Tonight, the Rangers aim to send this second round series the distance. It’ll take the same effort and gumption they played with Friday to force Game 7 against the Pens. In franchise history, they’ve never rallied back from a 3-1 playoff deficit. In fact, the 5-1 Game 5 victory was their first since 1982 when facing such a hole.

Step two comes at Madison Square Garden on Mother’s Day. Every Blueshirt played with purpose to bring the series back home. Drawing inspiration from teammate Martin St. Louis returning after the loss of his Mom, they played like their lives depended on it. With St. Louis flying in his Dad and sister for Game 6, it’s sure to be an emotional scene. Hearing St. Louis say his Mom was the best person he ever knew and how she would’ve wanted him to play and was proud of him was pretty heavy. So too were seeing his teammates reaction with Derick Brassard hugging him during a stoppage and every player patting him following an emotional win.

It was a friendly reminder how much St. Louis means as a teammate. He’s only been here two months but is universally loved and respected. The heart and courage he’s displayed is something to behold. On a day we honor mothers, the Rangers look to send this series back to Pittsburgh one final time Tuesday. It’ll take every ounce of energy and concentration to get it done.