Rangers withstand storm beat Hurricanes 3-1
by Joe Fortunato on Dec 21, 2009 10:16 PM EST
in Rangers Recaps
32 comments
Coming off their first 2 game winning streak since forever, the New York Rangers walked into North Carolina to take on the last place Carolina Hurricanes. Matt Gilroy was back in the line-up along with Ales Kotalik and Wade Redden who were surprise picks to play tonight to say the least. The Rangers were looking for their first three game winning streak since the 7-1 glory days of the beginning of the season, and they found it.
The Rangers obviously packed the same fire and flare that they brought to Philadelphia and brought it with them to North Carolina. The Rangers came out flying, in a very open, first period which saw the two teams trade odd-man rushes more times then you could count. Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky both had various chances that were snuffed out by Cam Ward. Chris Higgins also had a notable first period but couldn’t find the net—what a surprise. Henrik Lundqvist continued his magnificent play making some great saves early and often.
The Rangers and Hurricanes traded goals in the second period with Gaborik netting his 25th off a broken defensive play by the Hurricanes. By the way not is a great time to point out that Gaborik now has more goals in 34 games than any Ranger did all of last year. It’s in bold because it’s pretty important; the man is a God plain and simple. The Rangers got into penalty trouble—and incidentally got no help from the referees—but were able to kill them all off and walk into the third tied at 1.
In the third Brandon Dubinsky found the back of the net for his 4thgoal of the season, a beautiful one from Gaborik and Vaclav Prospal. Again the Rangers saw themselves trading scoring chances with the Hurricanes but Lundqvist stood on his head and continued keeping the Rangers in the game. Marc Staal accentuated his great game by scoring the empty netter to give the Rangers a 3-1 victory.
Empty Netters:
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Michael Rozsival is playing the best hockey of this season. He played a brilliant game and saved what would have been a tying goal for the Hurricanes late in the third.
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Marian Gaborik continued his brilliant play with a goal and an assists. I love him.
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Henrik Lundqvist has found his game again, and wow is he impressive.
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Artem Ansisimov continued his impressive play and like I said on my radio show, he shields the puck and makes space just like Jaromir Jagr.
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Like we have been talking about for the past few weeks if the Rangers want momentum now is the best time to get it. Let’s hope this continues.
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I think that Wade Redden bounced back from his benching with a solid game. Let's hope to see more of this.
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I also think that Matt Gilroy played a great game in his return to Ranger blue. It's nice to see since we all agree that he is a fan favorite.
Well let’s hear your praise in the comments boys!
By the way after Tuesday's radio show Jim won't be around much over the next few days so if you have any questions or concerns please e-mail me at Joe@blueshirtbanter.com. I will get back asap. Thanks guys!
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I wouldnt say Rozi had a brilliant game, he played strong but there were times where he was completely blown by and made bad plays. but overall he was pretty strong once again.
Redden was strong as well. But I didnt think Kotalik played well, yeah he gave a little more effort tonight than usual but there were countless times were he was turning around with no clue where the puck was even thought it was right at his feet. He needs to be more aware than he was tonight. but overall strong win and glad the magician gaborik got another goal.
by CrazyRangerFan on Dec 21, 2009 10:51 PM EST reply actions
Kotalik is terrible the only thing I saw him do tonight was lay a big check in the first. Rozi played well, agree with crazyfan up there, he did save the potential tying goal (brilliant read) however he made a few mistakes all and all cant be upset with his performance. Why is Boyle being scratched? the kid can be good, he just needs to play. When he is out there he always gives his all and hes very vocal, loves to be heard, but will always step back to listen.
Boyle is injured
sore back
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Dec 21, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Great game, great recap
Just wanted to add that Dubi played a great game. I also thought Rozy and Hank were awesome tonight. Let’s hope we can keep this up!
by WalkerNYRanger on Dec 21, 2009 11:20 PM EST reply actions
still gaborik and his line does all the scoring
they didnt need antoher line to step up tonight but i thought other guys were starting to break out of slumps
not scoring in a game doesnt mean your in a slump.
if you dont score for like 5 games your in a slump.
if every game cally/drury/higgins/anisimov can net one well be fine
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Mosh!
Radio show co-host proving points!
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Dec 22, 2009 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
Hands down, best game the Team has played in a while
Creativity, jump in their step, solid forecheck. It appears the only hole in Carolina’s game is their inability to score; they looked pretty good out there.
Kotalik, however, continues to struggle in simple things – ie puck control, pass timing. I do believe an AHL stint might get his head back in order. Or…simply waive the guy. Brashear remains invisible. He does not fit with this team.
we're getting closer..
was at the game last night..and for the most part i liked what i saw. There were still a few hiccups..redden looked to be determined but still playing shaky from what i saw..kot’s worked hard but as said earlier lost the puck in his feet on more than one occasion. hank played well..thought gilly played a very strong game..before we had seen him think too much about a play..and last night he just reacted naturally and it showed in his better play. thought the power play looked OK..PK looked better…dru had himself a decent game on the PK and faceoffs(which have been better overall as a team). i think we are sliding in the right direction..hopefully we can ride this wave of confidence through the new year and to the all star break
Things I saw last night that I haven’t seen since the start of the season:
- Accountability on defense
- Hard backchecking
- People moving their feet instead of coasting into the zone
- People going to the net (on offense)
- People going to the net (on defense)
And last but not least:
- One UGLY shirt being worn by Torts.
Hahaha I have to agree that torts looked horrible in that outfit …
by NYR9320 on Dec 22, 2009 9:29 AM EST via mobile reply actions
As DB said below
I think Redden had one of his best games as a Ranger
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Dec 22, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
and he never will….my prediction is that he will play better for a few games and then go back to his old crappy way of playing. He will also get worse the older he gets and end up in the AHL.
You see his heartless interview
When he was asked about him being benched. He is a cry baby cancer and I cannot wait until he is gone.
OUCH MY ELBOW HURTS!
I went back and slo-mo’d the Dubinsky go-ahead goal – from the time Rozsival put the puck in the offensive zone.
What’s impressive there (and we’ve seen it before) is the awareness and positional play of all 3, as well as the passing skills.
Prospal puts a perfect, flat cross-ice pass on Gaborik’s tape – he one-times it to Dubinsky cutting down low – and BANG. Top shelf.
Redden played his best game of the year. If he brings that level of focus every night, while he won’t be worth the ridiculous salary and cap hit, we’ll stop complaining about him.
Gilroy clearly learned in his short AHL stint. Instead of being tentative, as soon as the opposing player got the puck, he took the body. Hobey looked good.
And so did the frequently maligned Dan Girardi.
Plus, I can only remember screaming “WTF ROZI!!!” once – which I think was near the start of the game. He settled in and played pretty good.
Marc Staal had his best game in a while. He’s very confident with the puck, doesn’t panic at all, and makes smart plays.
More grit, more “jam”, more focus, more passion. I believe Mr. Tortorella has their attention. And it’s working – at least so far. Hope they can keep it up.
Gaborik has scored 25.25% of the Rangers’ goals this year (25 to 99), yet another stat in which he leads the league. Steven Stamkos is second; he’s scored 23.08% of TB’s goals. The lowest % for a team leader is Patrick Kane, who has scored 9.71% of Chicago’s goals. In addition, Gab has registered a point in 47.47% of the Rangers’ goals, which also leads the league. MVP?
If you haven’t done it – it’s worth going to the NHL.com video section and watching the highlights. Not that you haven’t seen them, but for the commentary by the ’Canes announcer and color guy.
To some extent – Gaborik has flown under the radar – especially in the Eastern Conference – because he played in the West and he was oft-injured and didn’t play. Now the East is getting a serious look at the talent. On a team that has nowhere near the overall level of talent as a Washington or Pittsburgh – he leads the league in goals and is 2nd in assists.
It’s way too early to talk MVP – but if he continues like this, and the Rangers make the playoffs – it’s just possible that he could get the nod. But that’s an awful lot of “ifs”.
06 all over again
I’m putting my money on Thornton stealing the hart away from the beast in the East.
DB's right, it's early
But if the Rangers make the playoffs, Gabby will win the MVP as long as he stays in the top 5 or so in scoring.
Thornton’s nice but he’s got Heatley on his line (and Marleau too?).
The goal scorer is always the popular choice over than the 100 assist guy. Just ask Adam Oates.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Dec 22, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
I totally agree with Richter here. If Gabby keeps up the pace and the Rangers make the playoffs
then the clear cut choice would HAVE to be Gaborik then right? But if Thornton is right there then it will be a repeat of 06’ all over again when Jagr got robbed for the MVP….(which would of automatically put an extra yr onto JJ’s contract with the Rangers for winning the award) but these Canadian writers who hold the votes are soooooo biased and will def give the award to a Canadian player over a european player any day no matter how obvious it is.
by giantsNYrangers on Dec 23, 2009 7:16 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry to be a downer
but we played marginally well (one-goal games) against two of the worst teams in the East. I give this three game winning streak no real credit. It was mentioned earlier that we’re still a one line team. One line teams don’t make it in the post-season (look at 2006). Unless we start to develop some legit depth, we’re not going to last.
And of course, we only won because of Lundqvist. The number of game-saving saves he’s forced to make is not safe.
Anisimov
Is it just me or does Anisimov seem to be taking control physically in the offensive zone. I loved his play in the last 3 games and i think it is apparent torts does to since he’s given him more and more ice time. AA has been dominant down low, coupled with Cally who has been flying and seems to back to his normal self and you have a pretty tough line thats going to produce some tough goals… AA is really starting to come into his own…
yes AA is looking for confident in his puck play every game. He needs to be our second line center and keep drury playing 3/4 line center with pk duties etc.
by NYR9320 on Dec 22, 2009 11:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
nice correction
It’s true. What’s good with him is he doesn’t and won’t need a short AHL stint to boost his confidence. He uses his skill and size wisely and it pays off at the NHL level. Give him more and more ice time. His strength is up there and he uses it in a way that’s analogous to Jags.
Absolutely
Part of his increased ice-time has to do with Torts being “unable to wait for Drury” to generate some offense and moving him down.
That little confidence boost for AA has him playing with more passion and grit – as well as the fact that he’s getting used to the NHL level of play.
Good stuff.
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