Playing 'Rangers Hockey' Gets New York Back In Series

The Rangers got back into the series yesterday, with a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals.  Yesterday’s game may end up being the turning point of the series as well, if the Rangers can pull off an upset.  The tone has now completely changed. 

Games one and two were essentially chess matches, with the exception of Alex Ovechkin smacking Rangers around at will.  Yesterday, New York took a page from OV’s book, and started hitting back.  The line of Brandon Prust, Brian Boyle, and Sean Avery was outstanding.  The trio battered the Caps stars, causing frustration that led to numerous penalties and power play opportunities. 

New York only scored on two of their seven power plays, but having a player in the box keeps the Capitals from generating any kind of flow to their offense.  Brandon Dubinsky’s game winner came while the teams were playing four on four, which came as the result of Brian Boyle drawing Washington’s John Carlson into a slugging match.  

They also frustrated their coach, Bruce Boudreau, who verbally attacked the referees, Marc Staal, Brandon Prust, and even Madison Square Garden and the fans.

“Well, the one thing, its reputation is far better than the actual building,” the coach said. “I mean, it’s nothing. The locker rooms are horrible. The benches are horrible. There’s no room for anything. But the reputation of being in Madison Square Garden is what makes it famous. Also, our building’s a lot louder, too. So I mean, they can say what they want, but it’s not that loud in there.”

The Rangers can pull this off if, and only if, they continue to play their brand of hockey.  Taking the body, blocking shots, and never giving up, are the hallmarks of this team.  They got away from that style in the first two games, but they are back to it now.  If they stick to it, it will be a rough series for Washington.  If they don’t, it will be a quick one.

Dante Vassallo
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