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Rangers look to save their season tonight in Tampa Bay
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are back in action tonight in Tampa, needing a win in order to save their season and force a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Here we are again. A familiar spot for Rangers fans over the past few seasons. The same situation the Rangers found themselves in against the Capitals. After a tough 2-0 loss at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers have their backs against the wall, facing elimination at Amalie Arena tonight in Game 6.
Although the game is obviously huge and very meaningful, players in the locker room had an aura of confidence, with Henrik Lundqvist reminding everyone that, “We’ve been here before,” and Marc Staal saying that “we’re a tough out.”
That they are. Since the start of the 2012 playoffs, the Rangers have played in 17 elimination games, posting a 14-3 record in those games, including winning three straight elimination games against the Capitals in the last round. They’ve been in these games before, and know how to handle themselves. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers approach needs to stay aggressive, simplistic
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers need to get back to the gameplan that gave them success in Game 4; aggressiveness, quicker decision making, and more shots. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers were stifled on Sunday night, bringing them to within one game of elimination for the second series in a row. That forces the Rangers to win Game 6 in Tampa Bay in order to extend their season, and bring the series back to Madison Square Garden for a Game 7.
The Rangers did not play all that well in Game 5, managing only 26 shots on goal despite largely controlling possession for most of the game. All of the zone time didn’t lead to shots on goal, as the Lightning did a good job of forcing the Rangers to the perimeter and blocking lots of shots.
Surprisingly, none of the success from Game 4 carried over to Sunday for New York. The Rangers scored five goals on 26 shots in that game, were more crisp, decisive and efficient with their passing and playmaking, and didn’t allow the Lightning to implement their style of play. They executed their gameplan flawlessly and came away with a win. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers pushed to the brink with shutout loss at the Garden
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers dropped a crucial Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, forcing them into a situation where htey need to win the next two games in order to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It’s disappointing that the Rangers laid an egg in one of the most important games of the season, and not taking what they learned in Game 4 into their game plan. They didn’t crash the net at all or get to the middle of the ice for prime scoring chances and rebounds, which is one of the ways they scored goals on Friday. The power play was anemic tonight, and two good plays from Tampa cost the Rangers.
New York had tons of puck possession and zone time, but it didn’t lead to shots on goal, The Rangers were trying to pass their way into the net, and the Lightning were having none of it. Instead of driving to the net, they stayed around the perimeter. It was ultimately a 60 minute skating session, with the Rangers not doing enough to get pucks past Bishop. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers prepared for pivotal Game 5 at MSG; Nash and St. Louis ready to continue success
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are back on home ice, looking to come away with a win in a very important Game 5, and move to within one game of advancing. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
What a difference Friday’s 5-1 win at Amalie Arena makes in the series. Following a 6-2 loss and a 6-5 overtime loss in consecutive games, panic was widespread through Rangerstown about many facets of the Rangers game. Now, the series is tied at two games apiece, both teams have scored 14 goals in the series, and the Rangers get to play a crucial Game 5 on home ice tonight.
Game 5 is always seen as one of the most important games in the series, especially when the series is tied like it is for the Rangers and the Lightning. The winner of tonight’s game has a huge advantage, needing to win just once in two games to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Tampa Bay gets to play Game 6 at Amalie Arena, and the Rangers would have the advantage in a potential Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
Needless to say, this game is very important. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers rebound in big way with 5-1 win over Lightning; Nash scores twice
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers played well in Game 4, with a better defensive effort, better goaltending, and getting contributions from their best players. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Needing to respond and win after allowing 12 goals in Game 2 and 3, the Rangers did exactly that, winning by a final score of 4-1, and having nearly everything go right for them. The biggest takeaway from tonight is that Vigneault was able to get huge performances from his best players, including Henrik Lundqvist, Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis.
It was the Rangers first win in the playoffs by a margin of more than one goal, which was nice for a change. A big win was exactly what they needed to build confidence. The series now heads back to Madison Square Garden all tied up at two games apiece.
After Game 3, and following a weak overtime winner in Game 3, Henrik Lundqvist seemed dejected in his postgame interview. Larry Brooks from the New York Post questioned (foolishly) if Henrik Lundqvist should start in Game 4, and there was worry from some fans. But like he always has, Lundqvist upped his performance. Read the rest of this entry
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