New York Rangers

Of course, as the Rangers demonstrated in their seven-game first round win over the Capitals, in which they lost the first two games in Washington, this afternoon’s Game 2 against the Bruins is not a must win. But to win, the Rangers must do certain things better, namely, as written ad infinitum since their 3-2 OT loss in Game 1, forecheck and figure out something with their power play. And, their top line must be better, too. Three Keys to Game 2: 1. Make it tougher: The Rangers’ forecheck was not effective in their 3-2 overtime loss in Game 1, meaning not only did the Bruins have a relatively easy time getting the puck out of their own zone, the Rangers were not able to wear the Bruins down physically. Worse, having a good forecheck had been a point of emphasis in Game 1 with the Bruins dressing three rookie defensemen. 2. Still waiting for the power play: The Rangers were 0 for 3 on the power play in Game 1, leaving them at 2 for 31 in the postseason. The Rangers generated just three shots on goal in 5:35 with the man advantage. 3. Limiting opportunities: It wasn’t just that the Bruins were able to take 16 shots on G Henrik Lundqvist in overtime, or 48 total in the game. The Bruins held puck possession enough to also have 29 attempts blocked and 16 miss the net, meaning they actually had 93 attempts. The Rangers had just 66, including 35 shots on goal. Also, here’s a leftover quote from coach John Tortorella from his media session on Saturday when he was asked about the effect of the lockout on certain players. “You look right through the league, the guys that did go and play, it certainly benefited them,” Tortorella said. “Some guys that didn’t go and play it hasn’t affected them at all. But some guys that didn’t go and play it has affected them. I think older players should have played. I think older players, even when it’s not a lockout need to do even more as far as conditioning as far as being on the ice. Some guys feel because they’re veteran and they’re up in age they need to rest. I’ve seen guys careers end quickly because they’re not doing enough. They need to be on the ice more, that’s the way I feel about it. People may not agree with it but I really believe that. I’ve seen a number of situations when I was an assistant coach when I was in Buffalo, not going to name the two players, they felt they needed to be off the ice more because they were older, where their career ended where they should have been on the ice practicing and conditioning more.” Tortorella certainly also didn’t name anybody by name on the Rangers. But, and this is just me talking here, it certainly sounded like he could have been describing Brad Richards. Both teams will maintain the same lineups they dressed in Game 1 as Bruins coach Claude Julien said before the game that defensemen Wade Redden and Dennis Seidenberg were not available. Something maybe I only find interesting in pre-game line rushes but, all season, regardless of what line he’s actually skating on, Richards typically is given the courtesy of taking the first line rush. I’ll admit I’m not sure about Game 1, but, today, the lines went in order so Derek Stepan’s top line took the first rush. Rangers lines/D-pairs: Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan Rick Nash-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello Taylor Pyatt-Brian Boyle-Derek Dorsett Chris Kreider-Brad Richards-Arron Asham Ryan McDonagh-Anton Stralman Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi John Moore-Steve Eminger Henrik Lundqvist (4-4, 1.76 GAA) Bruins lines/D-pairs: Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Jaromir Jagr Rich Peverley-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton Zdeno Chara-Dougie Hamilton Matt Bartkowski-Johnny Boychuk Torey Krug-Adam McQuaid Tuukka Rask (5-3, 2.36 GAA) ====

Must win? Not yet. But you probably don’t want to play with those matches again, right. The Rangers came back from 0-2 for the second time in team history against Washington, so you really shouldn’t figure that can happen again, right? I don’t think the Rangers are dead at 0-2, but they’d be really close to the cliff. Take Our Poll Game 2. Rangers at Bruins. The Patrick Elias Sports Bureau just informed me that in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the winner of Game 2 is either 2-0 or 1-1 in the series. And that either the winner or loser of Game 2 has gone on to win the series 100 percent of the time. Same lineup for the Rangers, which means no Marc Staal (eye), Ryane Clowe (probable concussion) or Darroll Powe (probable concussion). Henrik Lundvist in goal vs. Tuuka Rask. Duh. Sounds like the B’s won’t be getting back any of their injured D-men, Dennis Seidenberg, Andrew Ference or everybody’s favorite, Wade Redden. So the kids will play again. And the Rangers power play rolls in at a hefty 6.4 percent clip. ************************************** Don’t forget to vote for the Three Rangers Stars, and to follow me (and Josh Thomson, 26) on twitter: @RangersReport. Also, it’s now official. Our first-round predictions contest winners are: 1. Mike S, 2. Michael Raffo, 3. Lyova. Congratulations, boys! Please email me your snail-mail addresses to rcarpini@lohud.com. The post It’s Go Time! … Game 2: Rangers at Bruins appeared first on Rangers Report Blog.

Today the Rangers look to avoid going back to MSG down 2-0. In game 1 the Blueshirts stayed with the Bruins until OT where they were out-shot 16-5, half of which was on that one power play. Although it wasn’t a great game by any means, I thought the Bruins looked very beatable. Sure they have depth and an ability to roll four lines, but at no point did I feel like any of their guys were legit threats to send us home packing. That nervousness for me just wasn’t there the way it was against the Caps, or even the Devils or Senators last year. I know that’s not much of an analysis, but that’s what the gut was telling me. Anyone feel differently? Side note: The media has made a big fuss over Henrik Lundqvist’s losing record in OT during the playoffs. Interesting that no one is mentioning Martin Brodeur’s career playoff OT record of 12-21 (.364) Series Previews: 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 1-0 NYR Playoff Leading Scorer: Derick Brassard (2-8-10) BOS Playoff Leading Scorer: David Krejci (5-9-14) NYR Playoff Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (8 GP, 1.76 GAA, .945 SV%) BOS Playoff Goaltender: Tuukka Rask (8 GP, 2.36 GAA, .926 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 Mats Zuccarello-Derick Brassard-Rick Nash Derek Dorsett-Brian Boyle-Taylor Pyatt Chris Kreider-Brad Richards-Arron Asham Ryan McDonagh-Anton Stralman Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi John Moore-Steve Eminger Henrik Lundqvist Scratches/Injuries:  Darroll Powe (concussion), Marc Staal (eye), Ryane Clowe (undisclosed/concussion), Matt Gilroy (healthy), Roman Hamrlik (healthy), Kris Newbury (healthy) Broadcast Info: NBCSN 3pm Tweet

The New York Rangers are heading into this afternoon's game with a perfect opportunity to walk out with the split, before returning to Madison Square Garden for Game's 3 and 4. Even though the Rangers lost the last game in overtime, they actually played a pretty decent game both offensively and defensively. One small miscue was the reason for failure, and it's just one of those games they need to shake off and look ahead tot he next one. vs. New York Rangers (#6 Seed) vs Boston Bruins (#4 Seed)Series Score: 1-0 BOSTD Garden - Boston, MA- 3:00 PM Television: NBC, TSN, RDS | Radio: NHL Game RadioOpponent's Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder | Tickets: New York Rangers Playoff Tickets Some Quick Thoughts: According to Darren Dreger, it appears as if the Boston Bruins won't be getting an reinforcements on their blue line this afternoon. Wade Redden, Dennis Seidenberg, and Andrew Ference all aren't ready to return, which will leave Torey Krug, Matt Bartkowski, and Dougie Hamilton in the lineup. With the Rangers power play continuing to struggle, John Tortorella stated there would be some changes. He said that he didn't like putting Carl Hagelin on the power play because he's "too fast", but with the recent struggles, he's walking back on those comments. Rick Nash looked like a completely different Rick Nash in Game 1, and he was starting to show glimpses of himself. The Rangers absolutely need Nash to step up big in this series if they are going to move on. Relying too much on secondary scoring can be dangerous for the Rangers. Projected Lineup: Carl Hagelin - Derek Stepan - Ryan CallahanMats Zuccarello - Derick Brassard - Rick NashDerek Dorsett - Brian Boyle - Taylor PyattChris Kreider - Brad Richards - Arron AshamRyan McDonagh - Dan GirardiMichael Del Zotto - Anton StralmanJohn Moore - Steve EmingerHenrik LundqvistMartin Biron Scratches: Marc Staal (upper-body), Darroll Powe (upper-body), Ryane Clowe (upper-body), Matt Gilroy (healthy), Roman Hamrlik (healthy).

Zuccarello scores pretty goals. There’s a mountain of clichés attached to the not-so-mountainous Norwegian that describe his appearance, his NHL ability, the challenges he’s faced and even the fact he’s now a main act on Broadway. That all considered it’s fair to assume Mats Zuccarello has secured an NHL future as the Rangers prepare to take on the Boston Bruins. Throughout the playoffs Zuccarello has been on the puck, making plays, playing physical and has been much harder to knock off the puck. He’s been consistent and on top of all that he’s been productive – something that (at least consistently) has eluded him in the past. He returned to the Rangers from the KHL with something to prove and he’s proving it. While the Rangers have undoubtedly advanced because of a certain member of royalty in net and an upstart kid from French Canada at center ice, the Rangers wouldn’t have gotten this far without Zuccarello’s contribution. So what next for the little winger? If competition fosters performance Zuccarello was very aware that the Rangers brought in Ryane Clowe and are intent on integrating Chris Kreider and JT Miller into the future and sooner rather than later. While the Rangers have lacked consistent scoring this year they do not lack bodies for the top nine roster spots beyond this season. Mats Zuccarello may have made the off season a difficult one for the Rangers and posed some interesting questions to team management. There is no way the franchise cannot offer Zuccarello a new deal, his play has been too good recently and his contribution too integral. Where Zuccarello lines up after this year is where predicting the future gets tough. Is he a powerplay specialist? Can he mesh with Nash long term? Can the franchise afford to give him ice time and not prioritise Chris Kreider’s development? Many questions remain about Zuccarello’s position with the club even as he’s surely removed the doubt around his NHL credentials. How Zuccarello (and Brassard for that matter) ends these playoffs will go some way into establishing a spot for him. He deserves a chance to stick in a scoring role, at least in the short term, and lord does the Rangers powerplay need his vision and passing ability. Perhaps Zuccarello’s presence will allow the Rangers to finally develop Chris Kreider and JT Miller at the appropriate rates; both are still young and wouldn’t be stunted by extra seasoning out of the New York limelight. One thing is for sure when discussing Mats Zuccarello; if he can provide offense on a regular basis he’ll get a chance. The Rangers need as much offense as they can get their hands on. Tweet

Courtesy of the Rangers: NEW YORK RANGERS at BOSTON BRUINS 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 2 Sunday, May 19 (3:00 p.m.) – TD Garden BOS leads 1-0 TODAY’S GAME: The Rangers will face-off against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden (3:00 p.m. — TV: NBC; Radio: ESPN 98.7), in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series. The Blueshirts trail in the series, 1-0, following a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 1 on Thursday at TD Garden. The Rangers enter the contest with a 212-230-8 record all-time in 450 playoff contests (119-88-2 at home; 93-142-6 on the road). New York has posted a 45-50-2 record all-time in Game 2s. ALL-TIME RANGERS PLAYOFF RECORDS: Overall — 212-230-8 Home — 119-88-2 Away — 93-142-6 Goals for — 1,236 Goals against — 1,227 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORDS —RANGERS vs. BRUINS The Rangers and Bruins are meeting in the playoffs for the 10th time overall, and the first time in 40 years. Their last postseason encounter was in the 1973 Quarterfinals, a series won by New York 4-1. Overall, the Blueshirts have a 3-6 playoff series record vs. the Bruins, posting an 18-23-2 mark in 43 postseason contests. RANGERS vs. BRUINS: All-Time (Regular Season): 249-283-97-2 overall (143-119-55-0 at home; 106-164-42-2 on the road) 2012-13: New York was 2-1-0 overall (1-0-0 at home; 1-1-0 on the road). Two of the three contests were decided by one goal, including one game that required overtime and another decided in the shootout. The Blueshirts’ penalty kill was 15-16 (93.8%). Rick Nash led all skaters with three assists, while Henrik Lundqvist was 2-1-0 with a 2.93 GAA and .913 Sv%. The Rangers have won 11 of their last 15 regular season games against the Bruins, including seven of their last nine meetings, and are 22-7-2 against Boston since 2005-06 The Rangers are 12-3-0 in their last 15 regular season games against the Bruins at MSG, dating back to a 3-2 win on Nov. 20, 2005 The Blueshirts are 5-1-0 in their last six regular season games at TD Garden, having out-scored the Bruins, 15-10, over the span Henrik Lundqvist has started in 27 consecutive regular season games against Boston, dating back to Jan. 13, 2007 The Blueshirts have three players with previous playoff experience against the Bruins – Arron Asham (9 GP, 1-2-3), Roman Hamrlik (25 GP, 1-8-9), and Darroll Powe (11 GP, 0-1-1) New York lists no former Bruins on their roster Boston lists three former Rangers on their roster: Jaromir Jagr (2003-04 – 2007-08); Wade Redden (2008-09 – 2009-10); Marc Savard (1997-98 – 1998-99) INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS vs. BRUINS (Regular Season): Henrik Lundqvist — 30 GP, 21-7-2, 1.67 GAA, 6 SO Martin Biron — 31 GP, 12-12-2-1, 2.66 GAA, 1 SO Brad Richards — 37 GP, 8-23-31 Ryan Callahan — 22 GP, 5-6-11 Michael Del Zotto — 13 GP, 2-5-7 SPECIAL TEAMS: The Blueshirts are 2-0 in games when tallying a power play goal during the playoffs, and are 4-0 when not allowing a power play goal against Power Play: The Rangers did not tally a goal in three power play opportunities (5:35) in Game 1, and are now 2-31 (6.4%) in the playoffs. New York is 0-2 in five-on-three situations (3:17; last – 5/12 vs. WSH), and 0-2 while skating four-on-three (0:23; last – 5/8 vs. WSH). Shorthanded goals allowed (0). Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts surrendered one goal to the Bruins in four shorthanded situations (7:21) in Game 1, and are now 16-20 (80.0%) in the playoffs. Shorthanded goals for (0). Four-on-Four: The Blueshirts did not tally/yield a goal in one four-on-four situation (0:25) in Game 1, and are now even in three four-on-four situations (4:25) in the playoffs. Four-on-four goals for (0). Four-on-four goals allowed (0). QUICK HITS: Prior to Game 1, the last time the Rangers and Bruins played an overtime game in the playoffs was Mar. 27, 1958 (L, 3-4) Four of the remaining eight teams in the playoffs are Orig

Oh, to have Jaromir Jagr back with the Rangers. Admittedly for selfish reasons not entirely based upon Jagr’s on-ice performance, though, at 41, he can still contribute. But Jagr is still one of the great interviews in sports. “Ah,” Jagr said, smiling, when the Bruins room was opened this afternoon. “The New York media…You guys missed me.” Yes, Jags, yes we do. Both he and fellow former Ranger Wade Redden were at their stalls Saturday. Redden, who missed Game 1 with an undisclosed injury, said he was ready to play just yet and was day to day. Bruins coach Claude Julien said Redden would be a game-time decision. Redden spoke about his time with Hartford (AHL), his feelings about spending two seasons in the minors because A) he was not performing at the level the Rangers needed and B) the Rangers could hide his $6.5 million annual salary cap hit in the minors - a loophole in the old Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Rangers bought out the final two years of Redden’s six-year, $39 million deal prior to this season under one of their amnesty buyouts allowed in the new CBA. And Jagr, well, he just spoke. And said some funny things. Like when it was all over when I asked him if he still was planning to play one season in the Czech Republic for Kladno after he was done in the NHL, to fulfill a promise he made to his father. Jagr just laughed. “One season?” He said. “I could be scoring in that league when I’m 50.” And he said some serious things. Quotes below… ====================================================== Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/AGrossRecord Follow the Record Sports Staff at twitter.com/TheRecordSports