In the first period, a relatively boring period, the Rangers held the territorial advantages, outshootingthe Wild by the wide margin of 10-3. Avery and Clutterbuck dropped the gloves, fighting to a draw, and Orr and Nolan dropped the gloves with Orr getting the better of Nolan. With four seconds left in the period, Zherdev scored the lone goal of the period, when he patiently, and from an awful angle, elevated a Redden rebound over Backstrom and inside the right post.

In the second period there was an increase in physicality and grit, making for a much more entertaining period. In the second period there was also an increase in goal scoring, with both the Wild and NY finding the back of the net. The Wild’s Gaborik scored on a redirect tip in after Zidlicky whiffed on a shot causing Hank to go down early. Less than a minute later the Rangers responded when Gomez scored a very “un-muffin like” goal off a nice backhand pass from Avery, who kept the play alive in the offensive zone with some hard work along the boards.

In the beginning of the third, the Wild had some solid scoring chances, forcing Hank to come up big. Quickly however, the Rangers settled back down into their game, once again gaining control of the pace and play of the game. Thirteen minutes into the period the Rangers were awarded back to back power plays, and a valuable chance to pad their lead, yet they were unable to capitalize. Nonetheless, the Rangers were able to grind out their 22nd 1 goal victory of the season. Final Score: 2-1, Rangers.

Key Elements Of The Game

Check back later for updates on the following key elements of the game:

1. Hank

2. Power Play

3. Sauer

4. Avery

5. Gomer

6. Zherdev

Rangers Of The Game

1st – Hank

2nd- Avery

3rd – Zherdev and Gomer

In the first period, the Rangers actually had some jump to their game and they spent a good portion of the period in the Sens zone. Dubi ended his goal scoring drought when he netted a goal from Cally who was quick on the forecheck, throwing Auld out of position. Sjo had a nice period, drawing 2 penalties and consistently driving hard to the net, and the PK was solid killing off two penalties. The power play however, was unable to capitalize on three different opportunities.

In the second period, while the Sens came out strong and hard, the Rangers were slow on the puck andslow on the man. As a result of their lethargic play, the Sens tied the game up during the second. Comrie scored for the Sens, a backhander which eluded Hank, after he outskated Girardi.

In the third period, the Rangers listless, sloppy, and boring play continued. The Rangers looked slow and tired, like they had no legs. After a drop pass from Gomer never made it to Avery, the Sens, Foligno found Shannon who wristed a shot over Hank’s glove from the circle for the go-ahead, and ultimate, game winning goal. In the third, the Rangers were futile on two power play opportunities. Final Score: 2-1, Sens 

Key Elements Of The Game:

1. Sjo – Sjo, making the most of the extra ice time Tort’s has awarded him, was one of the few Ranger’s who played a full 60 minutes of energetic and aggressive hockey. Sjo drew two penalties, was excellent on the PK, and drove hard to the net every shift.

2. Cally – Cally, once again, played a great game tonight, forechecking hard and hitting everything in sight. Cally truly brings it every night in a way that NO other Ranger has this season.

3. Dubi – With a goal tonight, Dubi finally broke out of his scoring drought. In addition to scoring, Dubi, like Cally and Sjo, played with passion and energy throughout the ENTIRE game….too bad the rest of the team did not show up in the same way that Dubi showed up.

4. Power Play – Tonight the power play was 0 for 5. Tonight, the Rangers only managed to pull off FOUR shots on goal in FIVE power play opportunities. This is unacceptable. This is why the Rangers are sitting in 7th place and not in 5th. Tonight, the inept power play cost the Rangers two very valuable points.

5. Dru, Gomer, Nasi – Gomer, Nasi, and Dru, our captains and our leaders, must really step it up a notch in the home stretch. Tonight, our three captains were invisible. Tonight our three captains were slow and lethargic. Tonight, our three captains were not playing like their playoff lives depended on it…..This must change.

Rangers Of The Game:

1st – Dubi

2nd – Cally

3rd – Sjo and Hank

The first period, though the Rangers started the period taking two back to back penalties, was an energetic and upbeat period. The Rangers were aggressive on the forecheck, strong along the boards, and smart with the puck. Korpi was awarded a penalty shot, which Lalime robbed him on, after Korpi exploded through neutral ice during a PK. Nasi however, did find the back of the net after Girardi made a strong play in the defensive zone, enabling Antropov to rush the puck up the ice and to throw the puck at the net for Nasi to find.

In the second period, the Rangers continued with their upbeat play and were rewarded with 3 goals. Drury scored the Ranger’s second goal, a power play goal and a deflection off of a nice shot from the point by Mara. Less than thirty second later, Buffalo’s Paille unknowingly found the back of the net when a puck trickled by Hank off of his foot. After receiving a beautiful head-man pass from Dubi, Cally scored the Ranger’s third goal when he went in alone on Lalime on a breakaway, beating Lalime with a nifty move from forehand, to backhand, back to forehand. Zherdev scored the Ranger’s fourth goal through a nice Avery screen in front of the net.

Buffalo started the third period with a goalie change (Tellqvist) and a quick goal. After the Ranger’s could not clear the zone, Buffalo’s MacArthur found the back of the net on a Gaustad rebound. The remainder of the period was evenly played until Buffalo brought the game to within one with 1:19 remaining. After a hard and punishing forecheck, where Buffalo had their way with the Rangers physically, Vanek scooted the puck to Lydman who beat Hank. The Rangers responded however, with an empty netter, (Sjo to Cally) putting the game in the books. Final score: 5-3, Rangers.

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Penalties – Simply put; the Rangers must STOP taking so many penalties. While their PK was amazing tonight, proving why they are number one in the league, being shorthanded five times in a game is NOT going to work against teams who have more potent power plays.

2. Avery – Once again, there is never a dull moment when Avery is on the ice. Every minute and every second of every shift he is on the ice, Avery creates at the very least, havoc, and at the very most, genuine and solid scoring chances.

3. Dubi – Dubi was noticeable every time he was on the ice tonight. He was skating hard, hitting, and making smart moves with the puck. While he is in a bit of a scoring rut for the moment, the second he breaks out….watch out!

4. Mara – Mara had a very strong defensive game tonight. He was noticeably the Rangers most physical d-man, hitting everything in sight and establishing a strong presence in front of the net.

5. Cally – What a game Cally had tonight! It always pleases me when the hardest working players are rewarded with goals and assists. Cally may not be the most skilled player, however, he is a gutsy player who makes the absolute most of his skills.

Rangers Of The Game

1st – Cally

2nd – Dubi

3rd – Mara

Though no goals were scored, the first period was fast paced, exciting, and upbeat. The Rangers blockedpasses and shots, had good stick positioning, forced turnovers, and did not give the Habs much in their own end. Hank had a big period, with a couple of key saves. On the negative side, the Rangers did take two penalties in the first, while the Habs took none.

In the second period, the refs, similarly to Sunday’s game vs. Philly, were a bit whistle happy, calling 7 penalties. Antropov, as the late man in, scored for the Rangers during a four on four,  putting away a Drury rebound. Kovalev, with his quick release, scored a power play goal for the Habs off a beautiful cross ice pass from Markov.

The third period, though the Rangers dominated the play and the puck, outshooting the Habs 16-5, ended with the game tied at three a piece. Zherdevscored the Ranger’s second goal after Gomer rushed the puck into the zone and fed Zerdev with a nifty drop pass. Less than a minute later, the Habs, Lapierre, tied the game after Staal could not keep the puck in the zone, giving up a 2 on 1 which Lapierre finished with a great move on Hank. Cally scored the Rangers third goal, after Dubiwent hard to the net, generating a juicy rebound. With five minutes left in the period, the Habs (Markov) once again tied the game, ultimately sending the game to OT, on a shot that Hank should have had, after Drury turned over the puck at the blueline.

In OT, the Habs and Rangers traded chances to no avail, sending the game to a shootout. In the shootout, the Rangers prevailed with Nasi, Antropov, and Dru finding the back of the net. Final score: 4-3 Rangers, SO.

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Sjo – Tonight, Sjo was huge on the PK. His punishing work along the boards and his ability to block shots and passes enabled the Rangers to escape numerous penalty kills unscathed.

2. Girardi and Mara – Tonight, Girardi and Mara had huge games. They played positionally sound and physical defensive hockey. They were quick on the puck and quick on the man, leaving the Habs without much to work with in their own zone.

3. Zherdev – Torts most definitely seems to have gotten to Zherdev. Not only was the talented winger getting more shots ON net, additionally he found the back of the net. Zherdev is without a doubt the Ranger’s most naturally skilled forward. If Torts can get the most out of Zherdev’s unquestionable offensive talents, the Rangers will be a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

4. Cally – Cally had another big game tonight. In addition to putting away a Dubi rebound, he was fierce on the forecheck and he forced numerous turnovers. Can anyone say Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award???

Rangers Of The Game:

1st – Cally

2nd – Zherdev

3rd – Sjo

In the first period the Rangers came out hard, controlling the puck for the majority of the period, generating quality scoring chances, and outshooting the Flyers by the wide margin of 11-5. The Rangers had three power play opportunities in the first period. Avery was able to capitalize on one of those power plays when he got to the front of the net to deflecta nice shot from the point by Morris. In addition to scoring a power play goal, the Rangers also killed off two penalties in the first.

The second period was all about specialty teams play. Seven penalties were called during the second period. The Flyers, Gagne, from Richards, evened the game with a power play goal, when the Rangers, and in particular Redden, were weak in front of the net. The Rangers responded with a power play goal of their own, when Drury cleanly won a faceoff, scooting the puck to Antropov, who rocketed a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle.

In the third period, the refs continued to be whistle happy, and the Rangers once again were able to capitalize on their power play opportunities, while holding the Flyers off the board on the PK. Threeminutes into the period Avery scored his secondgoal of the game, a power play goal, on a rebound from a hard working Gomerwrap around attempt. Midway through the period Sjoput the game away when he scored a nice wrap around goal after going in strong on the forecheck behind the net and retrieving the puck. Final score: 4-1 Rangers 

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Specialty Teams – Specialty teams play was ultimately the difference in today’s tightly called game. While the Rangers scored on two of their eight power play opportunities, the Flyers only scored on one of their six power plays.

2. Avery – With 2 goals today, Avery was once again the star of the game. I don’t know what it is about Avery and New York, but he plays for NY like he plays for no other. It is good to have you back Sean!

3. Hank – While Hank was not bombarded with shots today, he did come up big when called upon. Playing the aggressive system that Torts demands is really only possible when a team can rely on its goalie. NY can definitely rely on Hank.

4. Gomer – Gomer had another strong game today. When he skates and is smart with the puck, his playmaking ability is second to none.

5. Korpi and Sjo- Something to take note of; in today’s game, Sjostrom was granted decidedly more ice time playing on the third line, while Korpi’s ice time diminished as he was relegated to fourth line status. While I like Sjo’s speed and tenacity, I also think that we have not seen the best of Korpi yet and that Korpi has some natural goal scoring abilities that Sjo does not possess. It will be interesting to see how Korpi’s fate plays out in the Tort era.

Rangers Of The Game

1st – Avery

2nd – Gomer

3rd – Hank

The Rangers were on their game for the first 15 minutes of the period, forechecking, driving to the net, and generating opportunities. In the last five minutes of the period, however, the Rangers lost their game, blowing basic defensive coverage situations. The Rangers scored the first goal of the game, when Antropov, on an unassisted, individualized effort, blocked a shot in the defensive zone, used his size and his body to shield andprotect the puck while bringing the puck up the ice, switched from backhandto forehand, and beat Biron with a quick shot. In the final five minutes the Flyers tied the game when Antropov and Staalgotcaught down ice, causing an odd man rush in which Carter let go of a HUGE shot which Hank gave up a juicy rebound on and Hartnell scored into an empty net.   

In the second period, the Rangers picked up their play and dominated the game. The Rangers held the territorial advantages all period and outshot the Flyers 16-8. Biron however, was tremendous in net, keeping the Flyers in the game. Despite being outplayed, the Flyers scored the lone goal of the period when Redden, misread a play and pinched in and was beat at the blueline, creating a 2 on 1 in which Richards foundthe back of the net. Gomez foundthe back of the net in the second period as well, however the goal, was ERRONEOUSLY (my opinion) not allowed.   

In the third period, the Rangers defensive play slipped. The Rangers were guilty of turning over the puck, allowing too many odd man rushes, and being weak in front of their net. As a result, the Flyers scored twice in the third, while the Rangers scored only once. The Flyers scored their third goal after Redden was unable to keep the puck in the zone, leading to an odd man rush where Giroux, from behindthe net, found Asham, who was left alone in front of the net by Redden. Asham also scored the Flyers fourth goal, when he in went in alone on Hank after chipping the puck by Girardi at the Ranger’s blueline. Avery scored for the Rangers, coming in hard and fast on Biron with a quick wrist shot under the glove and inside the post. Avery’s goal however, was too little, too late. Final score: 4-2 Flyers.

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Avery – Avery had another huge game today and was once again the Ranger’s best forward. Avery, who now has goals in back to back games, was strong on the puck, tough along the boards, and responsible in staying out of the box. Furthermore, the Avery/Gomer tandem really seems to be clicking.

2. Morris – The more I watch Morris, the more I like his game. Morris has an innate ability to get the puck from the point, through traffic, and on net. His ability to shoot the puck is quite helpful on the PP.

3. Zherdev – Whatever was said or not said between Zherdev and Torts definitely had an impact on Zherdev. Today Zherdev played with confidence and passion. If not for Biron’s remarkable play between the pipes Zherdev could easily have scored a goal or two. Zherdev’s continued strong play will be critical to the Rangers through the playoff stretch.

4. Redden – Today Redden was downright horrible. Two of the Flyer’s four goals were directly his fault. It is time for Sather to bite the bullet, admit he made a mistake in signing Redden, send Redden to the minors, and create salary cap space to work with in the off season. I would much rather see Potter, Fahey, or Sanguinetti play hard and make rookie mistakes than continue to watch Redden’s uninspired play.

5. Nasi – Today Nasi continued to struggle. In addition to taking yet another penalty, he seems to be a tad slow, unable to find open ice, and afriad of establishing a presence in front of the net.

Rangers Of The Game

1st – Avery

2nd – Zherdev

3rd – Morris

In the beginning of the first period the Rangers came out skating well and forechecking hard. As a result, they were rewarded when Avery found the back of the net, (his first goal back as a Ranger) off a fortunately placed Gomer rebound. After scoring however, the Rangers took three penalties (Zherdev 1 penalty and Nasi2 penalties, one of which was for too many men on the ice), changing the flow and momentum of the game in favor of Nashville. Nashville responded by scoring two goals. Nashville’s first goal was a power play goal by Weber, after some nice give and go passing with Tootoo and Suter, who overpowered Hank with a shot that went in over his arm. Nashville’s second goal was credited to Dumont but actually went in off of Girardi’s skate after a Zherdev turnover in the Rangers zone led to a three on two rush up the ice by Dumont, Sullivan, and Legwand.

The Rangers started the second period on a power play in which they were unable to gain control of the puck in the offensive zone and thus, were futile in their attempt to even up the game. Shortly thereafter, however, the Rangers did find the back of the net after Avery went in hard on the forecheck forcing Ellis to turnover the puck to Cally who scored a nice goal through a Gomer screen. Following Cally’s goal, the Rangers upped their game, taking no penalties and dominating and controlling the play and the puck. In particular, the combination of Gomer, Cally, and Avery were stellar, as their hard work was responsible for the Ranger’s go ahead goal. The Rangers go ahead goal was scored after Avery, Cally, and Gomer created hard pressure in front of the net, enabling Staal to find the puck and score a garbage goal through the pile up in front of the net. Zherdev meanwhile, saw no ice time during the second period.  

In the third period, the Rangers continued with the momentum and domination they established in the second period. They were relentless on the puck, generating scoring chance after scoring chance. The Rangers scored their fourth and final goal of the game while on the penalty kill. Betts, who won a faceoff in the defensive zone, capitalized on a turnover by Suter, rushed the puck up the ice, passed the puck perfectly onto Sjo’s stick, and Sjocompleted the play with a great shot by Ellis. Zherdev again, did not see the ice in the third. Final Score: 4-2 Rangers 

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Avery – Tonight Avery was a beast. He was all over the ice and all over the net. He was responsible with the puck, he was strong on the forecheck, he forced turnovers, and he drew penalties. Avery was the Ranger’s best forward tonight as he was directly involved, if not responsible for, three of the Rangers Four goals.

2. Zherdev, Nasi, Rosi and Accountability – Since he has taken over behind the bench, we have seen that Torts most certainly holds his players accountable for poor and uninspired performances. Tonight Zherdev was definitely in the dog house as he did not see the ice at ALL during the second or third periods. Nasi’s ice time diminished as he was demoted to the third line and Rosi and Redden were split, each seeing less of the ice.

3. Cally – I feel like a broken record sometimes when talking about Cally, but tonight, yet again, Cally had a FANTASTIC game. His aggressive offensive play and strong defensive play forced turnovers and created opportunities. Moreover, tonight, Cally was directly involved in two of the Ranger’s four goals.

4. Gomer – Gomer had a very strong game tonight, collecting 3 points. Gomer’s speed and agility seem to mesh well with Tort’s aggressive system of play. Gomer seems more comfortable with attempting to carry and be creative with the puck. Gomer also seems to have found a little more edge in his game.

5. Penalties – Simply put, when the Ranger’s take penalties, as they did in the first period tonight, they shoot themselves in the feet. The Rangers must learn to play aggressive while at the same time playing disciplined. Tonight, Nasi in particular had a rough game in terms of taking penalties, one of which was a mental error which led to a too many men on the ice penalty.  

Rangers Of The Game

1. Avery

2. Cally

3. Gomer

Honorable Mention: Hank

In the first period the Rangers were strong and aggressive going up the ice while maintaining good team defense in their own zone. Players were going hard to the net, looking for the garbage goals. Unfortunately however, the Rangers took three penalties in the first (Gomer took two penalties), and thus had to spend way too much time down a man. Vali was sharp in net, enabling the Rangers to escape the first in a scoreless tie despite being down a man three times.

The second period was overall, an evenly played period. The Rangers continued to forecheck hard and drive to the net, generating some quality scoring chances. Cam Ward, however, was solid in net. Carolina scored the lone goal of the period and the first goal of the game when Rosi turned over the puck at the Rangers blueline, creating a 2 on 1,(which Redden was not surprisingly unable to defend) in which Vali stopped a nice shot by Cullen but gave up a rebound which Corvo was able to capitalize on.

In the third period, though they continued to play aggressive, competitive, and physical hockey, the Rangers were unable to find the back of the net at even strength or on the man advantage.  Carolina on the other hand, was able to capitalize on the power play when Brind ‘Amour beat Vali high over the glove.  Ruutu then sealed the deal for Carolina with an empty netter. Final Score: 3-0 Carolina.

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Penalty Kill  – Tonight the Rangers PK was five for six (83%). Typically, this would be considered to be a successful penalty kill. However, when your power play cannot seem to find the back of the net, the PK must be perfect.

2. Penalties – Tonight the Rangers took entirely too many penalties (6 total). It is very difficult to win games when you are down a man for twelve minutes. The Rangers must be more disciplined in this regard.

3. Vali- This loss was in NO way, shape, or form the fault of Vali. In fact, if not for some brilliant goal tending by Vali, who had not started in a game since February 15th, the Rangers could have easily lost this game by five or six goals.

4. Power Play – While overall the power play looks better, generating more chances, cycling the puck, and driving to the net, at the end of the day, the power play cannot be considered a success unless it scores goals. Tonight, the power play was 0 for 4. Tonight, because the power play did not come through, the Rangers lost a critical game.

5. 3rd Line v. 1st and 2nd lines- Tonight the Rangers third line was their most potent line. Cally, Korpi, and Avery all had strong games. They drove to the net, they won battles for the puck, and they challenged Ward every opportunity they got. In order to win games however, the Ranger’s first and second lines must demonstrate the commitment, effort, and passion that the third line demonstrated tonight.  

Rangers Of The Game

1st – Vali

2nd – Avery (despite his 2 penalties)

3rd – Cally

In the first period, with the exception of the first 2 minutes of the period when the Rangers were on a penalty kill, the Rangers were flying, generating chances, forechecking with persistence, and looking strong. While no goals were scored during the first, the Rangers held the territorial advantage and the Rangers dominated the physical play.

In the second period the Rangers maintained their strong and aggressive forecheck, finding the back of the net three times. Moreover, in the second, Hank came up with some tremendous saves at all the right times. Antropov scored the first goal  of the game for the Rangers, from Dru and Redden, after some nice give and go passing. Two minutes later, Boston responded with a goal of their own when Dru turned over the puck enabling Kobasew to go in alone on Hank. Gomer scored NY’s secondgoal, a power play goal which he shot from behindthe goal line, after some good puck movement with Antropov and Morris. NY’sthird goal was a gritty goal by Cally, who received the puck from Avery who was tenacious behind the net to gain puck possession. Unfortunately, at the end of the third period, Girardi took a 4 minute double minor high sticking penalty. Thus, after a strong period, the Rangers were headed into the third down a man.

After two very strong periods, in the third period, the Rangers came out looking a bit sluggish and back on their heels. As a result, Boston scored two quick power play goals. Chara scored on a rocket from the point through a screen and Ryder scored, beating Hank by the left post, off a beautiful cross ice pass from Savard. After Boston’s second power play goal, NY refound their game and got back to the aggressive and gritty play that brought them success in the first two periods.  Zherdev scored NY’s fourth goal after Staal joined the rush, brought the puck into the zone, andshot the puck wide leaving Zherdevwith a juicy rebound and a wide open net. In the final two minutes Avery was called for a VERY questionable interference penalty and the Rangers were forced to hold onto their lead with a strong penalty kill. Dubi in particular, was amazing on the PK. Final Score: 4-3 Rangers    

Key Elements Of The Game

1. Hank – Today Hank started in his 13th consecutive game and he certainly did not look worse for the wear. With Tort’s new aggressive system, the Rangers are bound to give up some odd man rushes. Today, Hank showed he is up to the task of negating these odd man rushes with timely saves. For, today, when the Rangers found themselves in trouble Hank came up big.

2. Avery – He’s back!!! And more importantly, he is the same old Sean Avery on the ice. Today Avery had one of his usual spirited games. Avery made good plays both with and without the puck, he was responsible, and he was strong along the boards, winning the small ice battles. Welcome back Sean.

3. Power Play – Since Tort’s has taken over behind the bench the power play has morphed into something which looks better and better. There is more cycling, more movement with the puck, more puck retrieval, more shots on net, and more body’s to the net. Most importantly however, the power play is actually finding the back of the net.

4. Antropov – In two games, Antropov has proven that he is a great acquisition. In addition to his size, which the Rangers desperately needed, he does NOT hesitate to shoot the puck and drive to the net. Today, with a goal and an assist Antropov had a great game, contributing on every shift and adding potency to the power play.

5. Morris – Morris, like Antropov, I feel is a valuable addition to the Rangers blueline. He is CERTAINLY an upgrade from the impotent Kalinin. What I like about Morris is that he does not shy away from taking shots from the point. Today, we saw Morris firing shot after shot, throwing the Fernandez off his game while in turn, creating chances for his own teammates.

6. Dubi – While Dubi is in a bit of a rut in terms of finding the back of the net, ALL other aspects of his game are dead on fire. Dubi was a beast today, hitting everything in site, killing penalties, blocking shots, generating chances, taking abuse in front of the net, and engaging in every small ice battle he could find. Today, when Dubi was on the ice, he was the most visible and potent player on the ice. Great game Dubi!!

Rangers of The Game

1st – Antropov

2nd – Dubi

3rd – Hank