Saturday, February 2, 2008

The Start of Something Big?


Last night the New York Rangers (26-22-6) defeated the New Jersey Devils (28-20-3) by a score of 3-1. Chris Drury scored two goals and Henrik Lundqvist made 33 saves as the Rangers beat the Devils for the fifth straight time. The Rangers have won all five meetings this season between the metropolitan area rivals and Lundqvist has been a major part of that success. He was in net for all five wins, allowing only five goals, including two shutouts. Brandon Dubinsky also scored the Rangers who have won two straight -- on the road on consecutive nights. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...I'm starting to get excited. Two games in a row with maximum effort, I almost can't believe my eyes. After a disastrous start to this big four game road trip, the Rangers have really picked up the intensity and with a win on Sunday, can make a statement to the Eastern Conference that they will be a force down the stretch.

...Lundqvist absolutely owns the Devils this year. He gives up only one goal last night (hey, Henrik what's with giving up all these goals from behind the goal line) and his GAA against the Devils actually goes up. While he's not where he was earlier this season, he seems to be getting out of the funk he was in for December and most of January.

...is it me or is Brandon Dubinski the best forward on the Rangers right now. This kid is all over the ice. He seems a step faster then everyone else. And he showed off his shot last night with a cannon to the far pipe to beat Brodeur. In his last 10 games Dubinski has eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) and is a +8. Wow!!!

...no player on the team, besides Malik, has taken more ridicule than Chris Drury. While I think most of it is justified as his offensive numbers have lacked this year, no one can criticize his desire to win or effort. Which is why its so great to see him finally starting to breakout offensively. In his last five games he has five points (3 goals, 2 assists) and is a +3.

...obviously the big game on Sunday is the NFL's last game of the season, the Super Bowl, but for Ranger fans the game that starts a few hours earlier in Montreal might be the start of something bigger.

2 comments:

bpette02 said...

Lat night's game seemed like a play-off game. Dubinsky and Drury were great last night. Hank looked real sharp, and I think Hollweg and the rest of the top line had a real strong game too.

What can you say about this kid Dubinsky? He gets better every game, and seems to be dominating ever shift he takes. He's only 21 and I think it's safe to safe he belongs in this league.

lets see if they can make it 3 good games in a row and then I might start to get excited again.

Anonymous said...

Rangers look set at center for years to come with Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky, and Betts.
Dubinsky has been the best player for the last month.
I think your looking at the future Captain of the Rangers. This kid plays every game with passion, speed, aggression. He has a nasty side that you cant teach. The future is bright with the all of the young talent on the Rangers.
Lets hope it all comes together this season for a nice playoff push