The Rangers fell behind when Kopecky deflected a point shot by Duncan Keith passed Henrik Lundqvist, but the Rangers would get right back in the game with a key goal late in the first by Dubinsky as he put in a rebound to get the prototypical dirty goal that is caused by great fore-checking, throwing pucks and bodies at the net. For once it was the Rangers who got one of those late period goals they so often give up. There were no goals in the second, but that is not to say there were no chances as both goalies had to make some very good saves especially Turco. The Rangers continued to play a road style game sacrificing the body to block shots.
As if the Rangers in the locker room after then second just said now let’s go rinse and repeat that late goal in the first they came out in the second and scored on a very similar play by the first line which has been phenomenal led by Dubinksy and Callahan both having career years. Dubinsky’s 2nd of the night gave him 7 on the year and the Rangers their first lead at 2-1 :55 seconds into the period. Patrick Kane would tie the game up on a goal that I still don’t know how Hank let get in, but the response was immediate with Christensen netting the game winner just :28 seconds after the Kane goal.
- Once again B-A-R, just refuse to call them the “Pack Line” was great which as I said is being lead by the breakout starts of their wingers. Dubi was everywhere tonight and his crashing the net this year is more consistent and paying off more than ever before as the effort is being rewarded with the goals. Cally now has a career high 7 game point streak while playing his typical do all the dirty jobs (block shots, hit) to help the team. He is playing as a Captain and as dare I say an All-Star so far. Artie is proving what I have thought all along which is he is more than capable of being a number one center in this league while being willing to do some dirty work as well.
- Staal had his best game in a while and Girardi continued his strong play.
- I said it the other night but it bears repeating, anyone worried about Hank at the start of the year can stop worrying, he is back. He did let in the soft one to Kane, but the Rangers need him at his best level with this schedule coming down the pipe.
- The Rangers must bring this dirty work, road game attitude to the Garden more and it will lead to more success at home.
