AUTHOR: The Maven TITLE: Rangers Crisis DATE: 12/07/2006 02:53:00 PM ----- BODY:

DEVILISH BEHAVIOR I said it before and I'll say it again; the Devils can't go on this way. Not spotting an opponent a lead and then expecting to come from behind in the final half of the third period and winning in overtime. Oh, it was breath-taking to watch Claude Julien's sextet pulling a win out of a hat in Philly and then extracting victory from defeat against Les Canadiens on Wednesday at the Meadowlands. That's three straight wins with the Turnpike open for a fourth consecutive triumph on Friday night at Continental Airlines Arena when the Flyers come to town again. But not if the Devs continue to play lacklustre hockey in the opening frame and battle from behind from that point on; uh-uh, it ain't going to work forever. On the bright side, there's every reason to expect a change for the better and that starts with the captain. Even though Patrik Elias still is not playing the kind of hockey I'd like to see, he certainly is on the road to recovery and nothing said it better than his game-winning blast against the Habs in the waning minutes of overtime. Other positive notes: 1. Zach Parise has developed a bite to his game along with a knack for delivering big ones; as in the tying backhander late in the third period; 2. Martin Brodeur may give up a softee now and then -- and in the early Montreal goal -- but he's delivering the huge saves and looks as determined as ever; 3. Brad Lukowich -- while far from perfect -- appears more at home on the D's defense than ever; 4. The young defenders --Johnny Oduya, David Hale -- are slowly but surely improving and playing as steadily as the vetes; 5. Brian Rafalski continues to deliver key passes at ideal moments; as evidence by his skim to Elias for the winner against the Canadiens. Perhaps the brightest note, from my viewpoint, is the fact that Julien appears to be taking my advice -- or at least has decided on his own -- by using more of his fourth line. Mike Rupp in particular has shown a flair for carrying the puck out of his own with confidence and occasionally delivers a potent shot. With more playing time, Rupp should be connecting with a goal here and there. I'd be remiss if I overlooked Scott Gomez, whose end to end rushes are reminiscent of some of the best carries I've ever seen. Not only that but Scotty is a delight to chat with in the dressing room and without question, one of the most genuine wits in sports; even though Richard Matvichuk might disagree. The Flyers proved more than a worthy foe last Saturday -- without Peter Forsberg -- and certainly should not be taken lightly tomorrow night. All lessons should have been learned by now. Let's see whether they're applied.

RANGERS AT CROSSROADS: There have been few games when it could be said that MANY Rangers are on the spot when they play Pittsburgh tonight at the Garden. * HENRIK LUNDQVIST: Henny must rebound from the Islanders' disaster by both restoring his confidence as well as that of his coach and teammates. * DARIUS KASPARAITIS: Mysteriously benched, the Rangers heaviest hitter returns to the lineup in a position to prove to his general staff that he belongs as a regular. One game against Sid Crosby Inc. may not be a fair test. Then again, who says hockey is fair? * PETR PRUCHA: Patience is running thin. Is the gifted Czech in a sophomore slump? Is he absorbing too much physical punishment? Is he about to break out with goals as he did last year? Tonight would be a good night for him to return to last year's form. * MATT CULLEN: I love the way he plays the game except for the fact that the ex-Hurricane seems unable to produce in the manner expected when he arrived on Seventh Avenue. Cullen needs to make a positive statement. Now you know why tonight's match is important to a lot of Rangers.

ISLAND OF RESPITE? Based on medical reports alone, the Islanders deserve a good rest. Ah, but there's a problem. The Canadiens invade Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum tonight after losing to New Jersey and that means no respite is possible for a club hurting without Alexei Yashin and Trent Hunter. Viktor Kozlov played decently enough in the Isles loss to Ottawa on Tuesday but if someone is going to compensate for Yashin's absence it must be Kozzy. Trouble is, as a Devil, Koz came to play in about one out of four games. Coach Ted Nolan cannot allow that to happen on the Island; Vik is simply too important to the team. An opening Islanders goal would be helpful because when the Habs get a lead, they play as tight a trap as any team in the league. Also worth noting is the return of Habs defenseman Mike Komisarek to his native Long Island. A product of ex-Islanders defenseman Gerry Hart's Rinx Complex in Hauppage, Mike has emerged as a tough, solid backliner. Montreal's other Long Islander, Chris Higgins, remains sidelined at least a few more weeks with an injury. His absence is as devastating to the Habs as the loss of Yashin to the Isles. If the Isles lose, beware of a skid that could last until Yashin returns. This one is bigger than a lot of people may think.

----- --------