Rangers @ Bruins Pre-Game Notes 2/12/2013
Posted 4:59 AM ET | Comments 2
The Rangers face off against the big bad Bruins at 7:30 tonight. To be honest, I always look forward to playing the B's. Original Six matchup aside, Rangers vs. Bruins games promise to be a hard fought, close checking spectacle. On this night, though, I am particularly excited.rn I feel like the Rangers have really started to click since their 3-2 win at Tampa Bay ten days ago. Even though they dropped a 3-1 loss to the Devils three days after, I thought they played a better game than the Devils and dictated the majority of the play. Since February 2nd, the Rangers have gone 3-1-0, outscoring their opponents 13-7 despite continuing their abysmal play with the man advantage. Since going 1-3-0 in their first four games of the season, the Rangers have gone on a 5-2 streak, and seem to improve from game to game.
After struggling with inconsistent scoring, I think Tortorella breaking up the "Big Three" has really paid dividends. While it was exciting to imagine what Nash would be capable of after finally having a top-notch center to get the puck to him, I honestly believe he doesn't really need that set-up guy. On the other hand, Gaborik does, and Pyatt is a dynamic enough player that he's meshed well with Gaborik and Richards thus far. Even though most Rangers fans would like to see more production from the top line, the secondary scoring has consistently put pucks in the net.
Dating back to the February 2nd game, Hagelin, Stepan, and Nash have combined for 9 points in four games, Miller and Kreider have combined for 4 points in the last two games, Callahan had a goal in his second game back from a shoulder injury, and the fourth line added the put away goal against Tampa last Sunday, courtesy of Arron Asham. The best part, though, is Lundqvist beginning to find his groove again. While I don't think he played poorly in the early contests, he certainly didn't look like the King. Throw in the fact that their defense is doing a better job shutting down the opposition's top guys, and it really looks like the Rangers are firing on all cylinders. Almost makes me forget that their powerplay is about as lethal as their penalty kill.
Still, I find solace in the fact that no matter how bad our powerplay sucks, it doesn't suck as much as Potvin.
After struggling with inconsistent scoring, I think Tortorella breaking up the "Big Three" has really paid dividends. While it was exciting to imagine what Nash would be capable of after finally having a top-notch center to get the puck to him, I honestly believe he doesn't really need that set-up guy. On the other hand, Gaborik does, and Pyatt is a dynamic enough player that he's meshed well with Gaborik and Richards thus far. Even though most Rangers fans would like to see more production from the top line, the secondary scoring has consistently put pucks in the net.
Dating back to the February 2nd game, Hagelin, Stepan, and Nash have combined for 9 points in four games, Miller and Kreider have combined for 4 points in the last two games, Callahan had a goal in his second game back from a shoulder injury, and the fourth line added the put away goal against Tampa last Sunday, courtesy of Arron Asham. The best part, though, is Lundqvist beginning to find his groove again. While I don't think he played poorly in the early contests, he certainly didn't look like the King. Throw in the fact that their defense is doing a better job shutting down the opposition's top guys, and it really looks like the Rangers are firing on all cylinders. Almost makes me forget that their powerplay is about as lethal as their penalty kill.
Still, I find solace in the fact that no matter how bad our powerplay sucks, it doesn't suck as much as Potvin.
Welcome. Glad to see a Rangers writer. Paragraphs would make it easier to read, just a friendly suggestion.
Thanks for the advice. Look forward to seeing you around the Buzz.