Amazing the difference a week makes. Going into last Monday’s game against the San
Jose the New York Rangers stood at 3-3-3 without having played a single
complete game in bunch. Questions about
the offense, defense and even energy level of the team were running rampant
while panic was festering in the fan base.
Fast forward a week and four wins later and the mood in Rangers’ land is
flying high to the other extreme.
The Rangers have found consistency not only in their
results, but more importantly in their play.
The team, other than against San Jose, is still lacking that consistent
effort throughout the game, but individuals and lines are playing their style
with significantly more regularity. The
consistency and production has allowed coach John Tortorella to put away the
line mixing, other than for Wolski’s injury, for a week and chemistry is
building within the lines. Brad Richards
is at home with Dubinsky and Callahan using their physicality to bring more
energy to his own game. Gaborik has
shown quick chemistry with Anisimov and Stepan as his wingers. The Boyle line is finally getting back to
playing their forechecking game and the fourth line has brought energy when
they have gotten their chances.
Christensen has found some consistency of effort and purpose this week
and Andre Deveaux has been excellent in playing his role thus far.
Defensively Girardi and McDonagh continue to be standouts
and stalwarts. Michael Sauer’s
consistency is a huge benefit to the team and has aided Del Zotto tremendously
at even strength. Del Zotto is getting
better with each game, adding to his confidence and improving his play in his
own end. Eminger and Woywitka have
played solid as well and not giving coach John Tortorella any excuse to use
newly signed defenseman Anton Stralman.
After a few subpar games for himself, Henrik Lundqvist is
back on track and Martin Biron continues to show how valuable an addition he
has been since last year.
The mood at 7-3-3 is sky high and with their play in the
past week they have earned it. Now the
work continues to maintain or improve the level at which they are playing
long-term, but for now enjoy it Rangers fans.
