Maple Leafs beat out Sabres for Babcock

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Derek

The Maple Leafs have won the #BabcockWatch. Amidst much speculation, TSN’s Darren Dreger confirmed that the Leafs will hire top coaching free agent Mike Babcock as their new coach. The official press conference is tomorrow.

It came down to the Sabres and Leafs. Buffalo was all in on Babcock who spent the past decade coaching the Red Wings. He had lots of success guiding them to a Stanley Cup in ’07-08 and a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final the following year where they fell just short of repeating losing to the Penguins by a goal in Game 7. Once the Wings were eliminated in seven by the Lightning in the first round, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion he’d leave. He finished 458-223-105 posting a .649 winning percentage in 10 seasons as Red Wings coach.

The past 24 hours while the Blackhawks needed triple overtime to defeat the Ducks, rumors intensified on Babcock. TSN’s Aaron Ward tweeted that Babcock would not return to Detroit. What followed was chaos as to where he would wind up.

What followed was confirmation by TSN’s Bob MacKenzie that the Sabres were out leaving some speculation that maybe there was a “secret team” involved like the Blues or Sharks. Apparently, Babcock saw only green in a return home to Toronto. He’s from Ontario and will be introduced by former pupil Brendan Shanahan tomorrow at 11 AM.  Not only is Babcock taking over for a reported eight years, $50 million. But apparently he might be bringing former Lightning coach Guy Boucher to his staff as an assistant. Jeez.

For the Sabres, they swung and missed. Obviously, it hurts somewhat. But if Babcock thinks going home will be easy coaching the Leafs, good luck. He might want to pack some extra golf clubs. Buffalo still owns the number two overall pick in next month’s highly anticipated draft where the Oilers are expected to select Connor McDavid with the number one pick. The Sabres will get a great consolation prize in prized Boston University prospect Jack Eichel. The Leafs pick fourth.

With Babcock off the market, Sabres GM Tim Murray continues his coaching search. The top candidates are Dan Bylsma, Paul MacLean and Luke Richardson per Sabres correspondent Joe Yerdon.

Richardson is the Senators AHL coach at Binghamton. He’s the favorite due to his familiarity with Murray. The former defenseman has never coached an NHL team. He’s 46. Obviously, Bylsma and MacLean have experience. It all depends on what Murray’s plan is. In a rebuild, it might make more sense to hire a young coach who has the patience to deal with mistakes from young players and develop. It doesn’t always work as the Oilers discovered with Dallas Eakins. They just hired former Sharks bench boss Todd McLellan in more low key news yesterday signing him for five years.

For Buffalo, finishing second is nothing new. However, just maybe it’ll be better for the franchise over the long haul. It’s now Murray’s move.

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Marcus Kruger wins the longest playoff game in Hawks history

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Derek
Marcus Kruger is congratulated by happy Hawks after winning the longest game in franchise history. Chicago evened the series with Anaheim prevailing 3-2 in triple overtime. AP Photo by Jae C. Hong/Getty Images

Marcus Kruger is congratulated by happy Hawks after winning the longest game in franchise history. Chicago evened the series with Anaheim prevailing 3-2 in triple overtime.
AP Photo by Jae C. Hong/Getty Images

For nearly six periods, the Blackhawks and Ducks played a epic game at Honda Center. Game 2 of the Western Conference Final was a marathon that went to triple overtime. In a battle of wills, the Hawks found a way to even the series prevailing 3-2 on Marcus Kruger’s goal at 116:12 of the third overtime. It was the longest playoff game in Hawks’ history.

Kruger’s goal ended a 78:41 stretch since Corey Perry’s tied the contest on a deflection from Ryan Getzlaf at 17:30 of the second period. Anaheim climbed out of an early two-goal hole to force sudden death. Chicago started quickly getting power play goals from Andrew Shaw and Marian Hossa 4:05 apart in the first period. Andrew Cogliano’s redirection of a Nate Thompson shot cut the deficit in half less than three minutes later. Perry evened it on a neat redirect of a Getzlaf shot.

The story was the brilliant play of the two netminders. On one side, Corey Crawford made 60 saves including 28 in overtime. On the other was Frederik Andersen who finished with 53 saves to suffer a gut wrenching defeat. Neither budged in sudden death. They each were sensational making astonishing stops at each end. Crawford’s best saves came during the second OT when he denied Cam Fowler and then stoned Perry point blank. He also benefited from three goalposts. Andersen’s best came when he robbed Antoine Vermette in the final minute of double OT. He also denied Shaw point blank in the first OT.

How impressive was it? Led by Getzlaf, Perry and an activated defense, the Ducks’ furious forecheck causing all sorts of chaos against a undermanned Hawks who basically played four defensemen with major minutes going to Brent Seabrook (47:46), Duncan Keith (49:51), Niklas Hjalmarsson (47:35) and Johnny Oduya (46:06). Even with coach Joel Quenneville barely rotating Kimmo Timonen and Kyle Cumiskey (Comiskey), they managed to prevail despite Anaheim’s physicality and size. The Ducks outhit the Hawks 71-45. They were the fresher team with coach Bruce Boudreau able to trust all six of his blueliners even with Fowler (40:21), Francois Beauchemin (46:29) and Hampus Lindholm (44:07) logging heavy minutes.

The Ducks did a great job limiting Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. They combined for 11 shots but weren’t given a lot of real estate. Most of the Hawks’ best chances were created by Vermette and rookie Teuvo Teravainen. They were dangerous throughout sudden death with Vermette in particular almost ending it before the conclusion of the second OT. He also was perfectly set up on the doorstep but missed a tap-in.

Anaheim put on heavy pressure for most of the third overtime. An extended shift from Getzlaf, Perry and Patrick Maroon had an exhausted Hawks pinned in for almost two minutes. They iced the puck but caught a break with it coming under 10 minutes left which meant the ice had to be cleaned. Knowledgeable Ducks fans groaned. That along with a great solo effort from Kyle Palmieri which Crawford denied with help in front were their best opportunities to go up two games to none. Instead, they’re knotted with Game 3 Thursday at Chicago.

A closer look at Marcus Kruger's triple overtime winner past Frederik Andersen. AP Photo by Mark J. Terrill/Getty Images

A closer look at Marcus Kruger’s triple overtime winner past Frederik Andersen.
AP Photo by Mark J. Terrill/Getty Images

With both goalies locked in, the game seemed headed to a fourth overtime. However, with over four minutes left Seabrook was able to get a shot through off a board carom which changed direction twice. It looked like it might’ve went off Shaw before going right to to Kruger who batted it out of mid-air to beat Andersen. That fortunate bounce is how the game had to be decided. It wasn’t gonna be a clean shot.

At one point in the second OT with the Hawks on a power play, Shaw intentionally headbutted a puck out of mid-air into the Ducks net. Knowing he couldn’t use his stick, he headed the puck past Andersen causing a premature celebration. But once the refs got together, it went to video review and was properly waved off. Even though it was creative, a player cannot do that. Shaw may as well have used a glove to bat it in. No way that was going to count.

The controversial play certainly drew plenty of chuckles. It was hilarious. Give Shaw credit for originality. But unless you’re a goalie and usually named Henrik Lundqvist, you can’t use your helmet.

With that series all even, you wonder what they’ll do for an encore tomorrow. Full credit to Rangers’ radio announcer Kenny Albert for traveling to Anaheim and doing Game 2 with Joe Micheletti. Albert will take a red eye to Tampa for Game 3 tonight. There’s not a harder working man. He’ll then fly to Chicago for Game 3. Amazing.

That in a nutshell is the playoffs for broadcast talent. They do a wonderful job.

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McDonagh blasts ‘stupid, selfish’ penalties in Game 2

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Derek

Following a disappointing 6-2 loss in Game 2 that evened the third round series, Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh blasted their performance. Making reference to some of the undisciplined penalties his teammates took, he let them have it.

“It’s embarrassing,” McDonagh told reporters in the Rangers locker room. “ There are a lot of things you want to say right now but talking doesn’t do much. Our guys better figure it out quickly here and realize that stupid, sefish penalties are going to cost us against this team. They’ve got too much skill. Shooting ourselves in the foot from the very first few minutes there is not going to give us a chance to win.”

In particular, they took too many penalties against a opportunistic opponent with the speed and skill to bury them. That’s exactly what happened. Of Tampa’s six goals, four were scored on special teams including going 3-for-6 on the power play. Johnson also scored shorthanded on a Rangers’ five-on-three thanks to a awful turnover from Martin St. Louis, who fell down causing a Johnson breakaway.

“I don’t even know what to call this game,” McDonagh added. “I want to get rid of it, get the thought out of my head. I’ve never really seen this group do that before and play that way. We’ve got to find a way to just get back to playing the way we know we can.”

In every aspect, they were too sloppy. If you think about it, the Lightning’s fourth goal basically came due to Derek Stepan’s minor penalty 1:02 into the third. Even though they nearly tied it with Ben Bishop denying Rick Nash and Jesper Fast, the Rangers were unable to clear the puck. It resulted in them running around and leaving Alex Killorn wide open for a perfect Victor Hedman cross-ice pass that he buried.

Johnson’s third tally came at even strength following Marc Staal falling at the left point. It resulted in a well executed three-on-two with Johnson following up Ondrej Palat’s rebound off the post by getting his stick on it following Nikita Kucherov’s kick.

Ranger mistakes were the story of Game 2. There was Derick Brassard’s needless high-sticking of Kucherov leading directly to Steven Stamkos’ power play goal that put it out of reach at 5-2. Stepan also took a penalty in the first that led to a 4-on-3 Johnson PPG that put the Bolts back ahead.

The Rangers’ lack of discipline didn’t allow them to play the Lightning at even strength. Something they were able to do during the first two periods of Game 1. They also took some bad penalties in the third of that one with McDonagh off when Johnson set up Palat for a game-tying power play goal. As a team, they want to avoid the penalty box against a red hot Bolts’ man-advantage that’s been cooking since their second round win over the Canadiens.

“I think in Game 1 we participated in the hockey game,” said Tampa head coach Jon Cooper, “and in Game 2 we came to win a hockey game. That was the difference.”

“You just have to wipe it clean,” said Henrik Lundqvist, who gave up his most goals (6) in a postseason outing since his debut against the Devils in 2006. “It’s one game. It’s a tied series. We’re going down to Tampa.”

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Tyler Johnson’s hat trick sparks Lightning past listless Rangers 6-2

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Derek
Johnson Hat Trick: Tyler Johnson is mobbed by teammates after scoring a hat trick in the Lightning's 6-2 win over the Rangers in Game 2. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Johnson Hat Trick: Tyler Johnson is mobbed by teammates after scoring a hat trick in the Lightning’s 6-2 win over the Rangers in Game 2.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

The series is all even. In typical fashion, the Rangers did what they always do in home Game 2’s when leading one game to none. Rather than put their feet firmly on the Lightning, they let them up in a listless Game 2 dropping it in ugly fashion 6-2 at MSG.

Tyler Johnson was a one man highlight reel becoming the first Lightning in franchise history to record a hat trick. The leading Bolt dominated by scoring shorthanded, on the power play and at even strength. In fact, Johnson had accounted for all three of Tampa’s goals through two periods and six of their 15 shots as they held onto a 3-2 lead.

Thanks to some big stops from Ben Bishop including consecutive saves to deny Rick Nash and Jesper Fast shorthanded at the start of the third, Tampa was able to withstand a strong Rangers push. That came following a Derek Stepan power play goal in which the heady center stayed with it following his own shot by banking the puck off Braydon Coburn at 14:17 of the second to cut the Bolts’ lead to 3-2. Ironically, it was a undisciplined Stepan tripping minor at 1:02 of the third that forced the Rangers to kill off a penalty.

However, following Bishop’s biggest saves of the game including a pad denial on Fast on a shot he couldn’t elevate, the game turned when the Rangers were unable to clear the zone after Stepan’s penalty expired. Instead, the skilled Lightning worked the puck around to perfection with Victor Hedman brilliantly feeding a wide open Alex Killorn for a back breaking goal at 3:09 giving them some breathing room. Valtteri Filppula started it with a cross-ice pass to Hedman whose diagonal feed found Killorn all alone with Henrik Lundqvist out of position for an open side that he fired home.

The Rangers continued to try but a foolish Derick Brassard high-sticking minor on Nikita Kucherov basically dashed their comeback hopes. On the ensuing power play, Tampa Bay put it away when a Coburn left point shot was neatly redirected by Lightning captain Steven Stamkos making it 5-2 with 13:32 left. Kucherov notched a secondary helper collecting his third point (all assists).

Unlike Game 1 in which they prevailed 2-1 on a Dominic Moore deflection late, the Rangers got into the wrong kind of game against an opportunistic Lightning who took advantage of every Ranger mistake. The first period was so sloppy that the teams combined for seven penalties. Remarkably, consecutive penalties from Brian Boyle and Jason Garrison handed them a five-on-three. But an awful Martin St. Louis turnover on a Dan Boyle pass resulted in Johnson converting shorthanded from Killorn just as Brian Boyle’s penalty expired.

After failing on the first two power plays, the Rangers were able to cash in on their third try thanks to Chris Kreider, who followed up a St. Louis shot rebounding it past Bishop to draw even at 8:50. Dan Boyle started it and notched the secondary helper against his former team.

But neither team could stay away from the penalty box. That played into Tampa Bay who are much more dynamic at special teams. After Ryan Callahan took an even up penalty with Kreider already in the box, Stepan took an ill advised trip handing the Lightning a four-on-three man-advantage. On it, the gifted Johnson got to a Stamkos set up in front and absolutely whistled a perfect shot into the top corner over Lundqvist putting his team back ahead at 11:15. The kind of skill that makes one wonder how nobody drafted him. I always was a fan since he teamed with Stepan and Kreider on Team USA when they won gold at the World Junior Championship in 2010.

Tyler Johnson closes in for his third goal of the game with Henrik Lundqvist out of position. The goal counted due to Johnson getting his stick on the puck after Nikita Kucherov's kick. AP Photo by Julia Jacobson/Getty Images

Tyler Johnson closes in for his third goal of the game with Henrik Lundqvist out of position. The goal counted due to Johnson getting his stick on the puck after Nikita Kucherov’s kick.
AP Photo by Julia Jacobson/Getty Images

Another turning point came in the second when Marc Staal fell down at the left point allowing Johnson and his Triplets to come in three-on-two. Prior to the well executed odd-man rush, rookie Kevin Hayes had a great chance on a Rangers odd-man but passed up a shot on Bishop which resulted in a wasted opportunity. Sometimes, you have to be a little greedy. When Johnson and linemates Kucherov and Ondrej Palat came the other way, Kucherov set up Palat who hit the post with the shot. The puck caromed behind Lundqvist right to Kucherov and Johnson. Kucherov kicked the puck but Johnson got his stick on it to put it past the goal line for the hat trick. Due to Kucherov’s kick, they went upstairs to Toronto but video review confirmed that Johnson got it making it a good goal. That gave the Bolts a 3-1 lead.

How wild was the second? At one point, linesman Brad Kovachik was injured by the combo of Stamkos and Klein who collided with him against the boards causing a sprained knee. In obvious pain, he was helped off the ice. Greg Devorski was the standby replacement. Sadly, Kovachik is done for the playoffs.

Derek Stepan celebrates his power play goal which cut the deficit to 3-2 in the second period. But a bad penalty at the start of the third proved costly. AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

Derek Stepan celebrates his power play goal which cut the deficit to 3-2 in the second period. But a bad penalty at the start of the third proved costly.
AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

Despite trailing by two, the Rangers kept coming. They were controlling most of the play five-on-five with the exception of a ridiculously long shift from the Triplets. Moore drew an interference minor on Craig Paquette who complained about Moore embellishing it. On the power play, the Rangers wasted little time with Boyle and St. Louis setting up Stepan who was denied once by Bishop. But with Bishop down, he got to the loose puck behind the net and sent it off the back of Coburn’s leg for his third goal in three straight cutting the deficit to one with 5:43 left.

They came very close to tying it. On a strong shift from the fourth line, James Sheppard had a great chance with Bishop down but Anton Stralman prevented him from converting a backhand wraparound. If he’s not there, the game gets tied and who knows how it turns out. Despite allowing Johnson’s hat trick goal, the Rangers outshot the Lightning 11-6 in the period and led in shots 22-15. It didn’t matter due to their lack of discipline. Their sloppiness came back to burn them.

In the third, they kept taking penalties. Stepan’s second tripping minor gave the Lightning a power play. The Rangers nearly scored shorthanded but Bishop made the saves of the night first denying a Nash bid and then robbing Fast with the back of his pads leaving the rookie frustrated that he didn’t elevate it. If he scores there, it could’ve been a very different story. Instead, the Bolts kept the play alive after Stepan returned and Hedman set up Killorn’s first for 4-2.

Brassard’s second minor led to Stamkos’ power play tally on a ridiculous deflection of a Coburn shot from Kucherov making it 5-2 3:19 later. The Rangers got 15 shots on Bishop put he stopped them in their tracks and outplayed Lundqvist, who allowed six goals on 26 shots. His worst outing since his postseason debut. A forgettable 6-0 blowout at the hands of the Devils in 2006. Killorn got his second tally on another power play after Tanner Glass went off for a rough and misconduct.

So, it’s another series that’s tied after two games. That’s what the Rangers do. Now, they’ll have to go to Tampa and face one of the best home teams in a loud environment. Game 3 is Wednesday night at the same time. We’ll see how they respond to such a brutal performance.

Killorn Kills It: Alex Killorn buries a shot past an outstretched Henrik Lundqvist for a key insurance marker. AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

Killorn Kills It: Alex Killorn buries a shot past an outstretched Henrik Lundqvist for a key insurance marker.
AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Victor Hedman, Bolts (primary assist on Killorn’s back breaker, 3 SOG in 5 attempts, +1 in 25 shifts-23:05)

2nd Star-Alex Killorn, Bolts (2 goals-4, 5, assist, +2 in 27 shifts-20:42)

1st Star-Tyler Johnson, Bolts (1st career playoff hat trick-9, 10, 11, SHG, PPG, ES, +2 in 25 shifts-16:58-3-1-4 in series)

Quotable:

”I think every morning I’m just happy to be here and I’m living my dream. So that’s what’s driving me is to try to be the best I can and play for my family. They sacrificed so much for me to be here, and I’m living my dream, so I want to keep living it as long as possible.”-Lightning 1st Star Tyler Johnson

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Zuccarello begins light workouts, Vigneault doing great job

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Derek

3fd73-matszuccarello

Since taking a Ryan McDonagh shot to the side of his helmet in Game 5 of the first round, Mats Zuccarello has been out with a concussion. During his time off, there have been all sorts of rumors about his future. At this point, that’s just speculation.

In Game 5 of the second round with the Rangers facing elimination, MSG showed him on the big screen to loud cheers and chants of “Zuuuucccc, Zuuuuccccc!!!!!” His teammates rallied back to beat the Caps in stunning fashion.

Prior to Saturday’s start of the Conference Final, coach Alain Vigneault didn’t give much of an update on Zuccarello. It would be shocking if he was back. That said, he has begun light workouts. For the first time since the “upper body injury,” he skated today.

It’s positive that Zuccarello returned to the ice and took a twirl as his coach mentioned while acknowledging he’s going through he process of getting healthy. There’s still no timetable for his return. My guess is you probably won’t see him again this postseason.

The Rangers have gotten to this point despite losing one of their most valuable forwards. No one can deny Zuccarello’s combination of speed, creativity and compete. He is all heart. Vigneault has had to mix up his lines. After going with Martin St. Louis on the second line last round, he shifted rookie Kevin Hayes up to Derick Brassard and Rick Nash while moving St. Louis to the third line with Game 1 hero Dominic Moore and Carl Hagelin. It worked with both lines getting sustained forecheck pressure and generating chances.

Vigneault deserves plenty of credit for adjusting his lineup accordingly. Since moving Moore up to the third line and having J.T. Miller play with James Sheppard and Tanner Glass on the fourth line, it’s given them more balance. Vigneault wisely used the top line of Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan and Jesper Fast with shutdown tandem Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi against the Lightning’s Triplets line of Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov. They were able to limit their chances at even strength. Palat scored the lone goal on the power play off a Johnson pass.

Without Zuccarello, it’ll continue to be a challenge for Vigneault and his team. The Blueshirts have done it by getting contributions from everyone. With Nash stuck on two goals and St. Louis still without one, it’s taken a total team effort to reach this point. That’ll continue when they take to the Garden ice for Game 2 tonight at 8 PM with a chance to go up two games to none. As we know, history hasn’t been kind to the Rangers at home in Game 2. They’ll look to buck the trend later.

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Video Of Day: Stepan presents Moore with the Broadway Hat

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Derek

One thing about these NHL live postgame videos. They never get old if you’re a passionate fan of the winning team. In this latest installment, we see goalscorer Derek Stepan present Dominic Moore with the Broadway Hat following his game decider that gave the Rangers a leg up in the Eastern Conference Final against the Lightning.

“This goes to the backhand professor,” a grinning Stepan said as he presented Moore with the Broadway Hat to laughs from the locker room. Moore then filled the ninth piece to the Stanley Cup puzzle.

It seems that after every Blueshirt win, Otis Day & The Knights cover of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout” is played to good natured ribbing. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate song for this likable group.

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Video Of Day: Hayes sets up Moore’s Game 1 winner

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Derek

Our second and final Video Of Day features what else but Kevin Hayes setting up Dominic Moore’s winner in Game 1 which came with 2:25 left in regulation. It was one of those ugly playoff goals that are beautiful this time of year. Moore started it after getting out of the box and got rewarded for going to the net where he beat Tyler Johnson for the deflection past Ben Bishop.

Derick Brassard played a key role being strong on the puck dumping it back down behind the net to Hayes, who came out and beat Ryan Callahan for the shot which caromed off Moore’s leg. A good play all around that allowed the Blueshirts to prevail.

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Video Of Day: Stepan scores on Bishop

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Derek

Our first Video Of Day features second round hero Derek Stepan breaking through on Ben Bishop with 12.7 seconds left in the second period to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. His goal came courtesy of some hard work from USA pal Chris Kreider, who was all over the ice during this shift creating enough of a distraction for Stepan to finish off the play.

What I like about this inside look is you get to watch the play up close at ice level. It’s fun to see them generate the goal off a hard forecheck. Credit Ryan McDonagh for jumping in and taking the first shot that led to Stepan’s goal. Plus after he scores, you get Stepan’s loud scream of “Owwwwwwwwwww! Hoooooo! Hooooo!” 🙂

Great stuff.

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Former Blueshirts kept in check by former Bolts

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Derek
Former Lightning Dominic Moore skates by Tyler Johnson with the puck. He is one of three ex-Tampa players battling three former Rangers for a chance at Lord Stanley. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Former Lightning Dominic Moore skates by Tyler Johnson with the puck. He is one of three ex-Tampa players battling three former Rangers for a chance at Lord Stanley.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Much has been made about this series between the Rangers and former Blueshirts. For Game 1, that would be Ryan Callahan of the appendectomy somehow dressing and taking 21 shifts (14:46) after having his appendix taken out. What else would you expect from the ex-Rangers captain?

The effort was there with his trademark blocking three shots but he also was victimized on ex-Lightning Dominic Moore’s winner with 2:25 left from rookie Kevin Hayes allowing the Rangers to come out on top in Game 1.

Also on for that goal against was familiar face Anton Stralman. The rock solid defenseman who Glen Sather felt he couldn’t commit long-term on instead opting for grizzled vet Dan Boyle. One half of the Lightning’s top pair with gifted countryman Victor Hedman, Stralman for the most part was good in 25 shifts (22:59). He even drew a tripping minor on Moore giving his team a chance to go ahead late in regulation. But it wasn’t to be with a stingy Rangers penalty kill getting the job done.

None of Stralman’s three shot attempts reached former teammate Henrik Lundqvist who again was sharp in making 23 saves in the Rangers’ 2-1 win to take a one game to none lead in this entertaining Eastern Conference Final. One that’ll continue to feature more skating and end to end rushes. Both teams are fast and it should make for a fun series if Game 1 is any indication.

In the first game, it was Boyle who came out on top. He and partner Marc Staal were matched up against Steven Stamkos by smart tactician Alain Vigneault. They handled the assignment well giving the Lightning captain nothing at even strength.

At times, Boyle’s had his struggles during this latest Rangers run. He’s come under criticism along with Keith Yandle for some shaky play. But one thing about him is he’s proud and battles hard. That intensity allowed him to bounce back quickly from a heavy hit from Washington defenseman Brooks Orpik in Game 7. He was cleared by the Rangers medical staff and didn’t look out of place making smart decisions with and without the puck in 25 effective shifts (17:56) finishing plus-one.

The other ex-Ranger Brian Boyle wasn’t available for today with his wife giving birth to their first child. Congrats to him. Tampa missed his edgy play. This time of year brings out Boyle’s best. A smart checking pivot who does the little things well like winning faceoffs, killing penalties and blocking shots. If he returns Monday, he’ll be a pest against his former team.

As Staal pointed out prior to the start of the first ever series between these new rivals, there are no friends during the playoffs. The battle lines have been drawn. Boyle, Callahan and Stralman are the enemy. A point not lost during the regular season series when they did damage angering the masses.

What the Rangers do possess are three former Bolts including Boyle and Martin St. Louis who teamed up to win Tampa Bay’s only Stanley Cup 11 years ago. An irony of sorts that they now face a team they shared great moments with.

A third member, Moore didn’t stay long in Tampa sticking around to help the Lightning advance to their second Conference Final before losing in a tough seven to the Bruins in 2011. The well traveled vet is back in the Final Four for the fourth time in his career. The first two coming with Montreal and Tampa a year apart. The last two back with the team who drafted him out of Harvard in the third round of 2000. All playing a supporting role. As he had in scoring the series clincher from poetically Brian Boyle that sent last year’s team to its first Stanley Cup appearance in 20 years, Moore notched today’s game winner drawing the current Blueshirts one step closer to a return.

Hockey is a funny game. Once, you’re loved and rooted for by cheering fans. But once you change jerseys, you’re hated and booed by those same lovable fans who respected you and probably still do in most cases. Here they are doing battle for a chance at Lord Stanley. We’re just getting warmed up.

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Moore burns Lightning as Rangers draw first blood

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Derek
Dominic Moore celebrates his game-winner with 2:25 left in the Rangers' 2-1 Game 1 win over the Lightning. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Dominic Moore celebrates his game-winner with 2:25 left in the Rangers’ 2-1 Game 1 win over the Lightning.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

The intensity was fierce. The score was tied. The goaltending was superb. Nothing separated the Lightning and Rangers for 57 and a half minutes. In a game that seemed destined for overtime, a key role player stepped to the forefront for the Broadway winners. Dominic Moore’s goal with 2:25 left in regulation burned the Lightning as the Blueshirts drew first blood prevailing in a well played Game 1 by a score of 2-1 at MSG. They lead the Eastern Conference Final one game to none.

Ironically, Moore took the third straight bad penalty in a undisciplined third period by the Garden hosts that saw them give up the lead on Ondrej Palat’s power play rocket with Ryan McDonagh off for high sticking Tyler Johnson. The Rangers had to kill off Chris Kreider’s holding the stick minor and then dealt with Moore’s trip that put a dangerous opponent back on the power play.

The penalty kill stepped up by not permitting a shot. Splendid work was done by Jesper Fast, Carl Hagelin, Derek Stepan and Rick Nash along with McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Kevin Klein. Without such diligent work from their key personnel, the Rangers don’t get the opportunity to win the game late stunning the Lightning and the previously unbeatable Ben Bishop. He was still superb making 28 stops but had some bad luck on the Rangers’ pair including Moore’s winner.

After Moore got out of the penalty box, Hayes and Derick Brassard combined with Moore on a strong cycle behind the Tampa net. A similar strategy they used to defeat the Caps. Eventually, Hayes came off the boards with the puck with former Ranger Ryan Callahan on him. But the wise rookie was able to shoot towards the net with the puck deflecting off Moore’s leg past Bishop at 17:35. There was no need for video review with the deflection unintentional.

Following a strong shift by the Lightning fourth line, the Rangers were able to protect the lead without any problem. They did it by continuing to skate and get pucks deep. That included some stellar work from Kreider and Brassard. Even with Bolts coach Jon Cooper pulling Bishop with over a minute left, his team never got a sniff against Henrik Lundqvist, who again was strong making 23 saves in the Rangers’ postseason record 15th consecutive one-goal game. How else would they win?

It started out with the teams feeling each other out. Alain Vigneault made another change moving Martin St. Louis down to the third line with Moore and Hagelin. A move that seemed to spark St. Louis, who was around the puck more on the forecheck and had a couple of great chances. Replacing him on the Brassard and Nash line was Hayes, who fit in well hitting a goalpost off a sustained forecheck.

That wasn’t the only wise choice by Vigneault who had a good game behind the bench. Rather than use McDonagh and Girardi against Steven Stamkos, he opted to match them against the Lightning’s Triplet Line of Palat, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov. The second-year Rangers coach also made sure to have Stepan’s line out as much as possible. A more reliable two-way unit.

A sharp contrast to the second round was the amount of room there was on the ice. These are fast skating teams who look to transition quickly and find pinching D. It led to plenty of scoring chances and some quality stops especially from Bishop, who made 11 saves in a busy first period. The Rangers had most of the play outshooting the Lightning 11-7. Their aggressive forecheck forced turnovers. One led to a Stepan break in but Bishop got enough of his glove on his forehand shot pushing it over the net. Bishop also denied Tanner Glass late in the stanza with a good backcheck by Palat preventing a Girardi rebound opportunity.

The second period was more helter skelter. Tampa picked up their play. They also killed off a bench minor that led to Bishop gloving a Brassard shot. Following the kill, their transition game finally showed. The Johnson unit began creating opportunities. Lundqvist kicked out a Palat chance from the circle. He also denied the dangerous Kucherov. With Vigneault opting to have Staal and Boyle go up against Stamkos, Valtteri Filppula and Alex Killorn, they did some solid work. Stamkos created opportunities for his linemates but was held to just one shot and was minus-one.

D-Step Again: Derek Stepan celebrates another goal with Jesper Fast with 12.7 seconds left in the second period. AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

D-Step Again: Derek Stepan celebrates another goal with Jesper Fast with 12.7 seconds left in the second period.
AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

With the game still scoreless in the final minute, the Rangers finally broke through on Bishop thanks to a smart line change from Vigneault. Following some pressure from the Brassard line, he got the Stepan line back out. A strong Fast forecheck kept a play alive eventually leading to a cycle. Kreider attempted a shot from in tight which caromed off Andrej Sustr right to Stepan who as he did Wednesday buried the rebound for his fourth of the postseason with 12.7 seconds left. McDonagh drew the secondary assist keeping the play alive.

Ondrej Palat is congratulated by Steven Stamkos and teammates after scoring a power play goal that tied the game in the third. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Ondrej Palat is congratulated by Steven Stamkos and teammates after scoring a power play goal that tied the game in the third.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Trailing by one, the Lightning were able to even the game following a bad McDonagh penalty when he got his stick up on Johnson. Off ironically enough a perfect Johnson pass, Palat one-timed it past Lundqvist’s glove inside the goalpost at 6:45 from Johnson and Hedman. That was the Bolts’ first shot of the third.

The Garden crowd quickly energized with “Let’s Go Rangers” chants trying to rally their team. The problem is they kept taking penalties. Kreider got nabbed for a holding the stick with 11:21 left. You can’t put the Bolts on the power play. They are more creative than the Caps moving it around more effectively. They use everyone. Stamkos was set up for his only shot on a one-timer which Lundqvist padded away. It was their only shot on it.

Tampa got their third straight chance when Moore went off with under five minutes remaining. But the Rangers penalty kill did a great job preventing the Lightning from getting shots. They also were aggressive with Nash skating into the Tampa zone. The D did the job in front of Lundqvist getting some key clears. The Lightning went 1-for-4 on the power play. The Rangers went 0-for-2 with the first abbreviated.

It came down to one big shift with a make shift line of Moore, Brassard and Hayes. Moore out in place of Nash due to returning. Brassard, who was a factor offensively made a good play behind the net getting it to Hayes who used his strength to get a shot past Callahan that caromed off Moore for the game decider at 17:35.

That was enough for them to win. Game 2 is Monday night at 8 PM.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ben Bishop, TBL (28 saves incl. 21/22 thru 2-gave team a chance but finally loses to NYR falling to 8-1)

2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (goal with 12.7 seconds left in 2nd-4th of postseason, 3 SOG, +1 in 25 shifts-18:35-Step with another sweet finish)

1st Star-Dominic Moore, NYR (scored at 17:35 of the 3rd for game-winner-1st of playoffs, 3 SOG, +1 in 24 shifts-17:13-nice reward for deserving player)

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