New York Rangers Open Game Thread: Rangers Vs. Canadiens
We end the regular season with a classic original six match up between two playoff teams.
Well, here we are my friends, the final game of the 2013-14 regular season. After tonight's game it's either the Stanley Cup or playing golf earlier than the team that eventually wins the Cup. I'm excited about the 2014 Playoffs. Not because I'm convinced the Rangers are going to win it, but because I love the first round match-ups and I think we're in for a very memorable playoffs. That's not to say that I don't think the Rangers can win it. If Hank gets hot and if the Rangers stay healthy they can beat anyone.
Anyway, enough about the Playoffs, let's turn our focus to tonight's game. The Habs are 7-2-1 in their last ten games, just like the Rangers are. However, the Rangers are carrying a two game winning streak into Montreal tonight while the Habs have lost their most recent game. The season series is currently knotted up at one game a piece with the Habs winning the most recent contest 2-0; a shutout by the immortal Peter Budaj.
This game is quite literally meaningless in regards to the standings to the Rangers because the Rangers have clinched the second seed in the Metropolitan Division (behind Pittsburgh) and home ice advantage but original six games are seldom boring. The Habs are playing for home ice advantage in their first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts currently have a one point lead in the standings going into tonight's game. These two teams could meet up in the playoffs so I would imagine that they are both going to be looking to make a statement tonight against some stiff competition.
Mike's Player to Watch: Jim Ramsay
Rammer, please keep everyone healthy. You're the best in the business and we love you, thank you for doing everything you do. Come to think of it, I want to thank everyone behind the scenes that help make Rangers hockey possible. We were fortunate enough to get a look behind the scenes two years ago on 24/7 and see the great characters and people that work hard every night to bring us Rangers hockey and help keep the players we love prepared, healthy, and happy. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes, you help to bring us the game we love and we're tremendously grateful for it.
And...
I also want to thank you guys, especially those of you that take the time to read what Bryan and I write in the game thread posts instead of just jumping into the comments section like Scrooge McDuck dove into his swimming pool filled with gold, precious stones, and bags of money.
Each and every year that I have contributed to the Banter has been more memorable and more special than the last. This particular year I think we had the least amount of drama and horsesh*t that we've ever had, and I can't tell you guys just how much that means to me. I know that it isn't always easy to play nice and engage with people that we don't agree with or perhaps. just flat-out don't like... but every time we choose to be hospitable instead of exclusive, courteous instead of curt, and choose to not engage with people that are aggressive and toxic we make this place the best Rangers hockey blog on the internet. You guys are a big part of that. Every time you say hello to a new person, engage in respectful discussions, and opt for being friendly over being douchey you make this place better. Thank you for that.
Let's go Rangers.
Let's go Playoffs.
Let's go Banter.
Let's go hedgehogs wearing tutus and jazzalanche.