Rangers Recap: Rangers 7 Leafs 2
Just some thoughts here on the game before the Rangers release the official recap. Here are some links:
Maple Leafs vs Rangers recap
Maple Leafs vs Rangers boxscore
Pension Plan Puppets
Tonight was a big game in my opinion. The Leafs were win-less and looking for blood and the Rangers were able to hold them off for two periods and then swarm in the third to put things out of reach.
The first period was all Rangers as they came through with two goals; a 5 on 3 by Ryan Callahan and an absolute beauty from Wade Redden. The Rangers controlled the play, they owned the neutral zone, and Lundqvist was his normal self. They came a Henrik Lundqvist trip away from keeping the Leafs off the board.
The second period started off well with a goal from Dan Girardi but the Rangers quickly found themselves on their heels. The Maple Leafs were able to press the issue, force the Rangers back and eventually Jason Blake scored a goal that Lundqvist probably wish he had back.
And then came the third period where the Rangers really put it out of reach. There were four goals scored in the third by the Rangers. Two by Sean Avery, one by Marian Gaborik and one more by Girardi. The Rangers were relentless they were fierce and they were gritty. Make no mistake the Leafs might be a bad team but that does not mean they weren't dangerous. This is a game the old Rangers would have found a way to lose, so it's nice to see them win.
The first line continues to impress: Brandon Dubinsky has two assists, Gaborik had a goal and an assist, and Vinnie Prospal had two assists. Other impressive Rangers were Avery with two goals and an assist, Artem Anisimov with two assists and Wade Redden with a goal and an assist. Jim will post up the official Ranger game recap when he gets it.
Anyway I'll make the call on this.
Blueshirt Banter player of the game:
