Notes From The New York Rangers' Win Over The Toronto Maple Leafs
- This doesn't have anything to do with the New York Rangers directly, but Boston College beat Air Force last night, 2-0. Guess who scored both goals? Yup, Chris Kreider. Talk about setting himself up for an entrance.
- As for the New York Rangers, it wasn't pretty, it certianly wasn't the way John Tortorella drew it up but the Rangers managed to get the two points. That's the important thing here. The Rangers haven't been playing their brand of hockey recently, and as they try to find that game it's important that they continue to win games.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins got smoked by Ottawa Saturday night as well. Granted, Marc-Andre Fleury wasn't in net, but it doesn't matter in the standings. The Rangers are now a full three points ahead of the Penguins (Pittsburgh has a game in hand), which is a nice little cushion to have as of right now.
Join me after the jump for more.
- What a game from Marian Gaborik. His first goal was a perfect example of why you throw the puck at the net when you don't have many options. His second goal was a vintage Gaborik burst into space and a jaw-dropping feed from Brad Richards to get him a 20-foot breakaway, which he buried.
- Tim Erixon picked up his second assist in two games, this time tallying the primary assist on Gaborik's first goal. Erixon only played 10 minutes tonight, but I would have to think he's impressing the coaching staff. I think his lack of play had more to do with the situation: Tied game in the third where the Rangers had already made multiple defenses gaffs. Still I liked his game.
- Brandon Dubinsky had another good game for the Rangers. Take this for what it's worth.
- Again, the Rangers' defense needs to tighten up. They have to. Last night was a prime example of why the Rangers shouldn't be comfortable about a deep playoff run just yet. Henrik Lundqvist has had an average past four games, it happens. I have no doubt in my mind that he will bounce back for the playoffs. But of those three goals against last night, I can only fault him for the third one (and even them I'm not giving him full blame, the defense should have cleared the crease).
- Nice to see Richards have another good game. Two big assists and some nice defensive plays in the offensive zone. Another player who impressed in that category: Derek Stepan. Stepan flew all night and had three takeaways in the offensive zone. I although thought Artem Anisimov played well.
