In approximately an hour, the Rangers look to bounce back against the Kings for a pivotal Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Over the past two days, they’ve had to deal with a lot of questions following a disappointing 3-2 overtime Game 1 defeat. A game that they blew a two-goal lead in to a resilient LA club, who dominated the tail end outshooting them 20-3 in the third. Justin Williams notched the winner off a Dan Girardi turnover.

It didn’t take long for Girardi’s teammates to come to his aid. Danny G is one of the key pieces that’s gotten them here. One half of the top pairing alongside Ryan McDonagh, he’s handled criticism well and echoed the sentiment about having to move on. What’s done is done. The Rangers blew chances to take a 1-0 series lead. Now, it’s about responding tonight at Staples Center with a more consistent effort. Coach Alain Vigneault called out a few players without naming names and noted that his team’s ‘B Game’ won’t get it done against the Kings.

You don’t need to be a brain surgeon to read between the lines. Derek Stepan, Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, Mats Zuccarello and Marc Staal are key Blueshirts who need better efforts. Stepan had the turnover that led to the Kings’ first goal scored by Kyle Clifford which swung the momentum. He also was hesitant to shoot and overpassed. Especially on the power play. They need him to be a double threat. St. Louis wasn’t that noticeable except for a missed chance where he didn’t take a shot on Jonathan Quick with his team up 2-0. Richards also struggled with turnovers. Zuccarello has been a key cog throughout but hasn’t been burying chances. He can improve as can Staal, who really had issues with the Kings’ size and speed. He and partner Anton Stralman got victimized on two goals. They need a stronger effort. Especially if matched up against the big LA second line of Jeff Carter, Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli.

If you want to get technical, both Rangers goals came on breakaways with first Benoit Pouliot connecting off a Drew Doughty turnover and then Carl Hagelin getting a favorable bounce off Slava Voynov for a shorthanded goal. In particular, Hagelin stood out using his speed to drive the Kings crazy. That included a wild sequence in the final minute of regulation where he nearly got another shorty and then raced back and dove to prevent an LA goal. Hagelin’s speed is an asset. He’s been hot lately getting three goals over the last five and has elevated his game. More of his teammates need to hop aboard including Chris Kreider, who was fairly quiet. The Rangers need more from him and Rick Nash, who despite getting opportunities was unable to finish. They need more inspired play from the top line.

Much was made of Vigneault double shifting McDonagh, who took 37 shifts and received over 31 minutes. Part of it was by design due to Raphael Diaz, who skated in place of John Moore for a second straight game. Moore served the final game of his suspension for an illegal hit on Dale Weise. He’ll return to the lineup and rejoin partner Kevin Klein on the third defensive pair. As Vigneault noted, Moore has given them a consistent effort defensively and is a left-handed defenseman making it an easier transition. He prefers to have a lefty and righty. It helps that Moore is a fast skater who can also carry the puck out and jump in on the rush. Outside of that, I wouldn’t expect any other changes.

For the Rangers to even the series going back to MSG Monday, they must do a better job on the forecheck. In the first half of Game 1, they were able to take advantage of their speed, which the Kings seemed unprepared for. It’ll be more challenging. They have to continue to move their feet and cycle the puck below the dots working LA’s defense. The Kings also will get a defenseman back with vet Robyn Regehr finally ready after missing the last 11 games. He’s another bruiser who isn’t the fleetest of foot.

It would be nice to see the power play get something done. They failed in three chances including a critical one nursing a one-goal lead prior to Doughty scoring the goal of the tournament. They have a tendency to get too cute. A trend they must buck. We’re not suggesting they shoot carelessly. Puck movement and patience are fine but choose wisely. Get bodies in front of Quick and make it difficult.

Staying out of the box is crucial. You don’t want to take too many penalties against a skilled club like LA which boasts Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik, Carter and Doughty. While the penalty kill remains strong, remaining disciplined is essential. Don’t give them life.

Obviously, Henrik Lundqvist must be brilliant like Game 1. He shouldn’t have to make 40 saves. For two periods, he saw one fewer shot than Quick. Many have put this series on him for the Rangers to win. While that’s true, he needs help. It’ll take more than the goalie to gain a split. That means more urgency and fewer turnovers. They got sloppy in the second half of Game 1 fueling LA’s physical attack. The Rangers hardly had the puck the last 24 minutes. Get back to managing the puck and skating. Whoever controls the tempo will likely win.

There isn’t much else to add. The Rangers know what’s on the line here. They don’t want to go back to New York down 0-2. This is a different opponent. The game will start probably around 7:20 due to the Belmont Stakes. As most are aware unless you don’t follow horses, California Chrome is seeking to become the first triple crown winner in 36 years. The race doesn’t go off until 6:50. It will kickoff a unique Saturday doubleheader for NBC with Game 2 following the triple crown excitement. They should do big ratings. See you later.