New York Rangers With Big Lead In The Atlantic Division
by Bryan Winters on Feb 12, 2012 9:00 AM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
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PrintThe New York Rangers widened their gap in the Atlantic Division with a very crucial 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Just like they did the against the Tampa Bay Lightning, there were many positives signs in the win. First off, the Rangers power play combined for three goals on six opportunities. The last time the Rangers had more then one power play goal in a single game was back in December.
Also, Brad Richards notched three assists, and has picked up his great immensely since scoring the game winner versus the Lightning. Marian Gaborik also had four points and continues his success he has had this season. It also puts the Rangers six points ahead of the second place Flyers in the Atlantic Division.
They also currently have two less games then everyone in their division, except the New York Islanders, who have 54 games played. The Flyers, Penguins and Devils are all right behind the Rangers, but if they continue their play, I believe they have a legit shot at winning the Atlantic.
What do you guys think? Will the Rangers take the Atlantic Division, or is it too early to tell?
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With 29 games left
This team Could go 500 and still hit the 105 the point mark. We need to really get the PP going. Staying healthy is important as well but no real control over that. Anybody know what the season point total record is for the rangers? it would be nice to win the Atlantic and get too seed in the east.
by Chec on Feb 12, 2012 9:07 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Devils
Only team to fail miserably all year and still manage to be a pain and find there way back up nearing the end…..
Don’t know how they do it…I loathe them
"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards
by -19-AgainstAll on Feb 12, 2012 9:19 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Quite simple actually :)
The big time players – Richie, Gabby, Cally, Danny G and Hank – need to play big time hockey just like yesterday, If our stars play like stars during most if not all of the stretch run, we will a) clinch it and b) have some bonafide, positive momentum heading into the playoffs.
That’s not to say the stars-in-waiting like Step, MDZ, McD, etc. and the other role players can slack off. Au contrare! All 20 guys dressed need to contribute, again like yesterday, for this team to convincingly stay on top.
As for the PP, as glaring as its absence was during that long stretch, its presence felt against the Flyers cannot be overestimated. For one thing, it was at best, a pretty even game 5-on-5 yesterday and at times, esp in the 2nd, the F’ers dominated us at even-strength. But as everyone knows – and must realize that the B’s last year were the EXCEPTION not the rule – special teams and goaltending are what do it for you in the post-season. And Hank in the second and our perfect PK and potent PP were unquestionably the difference yesterday. And in a heated 7-game series agst PHL or WAS or PIT, teams willingness to go at you physically or run your goaltender is even more pronounced, thus making the special teams that much more important.
It’s very obvious what this team needs to do to win consistently. Now it’s time to see if they can execute per plan.
LGR! :)
they can def win the div....if they
keep being relentless in our own end, continue to get elite goaltending, keep blocking shots like kamikaze pilots, keep forechecking and never being out worked and it is very possible…..but I will say as we all know your PP can win or lose you games and in order to go deep into the playoffs the Rangers MUST find a way to get that part of theyre game going. To be honest…..it really has me worried.
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 12, 2012 10:26 AM EST reply actions
I would like to think so
…but we still have a good portion of our games left against both the Penguins and the Devils, the two teams in the division that have given us the most problems.
Homo homini lupus est - Human beings are wolves to each other
Still too soon
But I’ve been damn impressed with their ability to keep winning this season. Every time it looks like they’re going into soon, Hank pitches a shutout and they rip off a 5 game win streak.
I’m just hoping Montreal doesnt go on a hot streak and sneak into the playoffs. They’re oddly the only team I’d be worried about facing.
Montreal decimated the Maple Leafs yesterday, boy was it sad.
by rain-g-errs on Feb 12, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
This is the perfect time for Richards and the PP to get back in form. It can only mean good things moving forward.
by OhCallyMyCaptain on Feb 12, 2012 11:46 AM EST reply actions
I just got a text that my friend said there are tweets that Howson will be at today’s Ranger game as well. that’s 2 in a row so draw your own conclusions about Nash, Carter, or players like Vermette or Brassard. But if he’s looking at NHL-ready players on the Rangers then you would think it’s a potential bigger deal.
please no nash.
and please don’t overpay on carter sather
by rain-g-errs on Feb 12, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Montreal GM P. Gauthier is going to be at the garden too
hahah I cant imagine he wants to get fleeced by Sather again.
by rain-g-errs on Feb 12, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
it’s no secret the Rangers want to at least explore making a move. and they have the young players/prospects other teams would want.
by Richter1994 on Feb 12, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
He obviously came just to watch McD
and sigh…
I think it’s still a bit too early to early to tell but being 5-0 against a certain division opponent definitely helps.
by ImMike88 on Feb 12, 2012 12:30 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
My money is still on
the Pens. They’ve got something ridiculous where 8 of their next 10 games are against teams out of the playoffs, and they don’t travel much the rest of the year (trip to dallas and colorado is the only time they really leave the time zone). They’re not TOO far back of the Rangers and I think they have more offensive and defensive balance than the Devils or Flyers. Plus…if Cindy comes back…
We have an 8 point lead over Philly and Pitt with two games in hand.
It’s too early to tell, but we put ourselves in a position where as long as we player our game we’re set.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
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