New York Rangers

There will be a lineup change in this game but it’s the Bruins inserting a veteran, not the Rangers. D Dennis Seidenberg, who has missed the first four games of this series with a lower-body injury, will replace rookie Dougie Hamilton, who was burned on Chris Kreider’s OT winner in Game 4, as Zdeno Chara’s partner. For the Rangers, Darroll Powe, out since Game 3 of the first round against the Capitals with a suspected concussion, was on the ice for warmups but did not participate in the line rushes. So coach John Tortorella, with his team facing elimination for the second straight game in this series and for the fourth time so far this postseason, is trusting his players and his Rangers’ lineup from Game 4, including the revamped fourth line of Kris Newbury centering Micheal Haley and Derek Dorsett. “We’ve been fine in the room,” Tortorella said. “We have momentum on our side, we’ll try to keep it.” Tortorella added there was “no update” on D Anton Stralman, who is missing his second straight game but did add that D Ryan McDonagh is going to “play a ton.” Which is not necessarily breaking a lot of news there. He logged 29:43 in Game 4 and was on the ice for 31:59 in Game 1. It’s sort of like saying McDonagh is “going to make a lot of money” in his new contract this summer. Speaking of reliable, Tortorella was asked whether he thought Henrik Lundqvist elevated his game in elimination situations. “I don’t pay attention to Henrik,” Tortorella said. “I know he’s going to be there. He stops the puck. All the time.” “We worked too long and too hard to go out in four straight,” Lundqvist said. “We gave ourselves an opportunity to play one more game. That’s our approach now is just win. We go in that building, we’re playing a good team. I think the last couple of games we’ve had more intensity, at least the second half of (Game 4) was really good and parts of the game before that were really good as well. So focus on the good parts and the stuff we’ve been doing well and feel as good as we can.” Here’s a look at how the Rangers have thrived in elimination games the past two seasons. While Lundqvist and the Rangers are 6-1 over the past two playoffs - five series - it should be noted the Rangers were 1-5 in elimination games from 2006-11, all with Lundqvist in net. And here’s Tom Gulitti’s column on how closing out series has been a tough chore for Bruins goalie Tuukka “I Fell on My” Rask. Before today’s game, Bruins fourth liner Shawn Thornton explained why he and his linemates did not accept challenges from the Rangers’ fourth line to fight in Game 4. Thornton said the Bruins had just scored and added he wasn’t sure if Newbury, who was jawing at him, legitimately wanted to fight or whether Newbury was trying to sucker Thornton into dropping his gloves. Thornton said that when the time was appropriate, his gloves aren’t “sewn on.” At the same time, he said wouldn’t have fought in that situation in any game. Keys to Game 5: 1. Up their game: Yes, the Rangers won Game 4 to avoid a sweep. But they can’t forget they trailed 2-0 in the second period and needed an incredible flub by Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask to kickstart their comeback. The Rangers did not start Game 4 with the requisite sense of desperation. A repeat of that won’t work on the Bruins’ home ice. 2. More from the new guys: Tortorella shook up his Game 4 lineup and the same is expected in Game 5: Brad Richards and Arron Asham out, Newbury and Haley anchoring the fourth line, Kreider starting the game with Derek Stepan and Rick Nash and veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik in for the injured Anton Stralman. The Rangers need balanced production to have a chance. 3. Special teams: While the focus has remained on

I’m going way out on a limb here and say this is indeed a Must Win for the Rangers. Seriously, though, I think this is a pretty big win for the Bruins, too, because if they lose this one then all that negative stuff from Philly in 2010, and from Toronto two weeks ago starts creeping into their minds again. It may have already begun to creep in after the Game 4 loss. Who knows? But I think tonight’s game might say more about the Bruins than it does about the Rangers. Take Our Poll Game 5. Rangers at Bruins. Every day is a potential last day of the season for ya boys, now. Looks like the same lineup for the Rangers, which means Micheal Haley and Kris Newbury in for Brad Richards and Arron Asham, and Roman Hamrlik in for Anton Stralman. Darroll Powe skated in warmups but is not expected to play. Dennis Seidenberg looks to be re-joining the Boston defense, on a pair with Zdeno Chara, which likely means Dougie Hamilton is prucha’d. Henrik Lundqvist (duh) in goal against the break-dancing Tuukka Rask. By the way, how did I not compare the speed of the Carl Hagelin back-handed goal to the Mookie Wilson grounder to Bill Buckner? ********************************************* Don’t forget to vote for the Three Rangers Stars and to follow me (and Josh Thomson, 26) on Twitter: @RangersReport. The post It’s Go Time! … Game 5: Rangers at Bruins appeared first on Rangers Report Blog.

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Here’s my Game 5 preview from Boston. The post Video: Carp’s Game 5 Rangers-Bruins preview appeared first on Rangers Report Blog.

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images After Thursday night’s dramatic comeback win, the Rangers are now in Boston with hopes of sending the series back to New York. A lot of people looked at this as winning four in a row, but the Rangers just need to win one. You can’t look ahead to more games when your season relies on winning the game at hand. One win at a time. This team has proven they can come from behind, and now they just need to execute. Torts is 6-1 in elimination games. Making it 7-1 will make Boston sweat. Series Previews: Game 4 goal breakdown Game 3 goal breakdown Game 2 goal breakdown Positives/negatives of Game 1 5 keys for success for the Rangers Rangers/Bruins second round preview Five keys for success against the Bruins Scouting Tuukka Rask and his goaltending style Previewing the Bruins and their systems/styles of play Series: Bruins lead 3-1 NYR Playoff Leading Scorer: Derick Brassard (2-10-12) BOS Playoff Leading Scorer: David Krejci (5-12-17) NYR Playoff Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (11 GP, 2.15 GAA, .934 SV%) BOS Playoff Goaltender: Tuukka Rask (11 GP, 2.33 GAA, .925 SV%) New York Rangers Tickets RSVP to potentially win tickets to a game Rangers Lines (unconfirmed until Torts releases the lineup): Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan Chris Kreider-Derick Brassard-Rick Nash Mats Zuccarello-Brian Boyle-Taylor Pyatt Derek Dorsett-Kris Newbury-Micheal Haley Ryan McDonagh-Michael Del Zotto Dan Girardi-John Moore Roman Hamrlik-Steve Eminger Henrik Lundqvist Scratches/Injuries:  Darroll Powe (concussion), Anton Stralman (undisclosed), Ryane Clowe (undisclosed), Brad Richards (healthy), Matt Gilroy (healthy), Arron Asham (healthy) Broadcast Info: NBCSN 5:30pm Tweet

Although our attention is rightfully on Game Five today, there is one small item that will require Glen Sather’s attention this week. A trio of 2011 draft picks have until June 1 to sign, or else they will become UFAs and free to sign elsewhere. Shane McColgan (4th), Sam Noreau (6th), and Peter Ceresnak (7th) are the three prospects that await word of an offered entry-level contract this week. McColgan and Noreau are, in my opinion, likely to sign ELCs. The Rangers are thin on prospect depth at the AHL level, and both have proved that they can play well in the CHL. Ceresnak, on the other hand, had a poor year and was actually a healthy scratch for his OHL club for a few games this season. By this time next week, we will know where the organization stands on these three prospects. My gut feeling is that even if one or all are not tendered ELCs, they will pick up somewhere else. Tweet

The New York Rangers will get another crack at closing the gap in this series with Game 5 tonight at TD Garden. The Rangers overcame a 2-0 deficit in Game 4, and the Boston native, Chris Kreider, was the eventual hero with the game winning overtime goal. It's another win or go home game for the Rangers, so they need to leave it all out on the ice once again. Win this game, and the Rangers swing this series right back to Madison Square Garden where the fans will likely blow the roof off of the place. Get it done. vs. New York Rangers (#6 Seed) vs Boston Bruins (#4 Seed)Series Score: 3-1 BOSTD Garden - Boston, MA- 5:30 PM Television: NBCSN, TSN, RDS | Radio: NHL Game RadioOpponent's Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder | Tickets: New York Rangers Playoff Tickets Some Quick Thoughts: According to the morning skate from yesterday, John Tortorella will likely be using the same lineup tonight as he did in Game 4. Which means Brad Richards will be a healthy scratch for his second straight game. But yet again, there's no reason to change something that worked. I found this interesting read while browsing around earlier this morning. Larry Brooks caught up with Derick Brassard, and asked about his confrontation with Brad Marchand in Game 4. Brassard stated, "He’s been asking everybody on our team to fight all series, so I thought it was time to take him up on it, but then I guess he didn't have any interest." This doesn't surprise me in the least bit. Stay classy, Brad Marchand. Projected Lineup: Carl Hagelin - Derek Stepan - Ryan CallahanChris Kreider - Derick Brassard - Rick NashTaylor Pyatt - Brian Boyle - Mats ZuccarelloMicheal Haley - Kris Newbury - Derek DorsettRyan McDonagh - Dan GirardiMichael Del Zotto - Steve EmingerJohn Moore - Roman HamrlikHenrik LundqvistMartin Biron Scratches: Anton Stralman (upper-body), Marc Staal (upper-body), Darroll Powe (upper-body), Ryane Clowe (upper-body), Matt Gilroy (healthy),

May 23, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers players surround left wing Chris Kreider (20) after he scores the game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins during overtime in game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Rangers win 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports This has been the question on many fans minds over the past few days. Prior to game 4, many fans were skeptical of this, myself included. I’ve had some “fans” tell me I don’t have any faith in this team to come back from being down 3 games to none. It’s not that I didn’t have faith it was just that I was being more on the rational side. Everyone knows how tough it is to win 1 game in the playoffs let alone 4 straight. This leads me to my next question, can it be done? I think the answer lies all in today’s game in Boston. Obviously if they lose, this time tomorrow they’ll be cleaning out their lockers & this time Monday they’ll all be teeing off at some fancy Country Club. IF they can muster a win today in a hostile environment, then I can almost guarantee that the tides will turn and the pressure will be off the New York Rangers shoulders and on the Boston Bruins’. Boston’s lineup hasn’t had too much change since their collapse in the 2010 playoffs when the Philadelphia Flyers came back from down 0-3 to go on to the Stanley Cup. So I have no doubt that if they drop today’s game some of that will come back and start to haunt them. Get it back to Madison Square Garden and I guarantee we’ll see you in Boston early next week for game 7. 3 things to watch for in today’s game: Henrik Lundqvist. He is money in elimination games. 6-1, 1.40 GAA & a .952 Save Percentage in his last 7 games. Tuuka Rask. He is the opposite of Lundqvist. Posting a 2-8 record with a 3.20 GAA & an .890 Save Percentage (career). That’s just downright awful. Young Bruins D-Man vs. Rangers fore-check. Although they have played well (Torrey Krug especially) they’ve looked rattled at times, especially in game 4 when the Rangers inserted a little more grit and bang to their lineup. It all happens today at 5:30pm EST on NBC Sports Network. Do the New York Rangers keep climbing the mountain? Don’t forget to leave some feedback! Follow me on Twitter: @serao_11

Could MSG be on the move? With just six months left until the finishing touches are placed on the $1 billion renovation of Madison Square Garden, the arena was recently denied an indefinite operating permit by the city of New York, specifically the New York City Planning Commission. Instead MSG was given a 15 year lease on the space it currently sits. Ben Kabak over at Second Ave Sagas weighed in on the matter, and it appears that this new 15 year lease comes with a caveat: MSG will need to find a resolution with the city to “the Penn Station problem.” The “Penn Station problem” is, as Kabak puts it, capacity restraints. As a daily commuter to and from Long Island, I can see where this is coming from. I have often been unable to even enter Penn Station when there are delays, as the station itself is very small and the hallways very narrow. As people get priced out of living in the city, the number of commuters grows on a monthly basis. Another aspect is that many, including some NY Post editorial writers, believe that the city needs to recapture the architectural beauty that was the old Penn Station, and that it needs to be done right where MSG currently stands. The problem here is that there is a pretty large office building right on Seventh Ave that wasn’t there when the original Penn Station stood. Some editorial writers, it appears, have short memories. During the process of granting MSG a 15 year lease, commission Chair Amanda Burden said, “I don’t think anyone would disagree that the best outcome for New York City would be a relocated Madison Square Garden and a rebuilt Penn Station.” Like Kabak, I vehemently disagree with this sentiment. Penn Station is cramped, but there are ways to alleviate this problem without moving MSG. Burden’s comments are also a bit naive, considering James Dolan and Cablevision just spent $1 billion of their own money to renovate MSG. Dolan will not let the city simply walk all over him after he just dropped ten figures into the city’s economy on the renovation. John Q. Taxpayer did not spend a cent of their own money to fund these renovations, and it’s something that Burden should keep in mind before giving a person like James Dolan an ultimatum. Dolan and MSG have another 15 years to sort things out, but I’m pretty sure the man who just put $1 billion of his own money into a renovation is not all that pleased that they are attempting to move the Garden. You can guarantee that if the city pursues this route, Dolan will not spend another $1 billion of his own money on a new arena, of which a location has still not yet been decided. A simple solution, as Kabak put it, is to expand on the current Penn Station and make it more accessible. Tweet

The New York Rangers already did the hardest part. They fought their way through Game 4 to avoid a sweep and now head into Boston down 3-1 in the series. A loss ends their season. A win sends the series back to New York for Game 6. A win makes things really, really interesting. Easier said than done, of course. The Rangers had their share of problems against the Bruins Thursday, but fought and clawed their way into an overtime victory. Sometimes those wins are enough to prove to a locker room that they're good enough to come back in a series. Sometimes wins like that boost confidence and trust in one another. But the reality is the Bruins need one more win to advance, the Rangers need three. Which is what makes Game 5 so important. A loss and the Bruins move on. A win and the Rangers bring this series back to Madison Square Garden where they would be able to force a Game 7 in front of their home fans. We're getting ahead of the game, obviously, but you can see why Game 5 seems like a must win for both sides. The Rangers made some huge adjustments in Game 4, including a revamped fourth line that helped neutralize the physicality of the Bruins fourth line. The assumption is John Tortorella will stick with his lineup from Thursday -- why change what's working? -- but that will be confirmed at warmups. Yes, that means Brad Richards being scratched for a second straight game. The power play -- which got its first goal of the series off a Brian Boyle shot -- needs o be better. No more failed opportunities. Maybe the goal Thursday will help spark the man advantage, the Rangers certainly can't afford to have it fil them now. The margin of error is so small for the Rangers it's nearly zero. They lose and the season ends. A lot of things came together in their Game 4 win. Keeping it going in Game 5 is critical to success and a win would really sock the Bruins in the jaw. Easier said than dime of course.