AUTHOR: The Maven TITLE: Lessons learned from an important game at the Garden DATE: 11/15/2006 12:36:00 PM ----- BODY:
* Jaromir Jagr can have two lousy periods but, like Rip Van Winkle, eventually wakes up. Beware of a reawakening Jags; black coffee or not. * Henrik Lundqvist can permit a soft-as-a-cushion first period goal and count on his explosive scorers to redeem him. But only IF… * Hustle and muscle worked for the Rangers in the opening minutes of the third period against New Jersey but those elements were egregiously missing in the final period against Washington. * Carolina's more experienced defense is less apt to permit the Blueshirts the same openings made available by the less-experienced Devils D tonight at Raleigh. * The Devils don’t play again until Friday (at home vs. Ottawa). Hopefully, by then, coach Claude Julien will conclude – as I do – that hustling, talented Mike Rupp deserves more ice time up front. I’d even try him at center between Brian Gionta and Patrick Elias. * Brian Gionta's power play marker was his first in nine games. That is not enough for the player who set the Devils’ record with 48 goals last season. * Patrik Elias is starting to find his touch. A goal and an assist last game as well as an assist on Gionta’s goal Tuesday night. The captain’s production—along with Gionta’s—will be vital until the return of Scott Gomez. * The Devils lapse early in the third period allowing three goals in a minute and a half proves that 55 minutes of good hockey sometimes isn’t enough. Even though they did wind up on the wrong side of the ledger a solid effort was still put forth. * Brendan Shanahan is the best acquisition Glen Sather has made in New York. *Marek Malik's solo rush early in the third period almost resulted in a goal and may have been the hidden catalyst for the Rangers revival. The large Czech appears to be finding his form.
The Islanders four game road trip begins Wednesday night in Dallas and it will be interesting to see whether coach Ted Nolan corrects the flaws evident when the club went on the road at the start of the season. They nearly fell to the bottom of the division. Hopefully he understands that it’s not necessary to play Rick DiPietro every game.
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:11/15/2006 05:48:00 PM can you explain why the rangers have so few jerseys raised? specifically, people like harry howell, andy bathgate and emile francis more than deserve this honor. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Ed in Westchester DATE:11/16/2006 01:10:00 PM DiPietro seemed to do OK last night eh Stan?
He should get a night off in the back to back games. But if he keeps playing like this, why sit him. He should be rested, what with 5 days off before last night. ----- --------