nine more game-winners his first season on Broadway and, on Monday night, arguably the signature goal of this postseason when he tied the score with 7.6 seconds to play in Game 5.

“I definitely haven’t seen everything,” said Richards, who stunned the Coyotes in Phoenix with 0.1 seconds remaining on Dec. 17. “Last night was a new experience for me, too.”

The centerman now leads the Rangers with 10 points through 12 playoff games, including an assist on Marian Gaborik’s triple-overtime winner in Game 3.

His success in the biggest moments comes as little surprise to his coach, who expected nothing less after what they’ve achieved together.

“There’s a relationship there. I’m not going to hide from that at all,” Tortorella said. “He’s done a lot of great things and helped teams that I’ve coached win. When you get involved in that and you go through the ups and downs of that — and him and I have — sure you’re going to develop a relationship.”

That bond meant Tortorella’s faith never wavered during a regular season that saw Richards searching to fit in at times. He has now suddenly lived up to the nine-year, $60 million contract he signed last offseason — and then some.

“I think every player in the NHL, if you asked them, it’s obviously the best time of the year to play,” he explained. “It’s the most exciting. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been in some good situations where I’ve had the chance to succeed, playing with some good players and some good teams.”

The lure of New York included a young roster and his relationship with Tortorella that Richards hoped could leave him fortunate yet again. Teammates often cite his experience and ability to lead by example.

“I’ve been around him all year and he’s done such a great job both on and off the ice,” said 21-year-old defenseman Michael Del Zotto, one of 10 Rangers 25 or younger. “It seems things like that where it’s just experience. He’s won a Cup. He’s been there. He’s been through it. You just have to learn off that. It’s not exactly things he tells you off the ice. You just have to learn by playing through it.”

Richards has been through it, showing his coach and the league that his intangible gifts could produce tangible results.

Even a coach edged in steel wouldn’t dare deny that.

First things first: Whew. I thought I was going to have to bring some shrinks with me for the Live Chat today at noon. Thought I was going to be talking people down. Now I am going to have one happy group.

Be there at noon, with questions, comments, whatever. Or else. This one should be fun.

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Thoughts:

1) Look, I told you guys dozens of times this season that this group is something special. A lot of you didn’t want to believe me, and a lot of you only wanted to believe me until something went wrong … and I’m sure a lot of you are going to forget that, or won’t appreciate what this team is when things go wrong down the road. I’m not even saying that these Rangers are going to win this series, because there sure as hell is no guarantee they will. None at all. But it’s a special group.

2) Because part of our jobs as reporters still has to do with newspapers and deadlines, we have to write early, or “bulldog” stories to put into the paper if the game runs late or goes into overtime. A lot of time it’s filler stuff, leftover quotes that you cobble into something, just in case they need it. Well, my Game 5 bulldog was about Brad Richards. And that strikes me two ways. A) Perfect timing. B) The guy is a bulldog. He is clutch. He scores huge goals (9 GWGs during the season, don’t forget, including the Winter Classic winner and the one in Phoenix with 00:00.1 left; and he scored seven GWGs in the 2004 playoffs on his way to the Conn Smythe). He’s money—and that has nothing to do with his $60 million. Oh, and there seems to be some discrepancy about the time of Richards goal. There were 6.6 left when he scored, but they put a second back on the clock after review; yet the official box says there were seven seconds left, which means 6.6 is somewhat official.

3) Speaking of Conn Smythe … not a chance in hell, but a guy who’s been really valuable in these first 12 games is Anton Stralman.

4) Veteran players know you can get away with a lot, especially protecting a lead in the final minute of a game when the opponent has pulled its goalie and is creating havoc in front of the net. But Joel Ward took it way too far and didn’t get away with it and earned himself a pair of goat’s horns. And because he cut Carl Hagelin, he not only helped lose the lead, but also the game. Also, that’s why that has to be an automatic call—just like flinging a puck over the glass. It has to be a call the referee will make every time; has to make. Wonder if Ward will face any further discipline, because to me, it’s not much different than what Aaron Asham did in Round 1. Spin the wheel, Shanny.

5) I didn’t write it down and it’s late, and I’m having trouble remembering who Dan Girardi lit up. (Was it Mike Green? I think it was, because I recall him complaining). I thought Girardi left his feet. People who saw replays insist he left his feet after contact. You know what? Tough. First of all, the refs and the league owe him one shot like that. Second, the league has obviously legalized and approved leaping, leaving-your-feet hits to the head. Goes around comes around

6) That was one helluva start for ya boys. I mean, as bad as they were at the start of Game 4, that’s how good they were to start Game 5, even if Washington threw a couple of big hits early on. And the Rangers continued to dictate right to the final shot, even if they easily could have lost this game. They were in control.

7) But, boy, does the power play need to be better than it was in until the final minute. Because it had zero shots until the sequence before the Richards goal. Somebody told John Tortorella that John Mitchell thought the power play had some chances and wasn’t bad those first three tries. Tortorella’s comment is in the post-game audio. Let’s just say he disagreed. And Mitchell, who continues to get PP time that I don’t understand, passed up two good opportunities to shoot and instead passed during the earlier PPs.

8) Also, I agree that part of the problem with the PP, which hasn’t been very good most of the time all year (and since Wayne Gretzky retired), in this case, is the pressure the Capitals PK applies.

9) Michael Del Zotto took a pair of penalties. But otherwise I thought he was really good, and very physical against the most physical Caps: Jason Chimera, Matt Hendricks, Troy Brouwer. Just like he was against Teflon Chris Neil. That said, there needs to be a little more leniency on those interference penalties when the guy chips the puck past you. Del Zotto’s needed to be called, but sometimes the D-man has to be given a chance to get a piece of the guy. IMO.

10) That 1-1 goal by Brooks Laich, which was off a faceoff tie by Brian Boyle eventually possessed by the Caps, was yet another of many goals in this series created by random deflected passes/shots that wind up on somebody’s stick by accident.

11) Unrelated, but funny, My friend Ira Podell of the Associated Press told me that at the Devils home games against the Flyers they show clips of Rocky movies—you know, the Philadelphia icon—and in every one he’s getting his aasen kicked. Which I find pretty clever and hilarious.

12) Seriously, I expect some of you guys to jump ship and you didn’t disappoint in this game. I can almost predict who and when. But for the life of me I can’t figure out why so many actually left the game before the final minute. I mean, it’s 2-1 in Game 5 … and this team has shown all year that it doesn’t stop. I don’t get it.

13) Brendan Shanahan explains his suspension decisions … but I would love to hear him explain how the Claude Giroux head shot is so very different than the Chris Neil head shot or the Alex Ovechkin head shot. … or the Shea WWEber head shot … or the Chris Phillips head shot … But good thing they got that goon Hagelin. I would also like to have Shanny do videos of why he’s not disciplining somebody like Ovechkin for his assault.

14) If you weren’t in NYC last night, you probably aren’t going to believe this. But the Empire State Building was lit in orange. Swear to God.

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My Three Rangers Stars:
1) Brad Richards.
2) Marc Staal.
3) Ryan Callahan.
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Dore33’s Three Rangers Stars:
1) Brad Richards – CLUTCH!
2) Mark Staal – Hopefully he is back 100%
3) Carl Hagelin – was all over the place tonight.
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AP photos, above.