Rangers Get King Henrik Back Between The Pipes For Tonight's Home Opener
NYDN – “I feel good, so it’s not something I’ll think about, just about the game and stopping the next shot,” Lundqvist said after his fourth straight day of practice. “I’m really excited to be back at home & be able to play. Every day when you push yourself harder you want to see how you’ll react to it. I’ve gotten the answers I wanted the last couple days. I like the way I felt today. It’s the best I felt physically since I got hurt.”
The start to this season wasn’t pretty. Their 9-game road swing had more downs (back-to-back embarrassments at the hands of San Jose & Anaheim, losing Nash & Callahan) than ups (Richards’ resurgence, discovering a legit backup for Lundqvist) – but the Blueshirts wrapped it up with their best effort so far in an OT win over the Wings. Not only did they end a 14-year losing streak in Detroit, but they did it with contributions from secondary players fans have been waiting on to step up. Pouliot, Zuccarello & Brassard all popped their cherries while youngsters JT Miller & Kreider were all over the rink. Now, they’re back home to open the revamped MSG just in time for Henrik’s hiatus to end.
Cam Talbot did a great job, but the Rangers‘ crease is the King’s throne. And soon to follow in Hank’s hopefully healthy footsteps are Carl Hagelin (returning tomorrow against the Isles) & Captain Cally (eligible next Wednesday). The one big mystery continues to be when Rick Nash will bounce back from his concussion – but for the immediate future, the Rangers have a little bit of momentum and all the motivation in the world to demolish the pussy Canadiens in front of their first home crowd of the season. With their only trip away from home in their next 6 being to the shithole the Islanders call home, I think it’s time to go streaking.
P.S. – Can we get some Stoolie action at the Garden tonight? I’ll make KFC send something to whoever tweets me the best “Viva” pic.