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| Copyright Getty Images/by Mary Altaffer |
When Steven McDonald visits The Garden to hand out the Extra Effort Award to the Ranger who goes above and beyond the call of duty, it reminds us how lucky we are. On a special night in which the former cop dedicated the prestigious award to eight-year year old Martin Richard who died tragically, for once the Blueshirts responded by winning against the lowly Panthers 6-1. Presenting the trophy on what’s the 25th Year Anniversary of the award named in his honor, McDonald as usual spoke elegantly before surprising Ryan Callahan with his fourth Extra Effort Award, tying Adam Graves for the club record.
While I love Captain Cally, I think many felt that USA linemate Derek Stepan was more deserving. Still, can you think of a negative thing to say about Callahan? The do everything captain who’s always leading by example, was involved in a much harder five-goal win than the score indicated. He assisted on the first two and delivered an inspiring shift that swung the momentum late in the second with the Panthers awfully close to tying it.
Some nice passing helped set up two power play goals. Callahan combined with Rick Nash (1-2-3) to feed Derick Brassard for the first of a pair. Nash was the beneficiary of a great Callahan backhand saucer pass that Brassard let go through for his former Jacket teammate to bury his team best 18th. Stepan helped set it up. Despite a two-goal lead, the Rangers were very shaky defensively. Eventually, Calder front runner Jonathan Huberdeau got them on the board with a brilliant rush and finish, going around Mats Zuccarello for his 14th.
If not for Henrik Lundqvist, it easily could’ve been a long night. Hank was strong again making 34 saves with several sparklers that prevented the Panthers from evening it. Lifeless for most of the second, a big shift from Callahan led to Stepan breaking in on Scott Clemmensen, who denied him. The Rangers responded thanks to Zuccarello, who played his best game as a Ranger tallying twice. Off a great cycle, Ryane Clowe came off the bench and replaced Taylor Pyatt. Not the fastest skater, Clowe used his guile to help Zuccarello score for a second straight game. Clowe’s backhand from the corner banked off Clemmensen right to Zucc, whose backhand went top shelf to restore a two-goal lead at 16:34.
Needing a better effort to finish off Florida, the Blueshirts came harder in the third scoring three times in a 3:24 span. While Lundqvist stopped the Cats in their tracks, Zuccarello got his second when Brad Richards centered one off the heel of his skate. The feisty Norwegian attacked the net between two Panthers and got rewarded. The way he competes is admirable. He’s been playing that way since returning from Russia. It’s that type of effort which makes him popular with our fans.
Leading by three, our team put it away. First, some more great passing resulted in Brassard burying his second. Nash and Mike Del Zotto worked a give and go with Del Zotto dishing for Brassard for his 10th (3rd as a Ranger). Nash’s third point of the night. Then Richards finally got one off sheer hustle. For a change, he skated hard and took a good shot that Clemmensen got a piece of. With the veteran backup unable to recover, Richards scored on a wrap around for his seventh (first in 7). One can only hope he’s got a few more saved for the frantic last five.
NY Puck 3 Stars:
3rd Star-Mats Zuccarello, NYR (2 goals-2nd, 3rd, 5 SOG, 2 hits, 2 blocked shots, +2 in 14:58)
2nd Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (2 goals-9th, 10th, +1 in 18:34-tenacious)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (34 saves incl. 22/23 first 2 periods-Vezina caliber)
Notes: It’s rare that I agree with the Three Star selection. But that’s exactly what happened. Fact. Without Hank, they easily could’ve lost. Florida was dangerous offensively as much as they were asleep defensively. Lundqvist has been so good that I think they should go back to him tomorrow at Buffalo. Don’t mess around. Everyone is winning. They might have to win out.
… John Moore was splendid. In 16 shifts (11:54), he was very active offensively without missing a beat in his end. He’s the wildcard in the Gabby trade. So far, so good. How about him dropping the gloves and then pounding Jack Skille in his first scrap?!?!?!?!?! His teammates were impressed including Arron Asham, who should take notice.
… Much was said about the lines including my previous rant. It worked out with even Pyatt doing a solid job with an assist. Chris Kreider isn’t going to play a lot because Tort doesn’t trust him. But he looked decent in at least half of the fourth line’s eight shifts. Kreider came close to scoring on his second shift. He also took the body. It’s not easy to come into a playoff race. There’s pressure. One mistake can do damage. I think even the most enthusiastic Kreider supporters should see the Big Picture.
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Battle Of Hudson 