Rangers torch Thrashers
Kari Lehtonen. Then he let 2 in. 3 in. 4 in.... and so on.
Bob Hartley has been the biggest enigma this playoff series. I think he has out-coached himself. Yanking Lehtonen during game 1 in favor of John Hedberg was a dangerous route to take, but it seemed to pay off when Hedberg delivered a terrific effort in game 2. Even though the Thrashers lost a tight one, the foundation for something to build on was there. Hartley however, opted to go back to Lehtonen who until last night had never lost at Madison Square Garden. I can only assume, that Hedberg will get the nod this evening in Game 4.
Whatever the case, the Rangers were ready last night, and the Thrashers were not. Jaromir Jagr setup Michael Nylander for his first goal just 32 seconds into the game and started the bleeding. Nylander scored twice more to join the NHL Playoff Hat Trick Club (the first by a Ranger since Wayne Gretzky almost a decade ago) and the Rangers pelted the Atlanta keeper with 35 shots, 7 of which found the back of the net. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves to complete the 7-0 win, and his first career playoff shutout. Sean Avery once again doing what he does best pestered Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk throughout the game, till the star forward finally cracked and went after Avery, which brought about their eventual ejections from the game. The Rangers now hold a 3-0 series lead going into Game 4 this evening.
Playoff Beard Alert:
Brendan Shanahan (one of Bosh's picks) is sporting a marvelously sculpted playoff salt and pepper goatee, while New York defenceman Michael Roszival is looking more and more like he belongs in a Geico Caveman Commercial.
Quick Shave:
Canada struck back last night! The Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks both took commanding positions in their series, and the Calgary Flames finally decided to show up, and give Detroit a series. The Ottawa Senators inched by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a close 2-1 win, and moved to within one victory of closing out the series. Sens forward Jason Spezza whose deflected pass opened the scoring in the game is sporting the beginnings of a playoff beard.... however it's looking a little Cliff Claven-ish right now. The sideburns are coming in nice, but the chin.....still needs some work. However, full marks for the effort JaSpez! The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Dallas Stars last night 2-1 thanks to the goaltending of Canucks defenceman Willie Mitchell. Mitchell saved what would have been the game tying goal last night with minutes remaining and helped the Canucks to a 3-0 series lead. The Calgary Flames may have given the Detroit Red Wings something to think about last night. The Flames finally arrived after being completely man-handled in the first two games to take a 3-2 win and perhaps turn the series around (Detroit still leads 2-1). Jarome Iginla scored the game winner midway through the third, and Miikka Kiprusoff was solid in net again making 28 saves for the Flames. The Minnesota Wild finally broke through Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. The Wild exploded in the third period with three goals to break open the tie game and win 4-1. Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle did his best Bob Hartley impression and yanked Bryzgalov (the same keeper whose carried his team to three straight playoff wins) in favor of Jean Sebastien Giguere. Now what happens in Game 5? Does Carlyle go to Giguere, or back to Bryzgalov? That decision could make this a series. The Ducks lead the series 3-1.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Buffalo at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:00 PM
Gut check time for everyone tonight! Another superb night of playoff hockey! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Hmm, I missed that Carlyle put in Giguere last night. If that's the case I'd bet a case of shaving cream he goes with Jiggy for game 5. Their man-goalie love relationship was well solidified during the regular season and now Carlyle's got the perfect excuse to get his boy back in the net. Later Bryz.
Well, since I haven't seen one single second of the Rangers/Thrashers series I was wondering what you think Cap. Are they playing this well that they're making Atlanta look so bad, or is Atlanta not helping their own case at all? Certainly the goaltender swap up has backfired for Hartley, but Atlanta still has those big guns up front and they're not getting anything past Lundqvist.
So what do you think? Can the Rangers keep it going and have a deep run?
As much as I hate to say it I have to get Ottawa's defense a lot of credit for how they've played in Pittsburgh. I want desperately to believe the Pens can get at least one more victory in this series but Ottawa has really stymied their offense by being super aggressive to the puck. Very impressed (unfortunately).
Posted by: Stache | April 18, 2007 02:21 PM
Unlike last year, the Rangers entered the playoffs on a good note. They are playing sound defence, and getting great goaltending. Atlanta played an awesome Game 2, and actually, were dominant in the third period of Game 1. Last night was probably and aberration as the Rangers were completely fired up by the home crowd, and the Thrashers weren't ready.
Deep run, I don't know. I don't think they will be an easy team to get by in the East, but it's hard to say. Ottawa and Buffalo have not been favorable matchups for them this year.
Posted by: Cap | April 18, 2007 03:20 PM