Rangers Flying High Below the Radar

The Rangers have been flying under the radar in a league infatuated with Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, the Montreal Canadiens, and a half dozen Western Conference teams. Even the Devils' plight, down 2-0 heading into Game 2 at the Garden tonight, is more of a story both within the New York area and in the hockey world at large than what Henrik Lundqvist and his Ranger teammates have been able to accomplish so far in the series. And that cannot be more to the liking of the Rangers, who always seem to do their best when they are underestimated -- or is it when they don't have the luxury of overestimating themselves?

Everything you read in the papers today is about the Rangers continuing to show a healthy respect for their opponents and a business-like approach to the task at hand. And that is all more commendable than the Devils continuing to take them lightly and continuing to complain about the officiating (this time the hit that left Zach Parise spitting chiclets, which he doesn't realize was as much his doing as it was Christian Backman's). For more, see the Daily News, Times, Post here and here, Record here, here, and here, Star-Ledger here, here, and here, AP, Slap Shot, and Toronto Star.

Elsewhere, Newsday has an update on Jaromir Jagr's future, with some new Jagr quips on the subject, and NHL award selections; the Post discusses past contracts the Rangers are still squabbling about, including a Jed Ortmeyer bonus -- Orts is out for the season as Nashville plays sacrificial lamb to Detroit and tells us that he really misses New York; and Slap Shot talks to Brian Leetch about how defense is played these days. NYR.com and Rangerland have game previews. Hartford won last night, eliminating the Isles' farm team from the playoffs (see the Courant and Howlings), while Charlotte was swept from their playoffs. Prospect Park has some musings on an off-day for the remaining prospects in the playoffs.

There is not much new to report about the Rangers from today's optional morning skate, but Rangers Report and Blue Notes have some notes and quotes that are worth checking out.

Comments

[Lesky]

Just to clarify the "UNCLE DADDY = Martin Brodeur" nick.

Martin Brodeur once had an affair with his sister-in-law.

Therefore we should call him "Uncle Daddy".

Simple as that.

It has been a pleasure to see Uncle Daddys smirk dissapear the last games :)

[Dubi]

Of course we're all hoping for things to go well for the Rangers tonight, but as they'll be the first to tell you, the Devils are not giving up and could very well come up with something that puts a crimp in our plans. And as we know, when things get ugly on the ice, things get ugly on message boards. So in the unlikely event of a crash landing, here is a reminder for all commenters:

You are welcome to post any and all opinions on the matters at hand in this space. Just please maintain some level of decorum in what you write -- no offensive language, no dissing other commenters in any way even if you are tearing apart the substance of their opinions, and no disrespect to the folks you are talking about even when you are criticizing them (i.e. tell us how and why they are screwing up, if such is the case, but don't call them ugly names).

I don't have time to monitor every comment during and after emotional games like these, so I will not edit any comment that I find in contravention of these guidelines, I will simply delete it, and I will do so without warning or explanation -- simply put, no curses, no slurs, no insults. I'm sorry that I have to do that, but reading other boards, I want to maintain a space where all views are tolerated without risk of flame wars.

If some people mistake this stance as intolerance of their opinions because their opinions are nothing more than misanthropic manipulation of the emotions of others, or because they want a forum where they can dish it out but don't have to take it in return, or whatever, well, that's their problem, not mine, and I don't have time to worry about that. There are plenty of other spaces for people to get their jollies in that way -- at Blueshirt Bulletin, you get your jollies by discussing the Rangers, for better AND for worse, and that's it.

So let's have fun and let's go Rangers!

[mhurley]

Just a reminder to all, the playoff bus leaves 7th and 33rd Street at 430pm. First 150 ride up to Times Square and let New York City know that Ranger's hockey is alive and well and thriving at Madison Square Garden.

Bring a plastic poncho in case it rains.

Let's Go Rangers!

[Alan]

just as an fyi for ranger fans from nyc going to msg tonite (is that too many abbrevs?), from what i can gather after spending about a day on the mta website, or it just seemed that long trying to actually figure it all out, there is no 2 and 3 service uptown from manhattan. you need to get to bowling green where the 5 train from bowling green will be making the stops normally covered by the 2, i.e. going up the west side. game time is 7pm. i'm leaving now to make sure i get there on time :-)

if anybody has a different interpretation of the mta advisories, please let us know.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sam]

I'm getting goosebumps thinking about how rocking MSG will be tonight!!

Let's Go Rangers!!

[i]

the problem I'm having is the debbies are not showing a healthy respect for the game of hockey, and probably never will for the NYR. They are sore losers and a lot less. Hard for most to be a fan of that.

[Paul R_ _ _ _ _ D]

So Dubi in other words you want us to play nice with others?

[Paul R_ _ _ _ _ D]

Dang the flyers and the caps have had like 8 penalties in the first 11 minutes, there are gonna be some rested players, and the defensive players are gonna be spent.

[GerryD]

Hey, has anyone asked Brooks if he still thinks Debbies in 6???

[angry]

Like Devils coach Brent Sutter, Parise thought Backman deserved a crosschecking major rather than the high sticking double minor he received.

"The only reason they gave him four minutes was because there was blood," he said. "It was a crosscheck in the face."

Asked if he was angry about it, Parise replied, "I was really mad. It's a dirty play. I don't know how you can't be angry about it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I thought it was more of the reflexive, defensive, accidental variety and that the call was the right one. In the end, Wally has to be responsible for his stick.

But dirty???

[out0fyourelement]

I unfortunately have to go to my cousin's wake tonight 7-9 (25, brain tumor...sad sad sad) but he's a HUGE sports fan...he even requested and is being buried in his Steelers jersey, so I know he won't mind if I periodically check the score throughout the night haha

[Tom]

ANY WATCHING NBC CAPS-FLYERS?!?!?! Pierre jsut called out Millbury! and it was AMAZING!

[joeymole]

latest from tsn ice chips webpage:

The Latest from New Jersey
Zach Parise underwent a root canal Friday night after having his upper two front teeth knocked out by a crosscheck to the mouth from Rangers defenseman Christian Backman. Parise will have to go back to the dentist on Tuesday to see if his front teeth must be completely replaced. - Bergen Record

The Latest from New York Rangers
The Rangers dressed the same lineup as in Game 1, meaning defensemen Marek Malik and Jason Strudwick, plus winger Petr Prucha, were the scratches. Colton Orr (broken toe) was out as well. - Newark Star-Ledger

figuring debbies will add more same strategy as last game with special runs at henrik and backman. rangers need to respond quickly and put debbies down. no funny stuff tonite! if rangers can score an early one or two then sutter will be forced to change whatever game plan he concocted. hope the garden will be rocking and rolling all night long!! no friggin' booing even if the pp unit does it's usual sputtering around the ice. (how friggin' hilarious was it to have a "marty" chant going on the debbies home ice?!!) i am thinking tonight will be 'druuuuuuuuuury' time!!!

is it 7 yet??

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

[Bob Merchant]

Dubi, when you may find an opportunity someplace, I'd sure love to get an answer from someone at the Rangers as to why the did not re-up Sykora.

I always liked him and really sad when he left. I'd love to know what the brass was thinking. He had pleaded his case that he wanted to stay with our team.

Every time I flip on the Pens game I hear "Sykora". He seems to be tearing it up over there and lord knows, we could have used some of that fire power this season.

[Blaze]

@ Jess

where's a good website to view The Wolf Pack play-offs?

[Blaze]

Vishnevski will be in the line-up for Game 3.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Orts is out for the season as Nashville plays sacrificial lamb to Detroit and tells us that he really misses New York

I still love and miss Jed ... just for the person he was and tireless hard-worker on the PK ... if he could only score 10 goals per season at least ... too bad he's been hurt so much this season ... I knew he would miss NY because last summer he said that he didn't want to leave and that the team was his family, in fact in most of his Preds official pictures(there aren't many) he isn't smiling ... Hopefully he'll be healthy next season and have a good year ...

Bob Merchant,

Not Dubi but Sykora did nothing in the playoffs for us when we had him, and I think that he didn't fit the formula the team wanted, he's doing very good in PIT but he has he right players for that ...

All,

In the Caps game(i recorded it because i was working and just got home) in one of the scrums a Flyer ran over Huet and seemed to crosscheck Huet as he was falling right on the mask ... Huet jumped on him and punched him in the head as the Caps swarmed in too help him ... Seriously, if the Devils even ATTEMPT to breathe on Henrik there better be more teeth on the Devils belonging to Devils ...

It's funny to me that Lou L. was complaining about the calls at the end of the game, if the NHL and Gregson had any kind of @#$$$ then they should of reminded him of the rules and that if his team didn't clean up their act that they would spend game 3 in the penalty box if they continued to hook, pick and interfere in the face-off circle ... One has to wonder how the refs will react to being yelled at and made to look like fools on tv by Madden and Sutter ... although they regularly do a great job of looking like fools all by their lonesome ... I just want them to call what they are supposed to call on BOTH teams which apparently is an extremely hard concept to grasp for the NHL brass of officiating officials ..

I admit to getting annoyed at the lack of respect given to the Rangers and Henrik but I say let them discard them, as previously mentioned our team does best when everyone counts them out or ignores them...

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Vishnevski will be in the line-up for Game 3.

I would say that I am shocked but I am not ... I can imagine what he's in the lineup for ... our boys better watch their heads ... too bad Orr is still injured ...

[Paul R_ _ _ _ _ D]

Matty, We know the truth so let it go at that, let them disresepct us but when the devils don't come out ready to play a good team we can all have a nice laugh.

[nic]

can't wait for 7...i seriously think it's drury turn to light up the lamp tonight!!
watch out!!
Attache 'ta tuque!!! (hang on to your hats for all you non french folks)
Go rangers go!!!

[nic]

is it just mne or does hip hip huet look really sloppy in the caps v. flyers game?

[Blaze]

Caps are about to be shut-out by Biron & The Flyers.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

darn it! with EddieO doing the Caps game that means we will get that Elliot fool on Versus tonight, for the poor souls(like me!) who are cursed with that instead of the msg feed ... HATEFUL! >: grrr i need a nap ...

[Blaze]

Dubi,

I know Henrik wasn't at the morning skate....who is the other goaltender? I see someone in net opposite Vali in the vid they have up at NYR.com?

[Jess]

Blaze

The AHL like several other leagues use the B2 networks which is a web PPV. They were charging 6.00 during the regular season so I expect them to raise it for the playoffs.

Sorry I was not more help.

[Blaze]

thank u Jess

[ntb]

It's understandable that Parise would call the Backman cross-check dirty, but I think the refs and the NHL got it right (4 min penalty, no suspension). As for the Devils yelling at the refs, I don't blame them. As a player, coach, and fan all you ask is that the refs are consistent throughout the game (we are all beyond expecting a good ref, just consistent). The refs were letting the little hooks go all game and then they call one with under a minute. You just can't do that as an official. You set the tone of the game in the 1st period; either you call all the little stuff from beginning to end or you let it go. You can't (shouldn't?) change as the game progresses.

I think this one could get dirty considering the Devils will want to make a statement early on. Got to protect Henrik if the Devils decide to run him. I can't wait for the game tonight. I've even started my playoff beard to support the Rangers. I do not have cable, so I have to go to the only place in town willing to show hockey (Buffalo Wild Wings). Thankfully, they will not have the sound on so I won't have to listen to the drivel coming out of Darin Elliot's mouth.

Go Rangers!

[rangerbill94]

I am concerned that Sutter will send out somebody the hurt Gomez. His response would be...you went after my top guy (Parise) so all's fair in love and hockey. There were no Lady Bings amoung the Sutter Sisters, they played dirty, then cried. I don't think they will try to run Lundqvist, that'll be too obvious. And anyway, the way they are playing, Vali will shut them out!

[rangerbill94]

ntb

Your asking for the refs to be consistant??? Whay not ask them to be right? After the third pick by Langenbrunner, Shanny went to the refs and asked why that is not a penalty. GOOD MOVE by a highly respected veteran. It was the right call, even though the didn't see the Betts play. Maybe they got confused and thought it was Jagr that was getting hooked?

[Jed Orts]

JED!!!!!! come back!
he was awesome

[Bob Merchant]

RangerBill, I had the same thoughts but my guess would be Hank as the target. Hank is their nemesis.

[Paul R_ _ _ _ _ D]

does anyone have any idea how hard it is to concentrate while waiting for the friggen game to start??????

[kogan]

I was surprised that Vishnevski wasn’t dressed up on Friday.

[oleosmirf]

i would love to see the Rangers put up a few quick goals and the Devil's have to pull Brodeur. While im not expecting a blowout like game 3 against Atlanta, I fully expect a Rangers victory tonight. My prediction for tonight is 3-0 Rangers.

[Jed Orts]

to everyone worried about listening to the vs crew, shouldn't the game be on MSG tonight??

i cannot imagine the NHL losing even a little bit of such a huge market, but then again.. it is the NHL

if I remember correctly, last year every playoff game was on VS and MSG

i turned on espn last night and i was just absolutely shocked they had hockey on. i didn't understand. then i realized it was college hockey and remembered we are on a channel that has about 10 homes and is followed by bull riding. VS is like the ESPN 8 "the ocho" from Dodgeball

[Paul R_ _ _ _ _ D]

Jed so sad but true, and as far as I can tell the games will be on MSG and I think MSG plus also.

[Joe G]

Let the Devils come after us!!! Do you see anyone on that roster that the Rangers should fear as far as physical play goes? They don't even have an imitation Scott Stevens to point to!! The Rangers can, and will, give as good as they get!
Their main concern tonight should be with the officials. We all know that Lamarillo has probably been burning up his phone lines crying about the refs the other night. The Rangers have to be careful. Any marginal holding or interference will be whistled quite quickly.
It'll be interesting to see who is assigned to ref tonights game. My guess is Kerry Frasier. But they could just as easily give the Devils a 7th man, and assign MacCreary. Or, perish the thought, BOTH!!!
Should be a real exciting night, regardless!

[ntb]

rangerbill,

Maybe my consistency standard for refs is too low! The way I see, "being right" is very subjective. It is easy to say call the rulebook. However, I'm okay with letting the teams play if they do it the entire game. I think the main problem, in my opinion, is that the penalties called in the regular season are not being called in the playoffs. For all the NHL's talk about the "new NHL", I see the same old picking, slashing, etc. of the "old NHL".

[LisaMY]

angry

Parise is just p'od that he lost his teeth. You'd think he'd know what he does for a living, right? He was practically crying at the refs when he was showing them the brand new pothole in his mouth. Another baby on the Debbies roster.

Bob Merchant

If you'd watched the playoffs two seasons ago, you'd know Sykora wasn't a factor. He performed well after he was traded to the Rangers, but not spectacular. He disappeared against the Debbies. And what didn't sit well at all with the fans (and maybe with the Ranger brass?) was what happened after the Debbies beat the Rangers in game 4 and won the series. At the garden, as the Rangers, his team, left the ice, feeling really, really terrible about getting swept, Sykora stayed behind to chat and have a few laughs with his former Debbies teammates. I saw some of that on TV and let me tell you it p'ssed me off mightily! As far as I was concerned, good riddance to Petr. What a display of disrespect to the guys who actually are your teammates!

Matty

Madden and Sutter should've been penalized and Sutter should've been thrown out of the game, but Oh Well. It's over. I'm at the point that I don't give a rat's heinie what the Debbies say or do. Let them whine. I want to see them get a real beat down, real good. Keep cryin', you babies!

I miss Jed, too. I guess Freddie Sjo is Jed w/a scoring touch. But I miss Jed's tenacity and work ethic. The guy played so hard and tough. I loved watching him especially on the PK. I also hope he has a better and happier season next year.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

[kogan]

On Debbis forum Gomer is a target for Vishnevski.

[Dubi]

Whenever Hank skips optional skates, the Rangers call in a former Manhattanville College goalie who was the college roommate of one of my teammates at Chelsea Piers -- I have a bunch of former Manhattanville players on my team, including the back-up goalie, who is one heckuva keeper and now works for the NHL.

[LisaMY]

Anybody

Is Colin White playing tonight? Just curious.

[JerseyDave]

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

[LisaMY]

The Rangers are going to have to come out hard and fast. Not just because that's how the Jersey Debbies are going to come out. But because the Rangers and their fans are going to be so amped-up, that the Rangers may be too energized and lose focus early. Some hard body checks early on against the Debbies will get the Rangers into the game fast and get their focus set

OMG! MSG has Duguay and Daneyko reporting together. Talk about Beauty and the Beast. LOL Duguay's the Beauty, btw. :D

[i]

if they target Lundqvist, then it's open season on Broadiva. There is no doubt it will get more physical, but clean should be the keyword, fat chance. The refs will have their hands full, maybe lemon lou the hypocrite will be behind the bench.

[Tom]

WTF....does anyone here live in Philly??....IT says the game is blacked out on VS that they cant show it wtf?!?!?!

[Tom]

And my center ice is blackign it out too!!! Help anyone!

[rangerbill94]

LisaMY

We can't come out too fired up. Our game is not emotion, it's poise and control. We get into an up and down game and we'll find us trying to come from behind unless we get some good bounces. Need to finish all our checks. We get the match up, even though Renney doesn't do much matching. He may have more luck breaking Jagr free of the tight Devils checkers. With luck, Mrs. Sutter will try to out match Jagr/Renney and our other 2 lines gets the goals.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Tom,

Go here http://www.channelsurfing.net/ <<< scroll down, they have the stream there ...

Lisa,

LOL

Dude Versus spent 2 minutes talking about how great Brodiva was and how excellent he's been in this series and that the Devils have to solve Lundqvist ... like Henrik is just a footnote ... GRRRRRRRRRR

But that's ok ... they are just talking about the Devils .... Devils this, Devils that ...

Gomer made me smile when he was the token Versus interview, you know the ones that they make the players wear the White Versus Towel ... as soon as the cameras were on him he threw the side of the towel facing the camera over his shoulder so only the other side showed but was blocked by his interviewer ... I think he did it on purporse ... I loved it!

[rangerbill94]

VS idiots start already. Avery broke a scoreless tie and for NJ it's a no tomorrow game for them!

Any of these guys have ANY idea what's happened?

[Sam]

Drury's line are so fast from defense to offense transition.

[LisaMY]

rangerbill94

I was saying the Rangers would most likely come out too amped-up and would need to calm down fast. They will need to get themselves into the game right away, so they don't start running around and getting into a trading-chances game. That's not their game. So, I think we have the same idea. :)

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

I already counted one unpenalized slash by the Devils ...

[Ryan]

That's a goal. Can't do that Betts..

[Sam]

damnit,

Rangers stick scored the goal coming from MSG's replays.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

the Versus camera SUCKS they totally lost the play and went the other way when the play was still in the Rangers zone ... thank goodness that was no goal ... yeah he kicked it in and if they allow it after how they tried to screw us last year @ the Garden vs BUF this better stay no goal ...

In any case who made that turnover?

[Matty]

it hit the stick? that would suck and that's a shame

[Sam]

Betts made that turnover and scored on the goal.

[LisaMY]

Ok, that's their alloted one-goal per game. Now the Rangers need to calm down and get back to their game.

LET'S GO RANGERS!

It's gonna be another close one. I think.

[LisaMY]

Oh, lordy. Here we go.

Is it too early for a timeout?

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

ok you know what ...

Hit Parise on the freaking mouth ... but darn penalty!

Go PK!

[Matty]

Damn, Cally almost scored there ...

[Sam]

Power play chance, hope we can cash in...

some good work by Sjostrom to draw a penalty.

[Ryan]

That was much better. Great work Freddy

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Damn we are getting good chances, Sjo was a horse on that shift!

Now if only our PP could make them pay!

[Laserman]

Real stupid penalty by Shanny!!!

[rangerbill94]

Keep going guys, the goals will come.

[Sam]

DUBINSKY SCORES!!

[JerseyDave]

DUBI!!!

[Shawn]

Wooooo! Go Dubi!

[Laserman]

Yesssssss!!!!! Dubinsky!!!!

[rangerbill94]

Boy, it looks like our skates must not be sharp, with all the times we fall down.

Great goal, Brandon!

[Ted]

DUBINSKY!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

YES!!!!

DUBI!!!

it was only a matter of freaking time, why?

This is why I HATE Versus when we are on and a team/player that the League fawns over is against us it becomes like a home broadcast for the other team ... it was nothing but Brodiva this, Brodiva that ...

How sharp he is, woah look at his rebound control, he is so consistent ...

EAT IT!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

oh I didn't finish my sentence lol ...

BTW haha they are saying "That was not a good goal by Brodeur" haha ...

Now why I said it was a matter of time is because we were buzzing in their zone and the Devils were just running around .. we need to carry the play here, we need to pressure and not make stupid mistakes like what costs us the Devils first stinking goal ...

[Sam]

Mara pushed mr. "high elbow" Zubrus down. good stuff.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

that was close to an elbow by Clarkson imo and the Devils are interfering with impunity

[rangerbill94]

Right on Matty, we have them thinking. Brokedoor makes another mistake. I guess he'll blame his defense. The fact that he was asleep doesn't count, except that the shooter should not have shot until Marty was ready, eh Marty?

[Sam]

wow. thats all i can say.

[Ted]

anyone feel like Parise may have been a makeup call?

[rangerbill94]

Even VS sees past Marty. Now the refs get the make-up call. Boy are these refs something else?

[travis Campbell]

irony!!!!!!!!!! parise get's called for putting his stick up when being hit!!!!!

[Ted]

nmind that was a clear penalty

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

#1 that's BS Brodiva TRIPPED Avery and even Versus announcers think so ...

irony!!!!!!!!!! parise get's called for putting his stick up when being hit!

That's why as I'm sure his vanity was hurt I didn't feel bad for Zach, he does this all the time ...

[Laserman]

I think I hate Brent Sutter more now than when he played with the fishies...

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

I think I hate Brent Sutter more now than when he played with the fishies...

Could it be the smug look on his face behind his bench?

Devils are not a confident team ... they scored early on a fluke, just like they wanted but we didn't flinch, we pressed them harder and they were skating around trying to keep up, running into each other and without anyone bumping him Brodiva gave up a weak goal ... Our D has taken over ... we need to have an even stronger 2nd period now, we need to press on!

[rangerbill94]

Good period, we pushed the puck into the paint and put a lot of pressure on the Devils. They will crack, they just aren't that good. Mrs. Sutter is telling his troops...just keep it up guys, we have them on the run. Meanwhile, the goal they got was scored by Betts!!! Renney, meanwhile is telling his guys to watch the play from behind our net, thats a place NJ like to get those centering passes from. Also, more containment in center ice. Nothing needs to be said to Shanahan, he knows! Again, they seem to outplay us in the second period, so we need good puck support and FINISH OUR CHECKS.

[Joe G]

The Devils are getting into the zone way too easy. Seems like this is a pattern during the first and second pd.s each game. The forwards have to start holding them up better. Ridiculous call on Avery. You would hope that the refs would be wise to Brodeur by now, but no!
They're trying to hit Gomez every chance they get, but he is just rolling off them. They recovered nicely. We should have had 2 or 3 during the opening minutes.
We need to get a full powerplay, and a lead. Lundqvist better start watching his rebounds; He's putting his D in bad situations.
Callahan is a monster again!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

rangerbill94, most teams outplay us in the 2nd this season so we cannot let that happen, at least keep it as it until the third, like Friday ... but I don't know ... the Rangers, so far, have been more forceful this game and for the last 7 minutes or so(according to VS) they didn't allow the Devils to get into their zone and get good shots ... that didn't happen for such long stretches in games 1 and 2 ... there just seems to be another jump to their steps tonight while the Devils look the same as they did in games 1 and 2 ... we are taking it to another level, they are already at their peak ... again this wont be easy but we need to continue to try and drop the hammer

[Jed Orts]

MARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

hahahaha what a soft goal, i love it

I AM A RANGER

[rangerbill94]

Right on, Matty

[Sam]

Staal thought Brylin needed a line change and sent him early.

haha

[Laserman]

Nice hit on Brylin LOL!!!

[travis Campbell]

these announcers are passionless, can't complain though, i've been stuck with chica resch being that i have center ice in colorado.
power play needs to finally convert!
5 on 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rangerbill94]

Mrs Sutter says this is a penalty he doesn't like so it shouldn't be called.

[travis Campbell]

AVERY!!!!!

[Sam]

AVERY !!! 3 goals so far this series..

IN YOUR FACE MARTY!!

[Shawn]

I love Avery.

[JerseyDave]

Pay that man his money!

[travis Campbell]

hahahahahahahahahahaha, he was taunting brody

[Laserman]

Huge goal!!!Nice pass from Gomer to Aves!!!

[rangerbill94]

Avery leads the Rangers in goals scored!!! Who would have thunk it!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

HAHAHAHA I feel like cackling ... not laughing but cackling!!!

AVES! Gomer!

[wwwc9]

Huge save by Hank. Avery cracks me up. That was hysterical!

[Matty]

I absolutey LOVED how Aves was screening Brodiva ... FACING him LMAO!!!

[o]

what happened to Jagr, he went to the lockers?

[Sam]

damn, Jags and Rozy in the locker room. Hope its nothing major

[TheDaz]

I mean... Such perfection to have Avery put the puck in after Brodeur was seething at his harassment!

GO RANGERS!!

[rangerbill94]

Clarkson missed, but should have been called for boarding...he left his feet. Hope Rozi's OK.

[alexnyc7]

SIGN AVERY 5 YEARS 4.5 PER NOW! DO IT!!

[travis Campbell]

somebody has to post a video of that last play of avery standing in front of brodeur spastically dancing/taunting/whatever the hell he was doing to marty

[NYR56]

Ref's need to keep an eye on this game.............

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Dude I have never seen someone do that ... I mean he was waving his stick back and forth, contorting his face right in Brodiva's face without touching him ... reminds me of a child who is told not to touch his/her older sibling and they get near enough to annoy you but go "not touching you" lol

Hopefully it's equiptment

[Sam]

okay, Rozy was bleeding and Jags has some tightness in his back.

hope the back is nothing major.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

ok you know, if at any point the Devils feel that this game is a lost cause, which is 2-1 now but anyway .... they might just try to injure one of our guys ... I can't believe they are that stupid but then again ... Sutter is behind the bench ... I don't think he's the classiest guy around

[rangerbill94]

Where the h*ll was the hooking call?

[Sam]

Mara has been very physical so far. good to see.

hey,

Devils Sucks! =)

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Avery's eye is really puffy and just ugh

[Laserman]

He has plenty of class Matty! All of it very low!!!

[rangerbill94]

Rupp, that's what happens when you polk at a puck covered by our goalie. There will be more is you continue to goon it up.

[NYR56]

What a joke this team is...Sutter, you fit the name well.

[travis Campbell]

check out this devils forum, it's hilarious how angry they are at each other, all they do is fight and bash "rags fans" we thought there was hostility here, haha!
http://www.devilsrule.com/mb/viewforum.php?f=4

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

You know, being a girl I used to like Parise plus he's an American guy ... I used to think "Poor Zach has the unfortunate circumstance of being a Devils player" right about now? I have lost all my like of the little jerk ... can someone hit him in the mouth? It must hurt him still, he is getting his stick up high and everyone!

[Laserman]

Damn it to hell!!!

[JerseyDave]

Gah!

[rangerbill94]

Elias closed his hand on the puck!!!

[NYR56]

HOGWASH.....bad penalty but the refs doing WAY too much to make up for friday!

[JerseyDave]

Another penalty?!?!

[NYR56]

Yes Jersey, i guess the NHL feels they owe the debbies.

[rangerbill94]

Right now the Rangers bench is saying, keep going, we'll get more. The Devils bench is saying, Oh gosh, we still need to score another one.

[Jess]

What the VS announcers missed during Avery's antics was Drury was on the left side of the crease skated over to Avery while he was doing his antics and said something to Avery.

Avery then toned down his antics and put himself into scoring position. Had Avery not toned it down I am sure they would have called him for something.

While I am glad Avery scored, I have mixed feelings about his antics mainly the waving the stick in the air. I would not have any problem if Avery kept his stick on the ice.

Using it like he did could get someone even a teammate hurt by accident.

If there is one glaring weakness the Rangers have had during this series has been the constant failures to clear the zone while on the PK. They have been cost themselves now 2 goals this period because of it

[Laserman]

If the Rangers don't knock people down in front of their net, this will be the end result!!! Still, when will the refs stop being bought by Lamoriello?

[Laserman]

Now we are self destructing!!!

[JerseyDave]

3 in a row....

[Blaze]

BS call on Backman. unreal.

[Laserman]

Stop with the bad penalties, and kill this off!!! LETS GO RANGERS!!!

[NYR56]

7 Powerplays......7........"7"...
not in the third period yet.

Some are legit but come on!

"LET THEM PLAY"

[i]

this game will be decided by the refs not the players

[scinoc]

How many times have we failed on defensive zone clears? It's been awful...

[Laserman]

Absolute BS!!!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Well I wonder, if we can manage to beat the refs and Devils tonight what will the Devils fans cry about ?

Granted the Rangers have taken some stupid penalties but how much CRAP did the Refs let the Devils get away with before they felt they needed to start calling penalties on us? THAT'S what annoys me ... fine, call the penalties, but call it BOTH ways and they do not do that ...

as far as what we did ... we let the Devils back in with all the penalties and poor penalty kill ... After the Avery goal we visibly relaxed and stopped attacking and let them become desperate and attack us and thus took all those penalties ... now is once again about who will win the third period ... and we cannot do that if we are in the box half the period ...

We have to outskate them and carry the play like we did for most of the first and the first half of the 2nd ...

[rangerbill94]

Second period taken over by the refs. Never saw a replay on Tyutin's closing the hand call. Cally was tripped at least twice...no call. Stay with it, the only way the Devils can score is with an assist from the refs.

[travis Campbell]

"most teams outplay us in the 2nd this season so we cannot let that happen, at least keep it as it until the third"
damn

although the last 6 minutes were mostly in our zone i think we still have control due to our distributed talent and someone was saying that drury would step it up tonight well, third period's coming up and we're down, who else?

[Laserman]

Anytime we get complacent we look worse than an AHL team. We need to get down to business in the 3rd period! When you hit the Devils they CRY, and they get beat!!!

[Beer Me!]

Hey stan go away already. What would the call be? what exactly did avery do that was illegal? No call necessary.
He made zero contact with the goalie. If anything the slash from Marty should of been called.

[Blaze]

Looks as though ref Van Massenhoven is in way over his head reffing the play-offs. He's blowing big time.

[Blaze]

u can have some fun here.

[Blaze]

u can have some fun here.

http://www.devilsrule.com/chat.php

[Laserman]

Van Massenhoven always chumps out against the Rangers. Maybe even worse than McCreary!!!

[Chris]

did I miss something or did Rosival get his teeth knocked out like Parise did and bled everywhere.

thats ok, should have been a rangers powerplay for the stuff behind the net, we touch marty its over. absolute joke.

the nhl is the biggest joke in the world

[travis Campbell]

i was just looking at the forum, i didn't realize there was a chat! what fun, let's all go over there and laugh

[Tom]

this really sucks the whole period was a giant PK

[Ted]

man is this playoff hockey exciting or what? i would hate to lose this game especially since i didnt see the rozsival or backman penalties since MSG didnt show replays, were either of those calls legit?

[Blaze]

Hope Jagr is ok.

[Tom]

no lol

[Sam]

POWER PLAY GOAL BY DUBINSKY!

[Ted]

haha dubinsky! sammy rosen just went nuts!

[Laserman]

YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

[Blaze]

DUBI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Dubinsky again!!!!

That's the way to start the period boys!!

now .. please ... stay out of the box!

[Jess]

And on the 7th day the Lord created the Dubinsky

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Aw Jagr patted Dubi's helmet-wearing head like a proud Papa :)

[rangerbill94]

Dubinsky from Straka and Jagr, IT'S A POWER PLAY GOAL!!!

[Laserman]

Now I hope that these refs don't try anymore crap!!!

[Sam]

simple play by throwing the puck at the net could create so much...

[i]

sorry the refs have messed this game up BIG time, not what the playoffs should be

[travis Campbell]

"oh my goodness"
said when the puck went right to marty when lying down?
marty must be a genius

[Laserman]

Good lord who let Gionta free like that??? Great Hank save!!!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

we should've been up 4-3 there ... beautiful set up ... that line has been buzzing all night ... have you guys noticed that Cally's been playing a lot like Drury lately? at least when it comes to turning around and taking the quick shot?

Go Boys! Keep pressing! Be smart!

[LisaMY]

OMG! This game is agony.

Rangers have to get smarter and sharper in their own zone.

Come on, Boys! Let's go Rangers!!!!!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

But that save was a beauty by Henrik wasn't it Lisa?

Sigh ... I feel so sick to my stomach ... and this is only round 1 game 3

[Blaze]

why did they blow the whistle when Holly got to the puck? they cut right to a commercial.

[Chris]

I got banned from the devils chat : (

[Sam]

supposely hand pass by hollweg.

[traviesso]

yeah, i got banned like 4 times for saying intelligent things in a unbiased way, the chat moderator has something against "rags fans"

[Blaze]

oh boy

[Tom]

ughhhhhhhh so many penalties.........

[Laserman]

These refs are predictable as hell, but it was a boarding!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

so ...the refs looks right at Elias taking the stick out of Staal's hands and calls nothing and calls this penalty on Straka? BS

Or PK better come up big!

[rangerbill94]

Straka held up, should never have been called.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

A Devil slashed Drury in the legs in front of the net and nothing? The Refs are such such such ugh!

[Matty]

PP over ... Go Boys!!!

[Jess]

Folks

Look nobody here likes it when outsiders come here and trashes up this place.

When it happens here then it makes for a lot of extra work for Dubi to have clean up after them.

So when you go over to another team's place you are the outsiders who are ones who is creating the same kind of problem for them. It just is not cool even if you think it is all in fun.

Let them have their place and we keep ours from getting overrun by outsiders.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

This is such bs ... who was it that was crosschecked right in front of Brodiva and nothing was called again? but picking and choosing which calls to make and not make the Refs are impacting the outcome here ... it's BS

*shake it off* Go Boys!

[Shawn]

Holy cow did he get run over!

[JerseyDave]

Nice dropkick by Cally on Brodeur.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Did Brodiva get hurt?

He was PUSHED by a Devil! If we get a freaking penalty ... the freaking Diver sold it like he sells everthing else ... he isn't hurt, he's just making sure he milks it for all is worth ...

[Chris]

brodiva

[Matty]

I heard, "Ranger penalty..." when we were going to commercial, but it better be matching and that Devil that jumped Cally better go off with him ...

[rangerbill94]

White is a head hunter, got to get that SOB...but not now.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

oh good, Cally nothing ... but Avery and White ... hmmm

Go Boys!

White is one of their best defenders isn't he? It's sudden death now ... Go Rangers!

[JerseyDave]

OT

[Sam]

I don't think I can handle sudden death..lol

[Tom]

i might go into sudden death as well

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

oh God ... I need a drink

[Laserman]

They came out flying in the 3rd, and need to do the same in OT! LETS GO RANGERS!!!

[Jessica]

I am going to have an OT heartattack. If anyone has any favors owed from God, use them now please.

[Ted]

ive said this all year, but WHY CANT STRAKA SHOOT!?!? Seriously if i was a defender i would be playing the pass against him all game.

i knew in the back of my mind sudden death would be the only way to settle this, LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

[LisaMY]

Anybody a good lip reader. I caught a little of what the Jersey Diver said when he got rammed, but not everything. It did certainly look like he was complaining, 'tho. No surprise there.

Game 3. It's tied 3-3. Next time the Rangers are on the ice, somebody should skate over to the Diver and remind him that Matteau beat him TWICE in OT in the playoffs. The Rangers should be thinking about that, too.

[NYR56]

Agreed Ted, Straka too predictable. LET'S GET A QUICK ONE SO I CAN PASS OUT!

[NYR56]

Ummm

Chico Resch: "the next goal is going to be huge in determining the outcome of this game"

[Jess]

LOL I got some bad news for people this is my 4th OT game this year and the first 3 went OT, 2OT and 3OT so if my trend continues hehehehe

[Blaze]

Montreal & Boston in OT.

[rangerbill94]

I think we have an advantage in OT. Mrs. Sutter has never had an NHL OT game, except for the 5 minute and shootout type. No more skills competition.

[Chris]

This is the first time all year that I have watched Versus. Finally figured out that there is an online feed. The broadcast is just god-awful. Quit trying to put Avery in the box for a play that happened two periods ago! Pang is an idiot.

[JerseyDave]

Jess I don't care how long this game goes, just that the Rangers get the W.

[Ted]

tsn already has video of some of the guys questioning whether avery's extreme screening should've been a penalty (quick note: they all agree that there is nothing in the rule book that states otherwise)

Furthermore, CHRIS DRURY- WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!

[Sam]

here we goooooo....

[John]

haha, "extreme screening"...awesome. When Avery was doing that, did Drury go over to him and tell him to chill out, or was that something else?

They just showed "Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!" on VS.

[Jess]

When since it is only 7PM here I got plenty of time.

Geeze was that post loud or what?

[Laserman]

Whoooaaa!!! That was close! Thank God for the post!!!

[Sam]

It's 10pm and I need a couple of drinks now

[Blaze]

Jesus. They can't get out of their own zone.

[traviesso]

timeout please, settle down

[Blaze]

Bruins win.

[NYR56]

Come on,

[JerseyDave]

What a freakin' way to lose...

[Jess]

Ugh blame themselves for not being able to get the puck out of the zone.

Now watch how fast people run off the bandwagon and think the Rangers will lose

[Laserman]

Lundqvist didn't have a chance on that! I hope they close these clowns out in the next 2!!!

[traviesso]

wtf, i missed it! i knew i shouldn't have ran out, aggghhhh.

[Blaze]

sheesh.

[JerseyDave]

Well if it took 2 own goals for the Devils to beat us, I like our chances the rest of the way.

[rangerbill94]

And it finishes with a hold by Pandolfo. As I said before, the only way the Devils can win is if they have the refs on their side.

[Chris]

Couldn't tell on the replay. Was it banked off Lundquist or off a D-man in front?

[NYR56]

Came out flat in ot..Coach needs to offer some word of wisdom during play stoppages to wake them up.

[JerseyDave]

Chris

Off of Staal's right skate.

[damn it]

well 3 goals off of new york rangers players...your never gonna win with that goin on...how dissapointing, the way we lost and the way we came out in ot

[damn it]

3 own goals

[Laserman]

Oh well, they could have won it in regulation if they didn't stop skating for a spell in the 2nd period, and also if the refs had a clue how to do their jobs!!! They still did a good job against the debbies and I'm sure they can finish these bums off!!!

[Shawn]

Sigh that was heartbreaking... that's hockey.

[max]

NYR56 no the PLAYERS have to come out flying. the coach should not have to say anything to fire the players up in overtime of a playoff game.

[LisaMY]

Jess

They were slow and didn't show enough intensity in their own zone all night. Rangers actually played better defensively in NJ.

But that's just one. Trying to maintain the level of intensity that they've had the first two games is tough. So the Rangers have until Wednesday to rest up and heal some bruises and regain their intense drive. Can't win it in 4? So let's make it 5.

No bandwagon jumper here, dude! LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!

[rangerbill94]

How can you tell anything from a VS telecast. Never got a replay on the Tyutin penalty. I looked like it went off a D'mans skate. This will give the Devils assurance that they are on the right track. We should close them out in the next two.

I've always said, game 4 is the most important game in a 7 game series. We go up 3-1 or they tie the series. That's why I never objust to not having home ice advantage. Game 4 will be played on our ice.

[Matty "Cute but Psy]

The Rangers are still in control if they win on Wednesday since they'll be up 3-1 ... but they made two errors and took some stupid penalties which allowed the Devils to tie the game and go up 3-2 ... they basically beat themselves here ... yeah, at times they played great and the Devils played just as they did in Jersey but we made the type of mistakes we didn't make in games 1 and 2 ...

With 2 days off, hopefully that will help us recover and win game 4 ... as we know the Devils already felt that this win was owed to them ...

What a crappy way to end the night ... ugh .. night everyone ...