Sunday, February 24, 2008

Big Win in Buffalo


Tonight the New York Rangers (31-24-8) deafeated the Buffalo Sabres (30-25-7) by a score of 4-3. Sean Avery scored the go-ahead goal with 5:05 left, capitalizing on Ales Kotalik’s dreadful giveaway in his own zone, in a 4-3 win over the Sabres on Saturday night. The victory came four days after the Rangers squandered a 5-0 lead in a 6-5 shootout loss to Montreal, and pushed New York two points ahead of Buffalo in the standings. The Rangers remain tied with Boston, which defeated Tampa Bay 5-3, in sixth place. Buffalo dropped to eighth, a point ahead of the New York Islanders and Philadelphia. The Rangers improved to 3-0 against the Sabres this season and are suddenly on a roll, at 9-3-2 in their past 14 games. Avery and Brandon Dubinsky had a goal and assist each, while Jaromir Jagr and Nigel Dawes also scored for the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves to preserve the win. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...like I said the other day, there is too much veteran leadership on this team to let Tuesday's disaster bring this team down. Amazing win.

...congratulations to Jagr for his first goal in 13 games. Man had it been that long? Last goal was on January 22nd. Ouch. Way to get off the schneid Jags.

...I love the way other players have stepped up with Jagr not scoring. None bigger than Dubinsky who now has 8 goals and 8 assists in the last 17 games. Another player stepping up lately has been Avery, who, by scoring the game winning goal tonight, has scored five goals in the last five games.

...I've been tough on Lundqvist for the past three months, deservedly so, but he earned his money tonight. Numerous big time saves, none bigger than the breakaway save he made in third period to keep the score tied at three. Renney's got to give him the start tomorrow, especially with another three day break coming up.

...I'll have a preview and more before tomorrow night's game.

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