Maybe Backman heard me as well as he just notched his first as a Ranger off a very nice setup by Brendan Shanahan converting a four-on-three rush by wristing one past Niittymaki.

Apparently, John Stevens had seen enough of his starter as well and followed Renney’s idea by replacing Niitty with Martin Biron. So, it’s now a battle of back-ups at the Garden in this big Atlantic match-up.

Colton Orr just battled Jesse Boulerice to a draw. This was a really good scrap as both traded rights and landed. What an entertaining game so far.

What else will happen?