Exciting time for NHL with Conference Finals Going Seven

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Derek

When the Blackhawks defeated the Ducks 5-2 at United Center on Wednesday, it guaranteed that both Conference Finals would require a deciding Game 7. Chicago will visit Anaheim on Saturday night to determine the Western Conference winner. Friday night at what promises to be a raucous environment at MSG, the Rangers play host to the Lightning for a do or die game which will determine the Eastern Conference champion.

It’s the first time since 2000 that each Conference Final will need seven games. Fifteen years ago, the Devils completed a 3-1 comeback defeating the Flyers to win the East where they met the defending champion Stars who edged the Avalanche in seven. New Jersey prevailed over Dallas in winning their second Stanley Cup that June.

For the NHL playoffs, there’s no better theatre than a Game 7. It’s the pinnacle that the sport has to offer. The Lightning and Rangers will participate in the fourth Game 7 this postseason followed by the Hawks and Ducks who’ll take part in the fifth Game 7. In fact, since the start of the 2013 playoffs it will be the 16th and 17th times a series has gone seven.

That’s how most series have been decided. Ironically, it was 2014 Cup champion Kings who stunned the Hawks in seven to advance. They also rallied from a 3-0 first round deficit to beat the Sharks and ousted the Ducks in seven. The Rangers are no stranger to Game 7 going 2-0 against the Flyers and Pens last year while adding the Caps as their latest victim last round. Dating back to 2012 which included seventh game wins over the Sens and Caps plus a 2013 first round triumph over the Caps, they’re six for their last six. A streak that’s tied with the Red Wings (1949-64) and Bruins (1983-94) for the longest in NHL history.

Most notably, the Rangers are 6-0 all-time in Game 7’s at MSG since 1992. They prevailed twice over the Devils including the ’94 Eastern Conference Final and then defeated the Canucks to win the Cup. The other three at home have come against the Sens and Caps in 2012 and the Caps in this year’s second round. It’s enough to drive one mad. All these stats are meaningless.

Henrik Lundqvist has won his last six Game 7’s which is a league record. He’s posted a 0.97 goals-against-average. Ridiculous to say the least. His six career victories are tied for the all-time mark with Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy. He along with teammates Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin have been there for every single one. Rick Nash (4-0), Chris Kreider (5-0) and Derick Brassard (4-0) have never lost. Neither have Stepan or Hagelin with each a perfect 6-0.

On the Lightning side, former Blueshirts Brian Boyle (5-0) and Anton Stralman (6-0) are undefeated in Game 7’s. They added one to their resume in a first round seventh game win over the Red Wings. Defenseman Matt Carle is 4-0. The Bolts don’t have as much experience in these games but went through it in their first round comeback against Detroit. Ryan Callahan was part of the 2012 Rangers. So, he knows what it’s all about. Steven Stamkos also is playing in his second Game 7 in the Conference Final with a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. He was on the Tampa team that lost to the Bruins in 2011.

As far as Game 7 history, the home team has a 94-65 record all-time for a .591 winning percentage. This postseason, the home team has won all three with the Rangers, Lightning and Caps all prevailing. The team that scores first is 117-42 (.736) all-time including 2-1 this postseason. The Rangers are the one who came back last round defeating the Caps in overtime. Forty Game 7’s have gone to overtime. If it reaches that point, all bets are off as both the home and road team have won 20 each.

So, what does it all mean? Not too much. When the puck is dropped after 8 PM at The Garden Friday, the teams will decide it. Does experience matter in such pressure situations? It helps. But if you’ve followed this series, you know better. It’s been unpredictable which is why I can’t say for sure who’ll win. I can only say with certainty that it would be wise for the Rangers to get off to a good start. They’ve only scored four goals in three home games against the Lightning in this series with the Bolts winning the last two. Scoring first could matter. It’ll be the team who imposes their will that’ll come out victorious.

The same applies to the Hawks and Ducks Saturday back in Anaheim. Interestingly, the Ducks have dropped their last two Game 7’s both on home ice including a forgettable blowout defeat to the Kings in last year’s second round. As noted above, the Hawks last Game 7 was a loss in sudden death to those Kings at United Center. So, that’s a combined three consecutive losses between the two Western participants.

Oddly enough, the Hawks’ last three Game 7’s have all needed overtime where they’re 1-2. The one win coming off the clutch stick of Brent Seabrook in the 2013 Western Semifinals over the Red Wings en route to the Cup. The two defeats came to the Canucks in 2011 and the Kings in 2014. In another irony, the winner of all three played for the Cup with only Vancouver then coached by Alain Vigneault losing in what else but Game 7 against Boston. Coincidentally Vigneault’s only defeat. He’s 5-1 all-time.

Ex-Blueshirt Brad Richards is 7-0 in Game 7. Don’t forget he was here for 2012 and last year’s run. And who can forget what he did with Martin St. Louis in Tampa back in 2004 besting the Flyers and Flames in seven for the franchise’s only Cup. St. Louis is 6-1 all-time. On the flip side, Ducks’ tandem Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have dropped their last three.

What does it all mean? Again, we’re dealing with the unknown. Some players perform better under the spotlight. There’s always a chance for new heroes to emerge. For the Blueshirts, it was Stepan most notably after setting up Kreider and McDonagh to stave off elimination won Game 7 over the Caps. It’s not possible without Lundqvist, who faced a barrage the first five minutes of sudden death. If you want to give them an edge, it’s probably in net with Lundqvist having so much success while counterpart Ben Bishop is in his second Game 7. He got a shutout in his first.

For hockey and NBC, it’s a huge win. Game 7 brings out the best. It shapes up to be an exciting weekend.

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The Big Nashty a big key to Game 7 victory for Blueshirts

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Derek
Keith Yandle celebrates his goal that made it 3-1 late in the second with Rick Nash and Kevin Klein. AP Photo by Chris O'Meara/Getty Images

Keith Yandle celebrates his goal that made it 3-1 late in the second of Game 4 with Rick Nash and Kevin Klein. Nash came to life in Game 6 with a goal and three assists in another big win in an elimination game. 
AP Photo by Chris O’Meara/Getty Images

In their 7-3 Game 6 victory last night, Rick Nash was a big factor registering a goal and three assists for a career playoff high four points. Most of the focus was on Derick Brassard who recorded his first career hat trick and five points in the Blueshirts’ latest big win in an elimination game. Brassard was brilliant along with the rest of the top line featuring Nash and perfect complement J.T. Miller, who scored his first postseason goal to go with three helpers allowing the unit to combine for 13 points.

For Nash who doesn’t turn 31 until June 16th, there’s no time like the present. Brought in from Columbus by general manager Glen Sather to help the Blueshirts win a Stanley Cup, the playoffs haven’t been kind to him. In the first two rounds, he only scored two goals and had seven points entering the Eastern Conference Final against the dangerous Bolts featuring Triplets Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, Ondre Palat along with sniper Steven Stamkos, Alex Killorn and overlooked former Wing Valtteri Filppula.

Through the first three games of the series, the Big Nashty didn’t get off to an ideal start getting blanked on the score sheet. He took a fair amount of criticism from the media with NBC’s Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick roasting him. In the playoffs, when your top offensive star isn’t scoring they leave themselves wide open for such commentary. Especially Nash who prior to Game 4 remained stuck on six goals in his first 52 postseason games as a Ranger and seven total in 56 overall counting one appearance with the Blue Jackets in 2009.

With his team trailing in the series 2-1, Nash responded with his first playoff career two-goal game to go with a helper in a convincing 5-1 win in Game 4. In that one, he set the tone by beating Ben Bishop on a breakaway and later scored a power play goal by getting the jersey dirty by going to the net and knocking a loose puck in. It was exactly the kind of performance he needed.

Following a listless Game 5 for the Rangers that saw the Lightning shut them down in a 2-0 road win that put them on the brink, the voices came back. It wasn’t just for Nash who most notably took the team out to a private screening of Entourage prior to Game 4. They all got plenty of blame aside from Henrik Lundqvist, who gave them a chance to win. Following the disappointing loss, most of the talk centered around missed chances with them unable to score on four power plays which got progressively worse.To a man, they knew they had to be much better to avoid elimination with coach Alain Vigneault telling the media his team had to play its best game to stay alive.

While Tuesday’s win wasn’t perfect by any stretch with Lundqvist bailing them out with some huge saves to hold onto a 2-1 lead after two periods, they responded by playing their best period of the series. In particular, the cohesive trio of Brassard, Miller and Nash who scored three of their five goals to put the game away. That included some strong play by Nash and Brassard leading to Miller’s first postseason goal that made it 3-1. Following a large contribution from the fourth line with James Sheppard rewarded with his first postseason goal, Nash’s combination of strength and skill was on display when he stripped Tampa defenseman Andrej Sustr moving the puck to Miller who slap passed across for an easy Brassard finish. 

“That second goal Brass scored today, yeah I passed it over to him but Nash makes the whole play happen,” Miller told Daily News writer Pat Leonard afterwards. “He stole the puck, beat the guy there, outmuscled him, left it. If that doesn’t happen, there’s no play. That’s what he does. He’s an animal.”

When Nash plays like that, he’s impossible to stop. In their last two wins both coming on the road where they seem more comfortable, Nash has tallied three goals and four assists for all seven of his points in the series. He’s been shutout at home in Games 1, 2 and 5. Oddly enough, the Rangers have only scored four goals in the three games at MSG where they’re 1-2 against the Lightning. They must flip the script on Friday to advance to a second straight Stanley Cup Final. Throw the statistics out. All the Game 7 history is meaningless. This has been an unpredictable series. By now, they know they must play even better to keep their championship aspirations alive.

“I think we’ll enjoy tonight and get back to work tomorrow,” Nash said. “It’s one game and it doesn’t matter what you did. It only matters what you’re gonna do. We’ve got to move on to the next one and not sit on this too much.”

Well stated from a player who understands the big challenge ahead. One thing about Number 61’s playoffs. It’s been a roller coaster. His seven points in Games 4 and 6 have him up to second in team scoring with 14 points (5-9-14) trailing only Brassard whose five-point herculean effort vaulted him up to 16 with a team-leading nine goals. Suddenly, Nash’s postseason doesn’t look that bad. However, if he doesn’t back up Tuesday night with another strong performance at MSG, the Blueshirts could be hard pressed to win. It’s that line that’s done the damage and been most effective against Tampa tandem Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman because they’re able to work down low and make things happen.

Indeed, they could use more from line 1B with Derek Stepan without a point over the last three and temperamental Chris Kreider taking a undisciplined retaliation penalty late in the first yesterday leading to ex-Blueshirt Ryan Callahan beating Lundqvist for a power play goal. The USA connection can play better along with Jesper Fast, who was more noticeable in Game 6.

It would also help if the third line of Carl Hagelin, Kevin Hayes and Martin St. Louis actually chipped in at even strength. They haven’t done much and weren’t even a factor last night. Though Hagelin was noticeable defensively causing some turnovers. Hayes also missed the net from the slot way wide causing a Bolts’ odd-man rush that Lundqvist had to snuff out.

Is Game 7 the one captain Ryan McDonagh has an impact? He’s been quiet most of the series drawing a tough assignment against the speedy Triplets and Stamkos with partner Dan Girardi. Marc Staal at least stayed on his feet yesterday. More than we can say for Kevin Klein, who was beaten badly by Kucherov on one of his goals. Does Vigneault consider breaking them up? Neither has been a good match-up for the Bolts’ speed. Perhaps he should shift Dan Boyle up to Staal and Klein back to Keith Yandle. Both of who have had an impact offensively. We’ll wait and see.

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Lundqvist gets the Broadway Hat

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Derek

In the winners locker room, Rick Nash presented Henrik Lundqvist with the Broadway Hat. Prior to Derick Brassard erupting for a hat trick and two assists along with J.T. Miller’s four points and Nash’s three including a power play goal, Lundqvist made some enormous stops stifling Steven Stamkos with the team ahead 1-0 and then denying Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle with them nursing a 2-1 lead in a frightful second.

As usual, Lundqvist came up big in an elimination game finishing with 36 saves. He got to fill the ninth part of the Stanley Cup puzzle. He’ll need to be at his best again on Friday as will the entire Blueshirts against a resilient Lightning.

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Video Of Day: Brassard scores first career playoff hat trick

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Derek

Entering a do or die Game 6, Rangers center Derick Brassard knew he had to be better. In fact, he and Derek Stepan were challenged by coach Alain Vigneault. Both responded with stellar efforts. Even though Stepan didn’t register a point, he was chippy going after Steven Stamkos following an unpenalized hit from behind on Ryan McDonagh.

But it was Brassard who responded with a big performance recording his first career playoff hat trick to go with two helpers en route to a five-point night highlighting the Rangers’ 7-3 win over the Lightning forcing Game 7 at MSG on Friday. Along with cohesive linemates J.T. Miller (1-3-4) and Rick Nash (1-3-4), they dominated the Bolts combining for five goals and eight assists in the Blueshirts’ big win.

With the three goals and two assists, Brassard takes over the team lead in scoring with nine goals and seven assists for 16 points. Big Game Brass delivered.

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Video Of Day: Lundqvist makes huge save on Stamkos

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Derek

It’s easy to forget that lost in their 7-3 win in Game 6 over the Lightning to force a deciding Game 7 Friday at MSG, Henrik Lundqvist made a huge save denying Steven Stamkos on a Tampa power play. Ryan Callahan perfectly set him up for what could’ve been the tying goal. Instead, he makes a incredible kick out to stone Stamkos.

Following Lundqvist’s clutch stop on a successful penalty kill, Keith Yandle scored to put the Blueshirts up 2-0. I can’t say enough how crucial that save was. It allowed them to maintain the lead. Something they had from the 3:36 mark of the first period thanks to Derick Brassard’s first of three. It definitely allowed them to relax. But without Lundqvist, it’s not possible. He was terrific in the second turning back all 13 Bolts shots with a couple of more big ones denying Callahan and Brian Boyle.

It’s in those moments that he reminds every Blueshirt fan why we love him. Because he wants to win. For a while, he carried them. Then they exploded in the third finally allowing their bread and butter to breathe. They’ll need him again to prevail Friday.

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Brassard’s first career playoff hat trick leads Blueshirts past Lightning to force Game 7

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Derek

Say it with me folks. How many by show of hands thought they would ever see this team score seven goals in a postseason game? How many believed they’d see a Blueshirt post a hat trick? If you said yes, you’re probably either the most optimistic fan or completely delusional.

Either way, both happened as the Rangers once again won an elimination game. Derick Brassard’s first career playoff hat trick highlighted a big 7-3 win over the Lightning in Game 6 to force a deciding Game 7 back at MSG on Friday.

There’ll be a seventh game at The Garden thanks to a total team effort from the goal out. Yes. That included a few clutch stops from Henrik Lundqvist in a nervy second period with the Bolts threatening to tie it. Before a wild and unpredictable third as crazy as this Eastern Conference Final has been, it was the Blueshirts nursing a one-goal lead. After former Ranger Ryan Callahan cut it to 2-1 from Anton Stralman on the power play late in the first, the Lightning came hard. Even though they only outshot the Rangers 13-11, it was misleading. The Rangers were sloppy with the puck allowing Tampa to generate some quality chances.

That included another opportunity for Callahan, who was denied this time by Lundqvist. His best save coincidentally came when he stoned Brian Boyle on an odd-man rush shutting the door. Lundqvist stopped all 13 Bolts shots in the period en route to 36 saves in improving to 15-3 in elimination games since Game 6 versus Ottawa in 2012. He also improved to 7-0 in Game 6 or 7 over his last seven appearances making 228 saves on 238 shots (.958 save percentage). He’ll need to be even better on Friday as will the whole team.

Indeed, it was Brassard’s night. He admitted to NBC’s Pierre McGuire following the win that he was disappointed in himself last game. Tonight, he more than made up for it posting a hat trick and two assists for five points. His linemates weren’t too shabby either with J.T. Miller scoring a huge goal at the start of the third to go with three assists for his first career four-point game of the postseason. Rick Nash also factored in scoring what proved to be a key power play goal along with three helpers for a playoff career best four points. The top line played like it combining for 13 points (5-8-13) and a plus-13 rating with Brassard going plus-five.

They set the tone early with Brassard getting to Ben Bishop just 3:36 in when he took a Miller feed and faked before tucking home a backhand five-hole for his first of the game. The play was made possible by a hustling Dan Boyle, who chased down a loose puck keeping it in at the blueline and firing it down low for Miller who passed for Brassard for the goal that quieted Amalie Arena.

The Lightning responded by getting eight of the next nine shots. However, they were unable to beat Lundqvist who was razor sharp early with a remarkable stop on Steven Stamkos from in tight. After he picked them up, Nash and Brassard combined to set up Keith Yandle for a goal that increased the lead to 2-0 at 15:30. Off a strong cycle especially by Brassard, he patiently held onto the puck before passing for a vacated Yandle who fired a long wrist shot that deflected off a Lightning player past Bishop. Originally, it was credited to Miller who was in front but later correctly changed to Yandle.

Trailing by two, a big Stamkos hit from behind on Ryan McDonagh went undetected. Reacting to it, Chris Kreider delivered a big hit but then lost his poise giving Stamkos an extra crosscheck which resulted in an undisciplined minor penalty. Stamkos also went off when he exchanged crosschecks with a incensed Derek Stepan, who was bloodied. It was nice to see them stick up for McDonagh but Kreider’s penalty was miscalculated because it allowed the Bolts to go on the man-advantage.

Without Stamkos, the Lightning had no trouble thanks to a great outlet from Anton Stralman sending Callahan in for a breakaway goal with him getting the better of Lundqvist by going to the backhand top shelf. It was his first postseason goal for the Lightning. Indeed, Callahan played his best with a chance to play for the Stanley Cup. Many of his inexperienced teammates didn’t. He also had an opportunity in the second but was denied by the pad of Lundqvist.

The second was all about the goalie. With his team struggling due to a relentless Lightning attack, Lundqvist came up big. He was the reason they still led by one entering the third. At that point, I just wanted them to play as hard as the goalie because you could see how badly he wanted it. There were some moments in that middle stanza where you wondered if they’d try to hang on for dear life. A recipe that wouldn’t have worked.

Instead, they came out and played their best period of the postseason. They didn’t sit back opting to take it to their opponent. This is where the Rangers’ experience came through. They scored three goals in a 4:12 span to break it open. A strong forecheck from Nash resulted in Brassard getting a great chance only to be robbed by a sprawling Bishop. Staying with it, Brassard came out and centered for Miller who buried his first of the series at 3:07.

The fourth line then struck 2:58 later. Off an initial forecheck by James Sheppard that forced a Lightning turnover, Dominic Moore intercepted a pass and came in two-on-one with Tanner Glass forcing Bishop into a difficult save. The rebound caromed off a driving Sheppard’s shin into the net before it was driven off its moorings. After a video review, the goal stood with Sheppard getting his first from Moore and Glass, who finally got a well deserved point.

It escalated with a strong Nash forecheck resulting in Miller faking shot before making an unselfish play dishing across for a wide open Brassard for his second increasing the lead to 5-1. The play doesn’t happen without Nash stealing the puck away from Andrej Sustr. He showed tremendous strength. Exactly what he must repeat again Friday along with his teammates. That chased Bishop, who allowed five goals on 26 shots. He was hung out to dry by his defense who gave up on the fifth goal.

The Lightning got one back right away off a Tyler Johnson win in the offensive zone back to Kucherov, whose wrist shot beat Lundqvist cutting it to 5-2 with 12:10 left. Before that goal, the shots were 14-2 in favor of the Rangers who after the second trailed in shots 29-18. They really dominated even though Kucherov tallied twice in the third.

With Nikita Nesterov off for a slash, Nash got into the act when he scored a greasy goal on a Yandle rebound in front poking the puck past Tampa reliever Andrei Vasilevsky restoring a four-goal lead with 9:39 remaining. Prior to that, Vasilevsky flat out robbed Brassard with a ridiculous sliding stack job.

Kucherov got one back three minutes later when he took a Johnson feed off a two-on-two beating Kevin Klein to the spot before rifling one home cutting the deficit to 6-3 with 6:39 left. With Tampa coach Jon Cooper rolling the dice by pulling Vasilevsky for an extra attacker with almost six minutes left, it got dicey when Dan Girardi accidentally cleared a puck out of play for a delay of game minor. Cooper opted to go 5-on-4 for the first half but when that didn’t work due to a diligent Rangers penalty kill blocking shots including a big one from Klein, eventually he went for a 6-on-4.

As usual, the Rangers struggled to score into an empty net. They always make it harder than it has to be. Finally, a good defensive play by Brassard allowed him to gain center and fire into an open net for the hat trick with 1:41 left. A great reward for a player New York Post columnist Larry Brooks coined Big Game Brass. He always seems to show for these games and told McGuire the team loves such big games. Well, they get another Friday. Another elimination game for the chance to play for the Cup.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (1st of playoffs, 3 assists, 3 SOG, 2 takeaways, +4 in 26 shifts-14:14-a difference maker)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (36 saves incl. 13/13 in huge 2nd to preserve lead)

1st Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (1st career playoff hat trick-team leading 7th, 8th, 9th, 2 assists, 5 points, +5 in 23 shifts-16:22-a money performance)

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This is moment that will define the Rangers

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Derek

In less than an hour, the Rangers will stare elimination in the face once again. This time, it comes against a higher quality opponent in the awfully fast and supremely skilled Lightning. It will not be skated in quicksand like the previous round. It will be in your face with both teams desperate to win. The Lightning wanting to close it out and not go to Game 7 Friday at MSG. The Rangers not wanting their season to end in disappointment.

Urgency will be of the essence. If they want to keep it going, the Blueshirts must go that extra mile to win Game 6. They must be great. Or as coach Alain Vigneault said, they have to play their best game. Something that Marc Staal and Henrik Lundqvist echoed. They don’t want to have any regrets. They want to leave it all out there.

That means their best players must show up ready from the drop of the puck. There can’t be any passengers like there were the other night in a deflating loss. By now, Rick Nash knows his first ever two-goal playoff game isn’t enough. He still has only four goals during this run. He must go to the hard areas to score on Ben Bishop. That goes double for Chris Kreider, who still leads them with seven goals. He can’t be erased as easily as Lightning tandem Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman did to him along with their forwards.

Derick Brassard has had a knack for scoring in these type of pressure packed games. He must be better than the Sunday’s no show. He centers Nash. Brassard must create and get his nose dirty. He also must shoot as he has a good accurate shot especially on the power play that was dreadful in Game 5. When the opportunity presents itself, the decisions must be made instinctively without hesitation. A sea of white, red and blue need to make their presence felt in front of Bishop by crowding him.

It’s on this night that captain Ryan McDonagh must play purposeful unlike the uncharacteristic struggles we’ve seen. He is better than he’s shown. So is partner Dan Girardi, who must put on his cape and turn into the Broadway version of Superman. These are the kind of games you expect Danny G to shine in. Ditto for Marc Staal, who’s had a poor showing. There have been too many instances where he’s fallen down causing goals against for the Lightning Bolts. He and partner Kevin Klein better get it together.

Derek Stepan has proven himself to be a money performer in such big spots. He and USA linemate Kreider are key components to the Blueshirts’ success. Stepan is the straw that stirs the drink. When he makes things happen, it usually bodes well. The team’s leading scorer in the postseason has been kept off the score sheet the previous two. Tonight, he must do whatever it takes. Whether it’s scoring a big one or setting one up for his unit, this is the kind of game you expect D-Step to deliver in. Especially with a big raise coming this summer.

Martin St. Louis remains stuck on one goal thus far. He definitely had more jump than some of his younger teammates the other night. Facing the former team he led to their only championship over a decade ago, you’d expect him to play like his life depended on it. At age 39 with a cloudy future, this could be his final game this far with one last crack at Lord Stanley. You know it means everything to him.

Keith Yandle and Dan Boyle have provided the offense this series. They’ve been particularly good on the power play. Not the one we got Sunday which was a bad comedy from not just the two offensive blueliners but everyone as a whole. There can’t be any hesitation from either. Whether it’s when to go or when to react defensively. This is what GM Glen Sather got them for.

For some of the kids such as Kevin Hayes, J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast, they’re getting baptized under fire. All three have provided good moments including Miller setting up Hayes on the power play in that near death Game 7 last round and Fast setting up Stepan for the emotional series clincher. They shouldn’t think. Just play.

For polished vets like Dominic Moore and speed demon Carl Hagelin, tonight is the kind of game they excel in. Tight checking where their guile and grit can come in. Both are strong forecheckers and must establish themselves. Moore also a key on faceoffs no matter how Vigneault uses him.

As for James Sheppard and Tanner Glass, they must muck it up in the corners and pressure Tampa’s D. Force some mistakes by taking the body. Remain disciplined. Their energy is important. It can inject life.

For Henrik Lundqvist, the King knows this is what he’s paid for. To be the stopper and backstop his team to another big win in an elimination game. He must be on his toes and know when to challenge the dangerous Triplets of Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov. He must be ready for Stamkos’ heavy shot and for Alex Killorn and Valtteri Filppula. And he knows former ‘mates Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle won’t make it easy in the trenches. He’s counted on to lead the way.

For Vigneault, it’s about making necessary adjustments if it comes down to it. If that means switching the lines or shortening up, so be it. He knows what’s expected and has delivered up to this point. That goes for the entire bench.

Tonight is the biggest game this franchise has had since that fateful Game 6 21 years ago. That night, a captain followed through on a promise and a special team captivated this city. It’s the 2014-15 Blueshirts’ chance to make their mark. It’s up to them.

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The Ducks Had Strong Support from Coach Bombay

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Derek

As if this series couldn’t get any zanier, the Ducks had luck on their side. A historic kind with strong support from the one and only Coach Gordon Bombay. None other than Emilio Estevez sent out some cool tweets that obviously worked their magic in overtime.

https://twitter.com/EMILIOTHEWAY/status/603045763057201153

If that wasn’t enough, how about this zinger after Matt Beleskey completed Coach Bombay’s Flying V request 45 seconds into OT making the Ducks 5-4 winners over the Hawks in Game 5?

https://twitter.com/EMILIOTHEWAY/status/603049443097583616

What must Coach Reilly be thinking? Poor Lane Smith. 😆

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Ducks win a wild Game 5 over resilient Hawks in overtime

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Derek
Cam Fowler celebrates a goal early in the first period of what turned into another classic with the Ducks prevailing over the Hawks 5-4 in overtime on Matt Beleskey's winner at 45 seconds following two Jonathan Toews goals in the final two minutes allowing Anaheim to take a 3-2 series lead over Chicago. AP Photo by Mark J. Terrill/Getty Images

Cam Fowler celebrates a goal early in the first period of what turned into another classic with the Ducks prevailing over the Hawks 5-4 in overtime on Matt Beleskey’s winner at 45 seconds following two Jonathan Toews goals in the final two minutes allowing Anaheim to take a 3-2 series lead over Chicago.
AP Photo by Mark J. Terrill/Getty Images

In an absolute mind trip that just ended, the Ducks won a wild Game 5 over the Hawks taking it in front of the home crowd 5-4 in overtime. The hero was Matt Beleskey who scored 45 seconds into overtime to give his team a three games to two lead in the Western Conference Final. With a win in Chicago Wednesday, the Ducks can return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2007 when they won it.

A game that looked like a cakewalk for Anaheim turned into a nail biter thanks to some Chicago heroics from Hawks captain Jonathan Toews. He scored twice in a 72-second span erasing a 4-2 Ducks lead in the final two minutes of regulation to send it to sudden death.

The amazing aspect is that such a game required OT. The Ducks so dominated the first period that they outscored the Hawks 3-0 and didn’t allow a shot until there was under four minutes left in the first period. They dominated from the outset getting goals from Cam Fowler and Ryan Kesler 32 seconds apart. Fowler finishing off a Nate Thompson feed through a screen and Kesler with a ridiculous redirect of a Jakob Silfverberg shot putting them up by two and forcing Hawks coach Joel Quenneville to use his timeout.

It didn’t help with the Ducks continuing to pour it on. Off a clean faceoff win from Ryan Getzlaf, defenseman Sami Vatanen rifled one from the right point past Corey Crawford, who wasn’t quite set for a three-goal lead. It looked like they would cruise to a easy win outshooting the Hawks 11-3 in as lopsided a period as you’ll see at this late stage of the postseason.

Instead of giving up, the Hawks showed their playoff mettle by rallying the last two periods from a three-goal deficit and two-goal hole to tie the score. Teuvo Teravainen surprised Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen with a no-look wrist shot that eluded him five-hole cutting the deficit to 3-1 just 1:11 into the second. Suddenly, it was all Chicago with them able to make long tape to tape passes and use their speed to get quality chances on Andersen including a dangerous Toews chance one-on-one in which the Ducks netminder stoned him. Duncan Keith also nearly set up Patrick Kane with a backdoor feed just missing connection.

Chicago still trailed by two with under a minute left in the second until Teravainen made a nice pass from behind the net for Brent Seabrook who was able to beat Andersen with a quick snap shot short side cutting the deficit to 3-2 at 19:35. The Hawks outshot the Ducks 13-5 turning it around. After being outshot 10-0 at one point, they owned a 16-6 advantage evening the shots at 16 apiece.

The Hawks continued to press the attack in the third with Clayton Stoner going off for hooking. But the Ducks penalty kill didn’t allow a Chicago shot doing a good job shot blocking. For the night, they rejected 21 shots including seven from Simon Despres and four from Fowler. Andersen was able to make some good stops to keep his team in front.

Eventually, the Ducks got a second wind and finally started turning the ice with their more physical forecheck forcing a Hawks turnover at the blueline. Kimmo Timonen failed to clear the puck and Patrick Sharp turned it over to a pinching Getzlaf, who fed Vatanen creating a two-on-one down low with Vatanen perfectly threading the needle to a wide open Patrick Maroon for a tap-in with Seabrook on all fours. The goal came with 5:15 remaining restoring a two-goal lead. But it wasn’t enough to fluster the Hawks.

Instead of panicking, the experienced former Stanley Cup winner got off the mat in epic fashion. As if this series wasn’t good enough with the Ducks in the last game scoring three goals in 39 seconds only to lose in sudden death, the Hawks rallied from 4-2 down in the final two minutes. Both times, Quenneville pulled Crawford for an extra attacker. Toews scored with 1:50 left when he one-timed a perfect Marian Hossa feed past Andersen from Keith cutting it to one. Then, with Crawford again on the bench, the brilliant Chicago captain got to a dump in the corner and from a sharp angle fired one off Andersen and in to tie it at 19:22.

An incredible sequence that stunned Honda Center. The Ducks tried to get the winner before the end of regulation but Crawford got a piece of a shot. In OT, I had the feeling it would end early. But even earlier than expected when a Hawks turnover caught them in a change allowing Silfverberg to transition to Kesler for a two-on-one with Beleskey. Kesler wisely shot low with the rebound caroming off Crawford right to Beleskey for an easy put away sending the Ducks off the bench at 45 seconds of OT.

What do they have in store for us in Game 6? We’ll find out.

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Why I Still Believe The Rangers Will Win

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Derek
Henrik Lundqvist is one of the big reasons why the Rangers can still come back and win their series against the Lightning for a do or die Game 6. AP Photo by Nick Wass/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist is one of the biggest reasons why the Rangers can still come back and win their series against the Lightning for a do or die Game 6. The King will need help from his friends.
AP Photo by Nick Wass/Getty Images

Before I get to started, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. A big thank you goes out to all the brave men and women who have served our country. Without you, none of this would be possible. It’s not a day of celebration but a day of appreciation for the true American heroes that have sacrificed so much for our way of life.

I’ve been thinking about it all day. The situation the Rangers find themselves in as if you didn’t already know. It’s not comfortable but given what this team puts us through, why should it be? This is who they are. A close knit group who plays better when their backs are against the wall. Why should we have expected anything else? So, they laid an egg last night and now face elimination yet again.

Tomorrow night when the puck drops after 8 PM for Game 6, it’s the biggest game they have played since being in the identical situation 21 years ago in the same round. Most will reference the recent 3-1 comebacks against the Pens and Caps. That’s a different set of circumstances. Here, your President’s Trophy winners face more pressure. Like it or not, this is probably their best chance to deliver the franchise’s fifth Stanley Cup. It’s a different set of expectations than 2014 or 2012. This is bigger.

Think back to 1994 when they played a similar awful Game 5 losing to the Devils. That team had the weight of an entire city along with that 54-year curse hanging over their heads. Plus the whole players versus Mike Keenan catastrophe. Then the greatest captain we’ve seen Mark Messier said they would win Game 6. It wasn’t so much a guarantee but rather a strong belief that they would find a way. That Messier recorded a hat trick in the third period to lead his team back from a 2-0 deficit made it that more legendary. They were taken to double overtime before Stephane Matteau scored and eventually held on in a hair raising Game 7 beating the Canucks.

So, here we are a year removed from Henrik Lundqvist carrying last year’s team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance before falling to the Kings in five hard fought games. The giant question still lingers. Can the franchise’s best goalie win a Cup? As last night proved, he needs help. A few of his teammates must perform better for them to take it back to MSG for a home Game 7 where Lundqvist is virtually unbeatable. Which player is going to stand up and deliver a big speech not only inspiring their team to victory tomorrow but leading them?

That’s the question I keep asking myself. Captained by Ryan McDonagh, these Blueshirts have enough experience and determination to believe they’ll win. There are so many locker room leaders who have performed in these type of pressure packed situations. Marc Staal, Dan Girardi qualify as do Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard, Martin St. Louis and Dan Boyle. Chris Kreider and Rick Nash have been around long enough. So have Carl Hagelin and the backhand professor, Dominic Moore. Kevin Klein has too. Of course, Lundqvist has because he’s been the backbone of this franchise for a decade. I believe he’ll deliver a big performance tomorrow and repeat it in Game 7 Friday.

I fully expect them to win tomorrow and force a do or die seventh game at what will be a chaotic atmosphere inside MSG. If you’re a pessimist, then you haven’t been paying attention these past four years. They can do it. It’ll be quite challenging. Think back to what those ’94 Rangers face in the future champion Devils.

The Lightning are a excellent opponent with more talent making them opportunistic as they were Sunday night. Even with the Rangers able to quiet the Triplets the past two games, they haven’t contained Steven Stamkos. He doesn’t need much room or space either even though he played almost seven minutes less than Tyler Johnson. Neither does the potent Victor Hedman who’s dominated the series with his skating and free wheeling. Don’t forget they also have Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman and Ryan Callahan who bring necessary experience. It isn’t gonna be easy.

Throw everything out. The previous five games don’t matter. As we’ve seen throughout this series, every game is different. A little side note to the professional media covering the series who actually tweeted that neither team has won two straight. Let me correct that. The Lightning already did that winning Games 2 and 3. Do these people actually fact check? The Rangers haven’t yet. They’ll get their chance beginning tomorrow. A team that’s won three in a row against the Caps and Pens. The competition is better. They’ve been a great road team under Alain Vigneault. Another reason to believe they’ll get it done Tuesday and take it to a deciding seventh game.

Nothing really fazes them. Judging from the quotes, they’ve been here before. They know this is it. There’s no Game 7 if they don’t play their best game of the playoffs tomorrow. A point that’s been reiterated by both coach and players. Figure the urgency to be dialed up several notches along with the desperation. It’s time to put their hard hats on.

The 2014-15 Rangers didn’t come this far to lose now. It’s gut check time. I believe in them. They’ve been a resilient group. I expect their best effort tomorrow. I also expect them to win. I still BELIEVE.

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