Rangers Need To Put This Series Away Tonight
After Kevin Hayes popped his postseason cherry barely 3 minutes into OT Wednesday, the Rangers put Pittsburgh in an impossible hole. With so many important missing pieces and Fleury (although the Pens MVP of this series) not being Henrik Lundqvist, duplicating the comeback that crushed them last year just isn’t happening. Still, with eyes on the Stanley Cup, the Blueshirts need to take advantage of this opportunity for a quick series. A week’s worth of prep & rest to get Kevin Klein back in the lineup would be a big boost on the road for 12 more wins. Drive the final nail through the Penguins & avoid anything more than 60 minutes against a squad in full desperation mode.
The third-highest scoring team in the league hasn’t shown itself yet, but the balance is still evident. Everyone outside of the 4th line & Hunwick has appeared on the scoresheet for at least 1 of the Rangers’ 9 goals. Nash leads the squad in points & shots while Brass has potted one in 3 of 4 to lead the way but I’d like to see the All-American line take over tonight. Kreider had a solid trip to Pittsburgh – he followed up the winner in Game 3 with 10 hits in Game 4 – and Miller’s been throwing the body all series. It’s time for Stepan to reward his big, young wingers & get another line rolling.
The Penguins have managed just one goal in 6 of their last 7 playoff matchups against the King. In their 3 losses this series, Crosby & Malkin have combined for an assist and 8 shots. There’s no reason to believe that’ll change with the same lineup, so there’s no reason for the Blueshirts to play another nail-biter. Let’s light up the scoreboard. Stomp out the crippled Pens & leave no doubt as to who the #1 team is, then sit back and relax while the Isles/Caps keep beating the shit out of each other.
