Rangers Vs. Flyers: That One Felt Good
Notes from the Rangers' win over the Flyers.
- That's a really good win, after a really good win, after another really good win. Three in a row where the New York Rangers started well, played a whole 60 minutes (for the most part) and scored when they needed to. The Rangers' players talked a lot about how the win over the Dallas Stars on Friday was vital to proving the win over Chicago (in Chicago, no less) wasn't a fluke. This win can fall into this category as well. The Rangers dominated this game from start to finish, and if it weren't for some great saves by Ray Emery and a few missed opportunities the Rangers could have easily scored eight or nine goals.
- The three best players for the New York Rangers were Chris Kreider, Henrik Lundqvist and Rick Nash. Lundqvist was in beast mode all night, made 17 saves in a deceptive first period (the Rangers were up 3-0 and it really didn't feel like the Flyers had that many shots on goal) and was just as important in the third when the wheels could have fallen off easily with a goal or two by the guys in orange. Really good work from him.
- And, of course, this is another good game in a row for Nash, who now has 11 goals on the season and four in his last four games. Maybe he's finally recovering from missing all that time with the concussion, or maybe the Rangers' offense is finally clicking, but the Rangers have needed him to be good and he has been.
- Don't need to say much about Kreider, really. Another typical, great performance from the rookie. His goal marked the 12th time he's lit the lamp this year, which is the best on the team. His goal showed off his smarts, when he lured both Emrey and the defenseman into shying towards a wide open Nash before moving into the crease and scoring. And his assist on the Nash goal was nothing short of perfect. Right on the tape to where Nash could fire it home.
- Speaking of firing it home, what a goal by Derick Brassard (and what a pass by Mats Zuccarello). He rocketed the shot home for his eighth goal of the year. I've maintained he's been much better than his stats indicate. He's rewarding me with his play of late.
- Another great game from Ryan McDonagh. Dan Girardi was very good, as was Marc Staal. Michael Del Zotto had another great game. John Moore and Anton Stralman were both invisible, which is a compliment.
- Dan Carcillo, eh? I told you all I thought he'd become a fan favorite. I, like you, don't like his past, but he's been really, really good since he joined the team. Scoring a goal against the Flyers is the cherry on top, but he was very much in an Avery role Sunday, annoying Wayne Simmonds and the rest of the gang all night. Great work from him.
- Another thing that shouldn't be overlooked? This was a big swing game for the Rangers. It's a huge four point game that might have major playoff indications if the Rangers and Flyers end up fighting for a playoff spot. Big win. Important win. And another win at home. Rangers are 2-0 on this little homestand so far. Good to see all around.
Thoughts?
