Battle Of Hudson

Yesterday’s three overtime classic which the Rangers won 2-1 was the longest game the Original Six franchise has played in 41 years. Marian Gaborik’s winner at 114:41 of sudden death made it the fifth longest playoff game the Blueshirts have ever been involved in in their eighty-six year history.

It was back in 1971 that Pete Stemkowski scored at 1:29 of third overtime to defeat the Blackhawks in Game Six of the Semifinals, forcing Game Seven. Of course, everyone knows Chicago prevailed. Hopefully, this series will play out differently. To think we’re still in Round Two is pretty crazy. The playoffs have been unbelievable so far with already 19 games needing overtime, including the Flyers’ 4-3 win (Danny Briere) over the Devils in Game One of their second round match-up. Whoever wins it all will have really earned it. Especially in the East. No disrespect out West but the series in our conference have been more grueling. Unless St. Louis puts up a fight against the Kings later tonight, maybe you get one great series with Nashville and Phoenix. Yes, I fully expect the Predators to even that up, making for an interesting final three games. We’ll see.

Getting back to the Rangers for a second. Before last night, you have to go all the way back to 1939 for a playoff game involving our franchise that’s lasted so long. Yes. That was prior to them winning the third Stanley Cup in 1940. Funny enough, the organization got it wrong on the press release- calling yesterday the fourth longest before Jim Cerny fixed it. On the flip side, the Caps have never won a game that went at least three OTs. They’re now 0-4 in such games. I won’t bother with the extra details :P. If you recall Pat Lafontaine’s miraculous winner for the Islanders in ’84, that helps explain Washington’s luck when it goes late.

Wednesday’s game was the first one that required at least three overtimes since April 22, 2010 when Ottawa’s Matt Carkner notched the winner at 107:06 against Pittsburgh. … It became the longest overtime game since May 5, 2008 when Dallas defeated San Jose 2-1 at 129:03 of the fourth OT. … Rangers improved to 1-2 in OT this postseason. … Of their 10 games thus far, half have needed sudden death for the Capitals. After prevailing in Game Seven thanks to Joel Ward, they fell to 2-3 following last night.

It couldn’t go on forever. Or so you thought. For most of the evening, I was out, putting in a shift at work and hitting the gym. The text updates came. Ryan Callahan on the power play. Then John Carlson to some disappointment. At that point, I concluded ‘So it’s gonna be one of those series.’

Little did I know that an epic Game Three between the Rangers and Capitals would go on and on into Thursday. The score didn’t change when I flipped on MSG radio at the end of regulation. As much as I wanted to listen to overtime, I decided to go workout. The fear of your team losing seven consecutive times in sudden death along with five straight in D.C. can play tricks on you. I figured it would end early just like Ottawa. I was prepared. But a funny thing happened. No updates till the first overtime ended. Then, the same for the second OT as I finished up.

At that point, I knew I was going home to watch what had already been a classic game. Ironically, I joked with another Ranger fan at the gym that maybe it’ll go three and we’ll be able to catch it. So, I headed back with Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney starting period six as I parked. I didn’t leave till there was a whistle, walking in quickly to watch with Dad and Justin. Predictably, they were on pins and needles. Maybe it’s not the same as the pressure the players feel along with logging ridiculous minutes like Ryan McDonagh and sucking down Gatorade an ounce at a time. But for any diehard pucker, nothing beats playoff hockey and nothing is more nerve racking than overtime. If you don’t get a pit in your stomach, maybe you’re immune to such high drama. I’m just glad I got to see an unreal conclusion to a great game that the Blueshirts prevailed in thanks to Marian Gaborik finally getting the proverbial monkey off his back- scoring the winner off a brilliant one-touch feed from Brad Richards with 5:19 left in the third OT.

It made the Rangers winners in the extra session for the first time since Michal Rozsival blew the roof off MSG in double overtime against Buffalo. A game we were fortunate enough to be at. Not as fun when you lose like the time John Madden beat us a year later or Chris Neil a couple of weeks ago. That’s why you’re shift to shift like the players you’re cheering for. And when your team wins, you jump for joy and hug whoever’s around you like last night.

It was a great response from the Rangers following Game Two’s disappointment. They reclaimed home ice by outlasting the Caps 2-1 with Gaborik snapping an eight game drought, notching his first goal since our Game One win over the Sens. It couldn’t have come at a better time, allowing the Rangers to breathe easier for a moment. Yes, it’s nice to be leading the best-of-seven Conference Semi 2-1. However, it’s only one win as the always guarded John Tortorella was quick to point out during the postgame. That it was Gaborik is encouraging for the Blueshirts because if they want to advance, they need their best finisher to start popping a few. Maybe this is what gets him going after being reunited with Richards and Carl Hagelin.

They were great with Gaborik nearly ending it minutes earlier on a similar play but ringing the post. The Caps came close too with a shot deflecting just off the far post to Henrik Lundqvist’s right. Speaking of our goalie, he was at his absolute best making 45 saves including a couple of clutch ones with the glove prior to Gabby’s heroics. As I soon found out watching highlights, the Rangers don’t win without King Henrik, which is why he’s up for the Hart, Vezina and Lindsay. He stoned the Caps and also caught a break when Alex Ovechkin rang one off the post in the first OT after a scary turnover by Anton Stralman. Ovechkin played much more and was dangerous following his Game Two winner. But Lundqvist was better.

On the other side, there was a heroic effort from Braden Holtby who like a goalie still around in another series, shows poise beyond his 22 years. He was remarkable again, turning away 47 of 49 for the hard luck defeat with his parents living and dying with every moment. Great camera work by NBC Network on Gabby’s dramatic decider, showing the pain of Mom and Dad following a goal their son had no chance on. If you love theater, this was it. An absolute thriller much like Hasan’s Devils last round. Moments earlier, Holtby flashed the leather robbing Stralman and also Brandon Prust while watching teammates dive in front to deny Ryan Callahan’s bid. Captain Cally was again a true warrior delivering big hits and putting his body in harm’s way like you’d expect from your leader.

I began contemplating thoughts of quadruple overtime which I’d discussed with Devil buddy Rob Davis. In some way, I was glad I didn’t watch the entire thing. It had to be crazy. With fans telling me they nearly had heart attacks which is the usual anxiety we’re accustomed to, it was a bit easier only dealing with one exciting period. The best aspect is it took a perfect play and shot to beat Holtby. It wasn’t Jason Chimera cashing in on a Gaborik gaffe that killed us last year. It was splendid play from the top line, getting the puck in with Richards wisely attempting a shot just wide that Hagelin retrieved to an open Dan Girardi. Girardi pushed it down to Richards behind the net who with no hestitation centered for Gaborik in front for the decider. Just a terrific play all around that exemplified why Richards was brought in. He started it and Gaborik finished it.

It ended a game that had begun 90 minutes before Nashville got back in their series with Pekka Rinne blanking Phoenix 2-0. Of course, that already ended. The Rangers and Capitals kept going until someone played the hero. Luckily, Gaborik did allowing our team to win a game so well fought that the shots were almost identical as well as the blocked shots. This was playoff hockey at its finest. Maybe not the most scoring but gritty, physical and in your face as McDonagh would attest after getting absolutely crunched by Ovechkin in the fourth period. Marc Staal also caught Ovechkin. The totals justify the type of game it was.

Game 3 Classic Breakdown

Shots              NYR-49 Wsh-46
Hits                NYR-46 Wsh-59
Blocks            NYR-41 Wsh-40
Missed shots  NYR-18 Wsh-28
Faceoffs         NYR-46 Wsh-48
Takeaways     NYR-10 Wsh-12

ICE-TIME LEADERS

Rangers      TOI    Shifts
McDonagh 53:17  60
Staal          49:34  63
Girardi      44:26  50
Del Zotto   43:33  51
Callahan    41:48  46
Richards    39:26  45
Stepan        37:50  39

Capitals     TOI    Shifts
Wideman   40:42  46
Carlson      39:19  47
Hamrlik      38:43  45
Green         37:59  47
Alzner        37:14  49
Johansson   35:21  35
Ovechkin    35:14  37

The only real spectator was Stu Bickel, who had to sit after just three shifts (3:24) because Tortorella doesn’t trust him. You have to wonder why Tortorella refuses to play him more. Bickel is physical. Yes. It was his brutal turnover that led to the Caps’ tying marker in Game Two. But if he’s not going to play him, wouldn’t he better served reinserting Steve Eminger or giving Tim Erixon a taste? While it sounds risky, Erixon looked steady down the stretch before Tort replaced him with Stralman. Erixon can skate. You don’t want to wear out our top guys. They lay a lot on the line. Hence, Girardi’s lower ice-time with Tortorella riding McDonagh and Staal, who really looked gassed. Both clubs can certainly benefit from the extra day off with Game Four Saturday afternoon on NBC. Still, Dale Hunter is playing everyone and that might be cause for concern.

Based on how the first round transpired, the Rangers are aware that the series is far from over. They don’t need to be reminded of how close they were to biting the dust. This is a young nucleus but with enough experience in the locker room to not fool around. Yesterday, it fell their way. The Caps easily could’ve won. The way it’s being played, every shift matters. What our team needs to do is ride the momentum of an emotional win and take it to Washington. It doesn’t get any easier.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Braden Holtby, Wsh (47 saves, utterly brilliant)
2nd Star-Richards/Gaborik, NYR (combined for 3 OT winner at 114:41)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (46 saves, money, 2-7 in playoff OT)

Tonight as noted in the previous post, the Rangers play host to the Capitals in Game Two- looking to hold serve. They posted a 3-1 win to take Game One of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinal series. Artem Anisimov, Chris Kreider and Brad Richards tallied and Henrik Lundqvist made 17 saves. Jason Chimera posted the lone Washington goal and Braden Holtby finished with 11 saves.

The Caps will be hoping for a bounce back from Holtby and more offense from Alex Ovechkin, who was held to one shot. Dale Hunter demoted Alex Semin to the fourth line during yesterday’s practice due to two undisciplined penalties he took. So, Washington’s lines might be different while the Rangers could get Brian Boyle back from a concussion. If he returns, he’d replace Steve Eminger, who played four and a half minutes as a forward.

The Rangers and Caps get going after 7:30 on NBC Network. Also in action are the Blues and Kings with CNBC having the call at 9 ET. Los Angeles defeated St. Louis in Game One 3-1. Following St. Louis’ captain David Backes second of the postseason, the Kings scored three unanswered from unlikely sources Slava Voynov, Matt Greene and Dustin Penner.

Greene scored the big goal with his team shorthanded late in the second. With Dwight King off for boarding Alex Pietrangelo, the rugged defenseman followed up a Penner try, going upstairs on a sprawled Brian Elliott. Ex-Flyer Mike Richards set it up. Oddly enough, a banged up Pietrangelo was out for that shift on the power play but the Kings countered for the back breaker. It was Pietrangelo’s last shift of the game. His status is uncertain for tonight. One of the game’s emerging blueliners, Pietrangelo is strong overall logging big minutes and contributing offensively. He is St. Louis’ best defenseman. If they’re without him, it could be tough against Vezina hopeful Jon Quick, who continued his impressive play with 28 stops.

Penner also scored the empty netter. A big day for him. It’s easy to forget that he was an integral part of Anaheim’s Cup five years ago. The big man has been inconsistent since his Duck days with Edmonton basically dumping him to Hollywood for Ryan Smyth last summer. He’s been a factor thus far during LA’s run. With Jeff Carter not finishing and the Kings playing a similar style in front of Quick that the Rangers do with Lundqvist, Penner has been vital along with first round hero Jarret Stoll.

The Kings also are getting huge play from captain Dustin Brown, who’s been a force. Already with a hat trick, the rugged leader paces them with four goals and six points, including a pair on the power play. His ferocious style is similar to Ranger captain Ryan Callahan, who he teamed with on Team USA. No surprise that each always delivers big hits and does whatever it takes in leading their respective clubs. Willie Mitchell has been underrated and Drew Doughty gives LA a threat. St. Louis must also account for Anze Kopitar, who had a good series versus Vancouver.

For the Blues if they’re without Pietrangelo (4 assists), they’ll need guys like T.J. Oshie and Alex Steen to step up along with Kevin Shattenkirk, who must anchor the attack. Vet Andy McDonald paced them with eight points in their first round triumph over San Jose. The power play is a key along with the big bodies of Backes, Oshie along with experienced vets Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner. Pressure will be on Elliott to outperform Quick. But the Blues must get off to a good start or face the daunting prospect of going to Los Angeles down 0-2.

Yesterday, there were two exciting games with the Flyers edging the Devils in overtime 4-3 while the Coyotes bested the Predators 5-3. First, we’ll start with a return to a classic rivalry down the Turnpike between Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The Devils were fresh off their thrilling double overtime series clincher over the Panthers with Adam Henrique playing the hero. The Flyers were more rested after taking out the Penguins in six. Rust showed for the hosts as the Devils controlled the first with 15 shots and the opening goal from captain Zach Parise. Pete DeBoer changed his lines, splitting up Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk who must be playing with something. He hasn’t looked as explosive and registered no shots Sunday.

DeBoer’s new combo paid early dividends with Patrik Elias setting up Parise for his third of the playoffs. However, they couldn’t expand on it with Ilya Bryzgalov keeping the Flyers afloat following a dismal period that even saw customary boos from a Philly crowd. The Devils’ inability to take advantage haunted them as the Flyers quickly responded with two consecutive goals in a better second. Danny Briere tied it on a breakaway and then James van Riemsdyk notched his first 37 seconds later.

Despite getting largely outplayed, New Jersey cashed in on a phantom hook that put Matt Carle in the box. Sometimes, it goes your way. In this case, they made the most of it with Travis Zajac continuing his impressive play by converting at the doorstep from Parise and Kovalchuk. They were outshot 8-3 in the middle stanza but tied.

The third was seesaw with the Flyers and Devils exchanging goals. Claude Giroux’s power play blast from Kimmo Timonen was his seventh. Brodeur had absolutely zero chance. It was a rocket. Scott Hartnell drew the other assist. With little happening, New Jersey got a big contribution from former Cup hero Petr Sykora, who took a perfect David Clarkson pass and broke in down the left wing before faking and then going five-hole on Bryzgalov to knot it 3-3.

The Devils found themselves in overtime for a third straight game even though they only had 11 shots following the first. Brodeur gave them chances to steal it with a few big saves, including a flat out denial on Hartnell during a Flyer power play. Marek Zidlicky took a bad penalty for delay of game and the Flyers nearly ended it twice. First, Brodeur robbed Hartnell. Then, Briere had an apparent winner canceled out when they reversed the call, realizing it was kicked in. Good reversal.

But the Devils barely tested Bryzgalov, who turned aside all four shots from the perimeter before Briere continued his clutch play with a legit OT winner. He took a Jakub Voracek feed and ripped a low shot that went past a screened Brodeur, who had to deal with van Riemsdyk. Briere’s second of the game and seventh of the 2012 playoffs ended it.

The Devils lost but had to come away knowing they can play with the Flyers. Parise had a huge game, which is needed moving forward. Brodeur gave his team a chance even though one puck gaffe resulted in van Riemsdyk tallying. They just shouldn’t expect the Flyers to be as flat tomorrow in what shapes up to be a good series.

In the nightcap, the Coyotes continued their superlative play- scoring five times on Pekka Rinne in another wild shootout. This after winning a wild Game One in overtime 4-3 with Ray Whitney the hero off a faceoff. If Nashville was stunned by that cruel ending, they sure better get it in gear or my Cup pick will be kaput.

Frankly put, Mike Smith has outplayed Rinne. It’s Smith who’s coming up with the gems when his team needs it while Rinne has allowed a baffling nine goals in two consecutive games. Equally mystifying has been the Preds’ defensive play. We’re accustomed to seeing them limit opponents. However, even with our Norris pick Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, Nashville is turning over the puck repeatedly. The uncharacteristic play is leading to Phoenix goals with the quick countering team exposing the Preds.

Everyone is stepping up for the always overlooked Dave Tippett, who again was passed up for the Adams along with Kevin Dineen. What is evident is that it’s the Yotes who have the edge on D thanks to young duo Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Both are factors offensively with Yandle registering two assists while combining to go plus-six with his younger teammate. Along with vet Derek Morris, they’re pinching at every opportunity and making life difficult on the Preds.

In yesterday’s win, most impressive was their resiliency. Every time Nashville looked ready to get back in it, Phoenix responded. Whether it was Taylor Pyatt steering home a leaky rebound following a Patrik Hornqvist power play tally or captain Shane Doan making a great deflection of a Morris shot pass off a faceoff win by offensive leader Antoine Vermette, the Coyotes are doing all the little things right in this series.

They’re winning the battles and taking the play to Nashville, who nearly stole Game One with a dominant third before The Wizard ended it. Weber was more aggressive, shooting from everywhere while setting up a goal. Partner Suter also tallied on the power play to cut it to 4-3 before Doan got position on him for the backbreaking goal. Nashville scored three times on Smith, which should be enough to win but lazy play from Alex Radulov and leader David Legwand allowed the Yotes to explode.

Simply put, the Preds need a return to their trademark in net and on the back end. Expect lower scoring games in Music City. If Weber and Suter control the tempo along with Mike Fisher and Martin Erat, Nashville is capable of getting back in the series. They also have a great crowd who will be into it. They’ve been in this spot before trailing Detroit 0-2 before winning the next two a few years prior. You know the fans are ready. The onus is on the Predators’ best players to step up with Rinne needing a return to form that stifled the Red Wings last round. The pressure is on.

Ranger rookie Chris Kreider celebrates.

It doesn’t get any better than what Chris Kreider’s experiencing. A couple of weeks removed from leaving Boston College where he helped lead his school to a second NCAA title in three years, the former Rangers’ 2009 first round pick is one of the biggest headliners in the playoffs. From collegiate star to a bright eyed rookie thrown into the fire by John Tortorella last round when another freshman Carl Hagelin served a three-game suspension, the big kid on campus has adjusted to life on the fly in the toughest league.

What makes it so remarkable is that Kreider’s doing this in the postseason. Even as a rookie during a challenging 82-game schedule, it’s not easy to just fit in. It’s a much faster and more physical game. Something all kids learn quickly. If it’s true that the Boston native has the size and strength to offset that aspect, it’s also true that he’s still only entering his seventh game when the Rangers aim to take a 2-0 series lead tonight against the Capitals. Perhaps that explains everyone’s amazement over Kreider’s contribution to the Blueshirts’ 3-1 victory in Game One over the weekend.

Unfazed by the pressure, he’s already found a home on the Team USA line with teammates Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan. Ironically, I suggested that Tortorella try Kreider with the duo and ever since, they’ve been our best line, getting the puck deep and cycling as well as chipping in offensively. With Marian Gaborik continuing to struggle, the American trio has picked up the slack. It just so happened that Kreider was the Rangers’ most effective forward, notching his second-game winner on a lethal slapper from the left circle that flew past another great story Braden Holtby. For an encore, he forced a turnover and then patiently set up Brad Richards, who buried the insurance marker from in tight to salt Game One away.

”I’m kind of at a loss for words,” the low key Kreider acknowledged after being named the game’s first star. ”I’m just trying to keep my head down and work hard. Whether or not the puck goes in, I’m just trying to play the same role I play every night and be consistent and be defensively reliable.”

When your own crowd chants your name as a raucous MSG did the other day following just Kreider’s second goal as a Ranger, it has to feel awfully good for a player many diehard Blueshirts couldn’t wait to see don the jersey. Admittedly, he stated that he was out of gas when he opted for the slapper, hinting that he would’ve skated in more if he wasn’t tired. Kreider then summed it up the end of a classic shift by pointing out how the chants reenergized him on the bench. That’s what a loud atmosphere at The Garden which hasn’t been seen in nearly two decades can do.

”It’s a surreal experience,” he added. ‘I got goose bumps, obviously. I was really tired after the goal, but I didn’t feel so tired when they started chanting.”

Today, Kreider celebrates his 21st birthday. The Rangers have an important game to win, which could make life easier against a grittier Washington team that plays a similar style. Blocking shots. Hitting. Keeping shots to the outside. A team that possesses more skill with Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Semin and Mike Green all dangerous as four goal posts attest. Not that Hart hopeful Henrik Lundqvist minded while finishing with 17 saves in a tightly contested game that saw a combined 32 shots. The Blueshirts prevailed despite only getting 14 through on Holtby, who didn’t look like the netminder we saw in Round One against Boston. It would be advisable if the Broadway hosts fire at least double on the wiz kid who’s been an even bigger surprise than Kreider. Holtby is the No.1 reason the Caps are here. With Tomas Vokoun and Michael Neuvirth sidelined, he has been brilliant. Figure him to be stronger.

The Rangers bring a lead into tonight due to strong performances from Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Ruslan Fedotenko and Artem Anisimov. All were instrumental in Saturday’s win with McDonagh in particular, continuing to excel alongside Girardi against the Caps’ top gun- limiting Ovechkin to one shot and a minus-one. Even if he’s not being used as much under Dale Hunter, Ovi is always a threat. It’s no easy task which takes diligent checking from everyone, including the forwards who always help out. Only once did they get burned late in the second on Jason Chimera’s goal with 3.5 seconds left in the second that tied it off a great feed from Brooks Laich. A quick counter following a blown opportunity that demonstrated Washington’s speed and skill.

While most of the attention centered around Kreider’s heroics, Lundqvist and the top three D, without Fedotenko’s yeoman effort during a Washington 5-on-3, there’s no telling what happens. His hustle and willingness to get dirty prevented the Caps from mustering anything, including two huge clears. It’s that kinda of rugged play from the grizzled vet who’s been part of two Cup winners that gets lost in the shuffle. However, he made sure people noticed with another strong play along the boards that allowed Anisimov to stuff a wraparound past Holtby for his first of the postseason. The play was eerily similar to ’94 hero Stephane Matteau, who just happened to be in the building and was shown prior to Artie’s goal. Go figure.

Without Brandon Dubinsky (ankle) and Brian Boyle who could return later in place of Steve Eminger, that’s what the Rangers need. Others to step up. It’s how they’ve done it all year. As I’ve said repeatedly, they’re a T-E-A-M. From top to bottom, everyone contributes. It’s why maybe Kreider’s two goals and helper all over the past three games shouldn’t be that surprising. Tortorella has gotten everyone to buy in. Even if his media handling has become a tired act, there’s a reason he was selected along with Ken Hitchcock and Paul MacLean for the Adams. Our players love him. He has their backs.

It’s why it works. The vets have made it easier for Kreider to fit in and why I can’t find one player who doesn’t play hard. I might critique a select few out of frustration but everyone gives an honest effort. That approach is the one necessary for these Blueshirts to march on. The fun continues for the birthday boy and his teammates tonight.

If you’re a Rangers or Devils fan, then last night was all about your teams. No matter which side of the Hudson you root for, it was compelling hockey at its finest. There’s nothing better than Game Seven and it definitely lived up to the great theater with the Rangers and Devils each pulling out emotional one-goal victories to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, which begin this weekend.

The Blueshirts used goals from defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi before holding off the Senators 2-1 over at a rocking Madison Square Garden. Much like the series between the East’s top seed and the eighth seeded Sens, it was hotly contested. Neither team was able to score in a seesaw first period in which both took turns controlling the tempo. In particular, Craig Anderson was sharp making a couple of early stops on Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards to keep it scoreless. Henrik Lundqvist then responded with a few of his own as Ottawa pushed hard in the second half. However, each goalie combined for 18 saves with it remaining 0-0 after one.

The second was where all the scoring was done. It was the Rangers who got the all important first goal in the deciding game when some great hustle from Chris Kreider led directly to Derek Stepan setting up Staal for his first of the playoffs. Kreider, who was a factor with the winner in Game Six, continued his strong play by forcing Nick Foligno into a turnover. He got the puck to Ryan Callahan who quickly fed Stepan for a three-on-one. The second-year center waited before sending a sweet dish across for a cutting Staal, who buried his third career postseason goal. An all around brilliant play started by Kreider, who played like a force instead of a junior who just left Boston College.

The Sens couldn’t get to Lundqvist who was a brick wall on the day he was one of three Vezina finalists, joining Jon Quick and Pekka Rinne. He also got plenty of help from teammates willing to sacrifice their bodies to the tune of 23 blocked shots. Fourteen different Rangers got the jersey dirty. On this night, Brandon Dubinsky finally contributed making a remarkable play to set up Girardi’s series clincher. It started in the defensive end. Eventually, Dubinsky skated it out before working a give and go with Brandon Prust. When he got the return, he one-handed a pass to an isolated Girardi in front who slapped one upstairs for a 2-0 lead which sent MSG into bedlum. Exactly the kind of play you expect from Dubinsky who spent much of the rest on the bench after being hobbled.

Before they could breathe, Chris Neil got Mike Del Zotto to take a retaliatory crosscheck penalty after battling in front of Lundqvist. Of course, public enemy No.1 who heard derisive chants all night, got away with one prior. But for whatever reason, he was shown a lot of leeway throughout the series and was arguably his team’s most effective player. A far cry from Erik Karlsson or Jason Spezza, who were checked closely. A couple of clears and it looked like the Blueshirts would kill off the penalty. However, you couldn’t get too comfortable when Daniel Alfredsson blasted a Chris Phillips pass through traffic just past Lundqvist top shelf. He was screened by both Neil and Anton Stralman. Sergei Gonchar added a helper. With much attention focused on limiting Karlsson, Gonchar put up a few points and had a strong series.

There was still plenty of time left with Ottawa trailing by one for the remaining 8:26 of the second with a full 20 to go. It looked like we were going to have to get one more goal to win- having a similar feeling to that helpless one felt in the last Game Seven played against Vancouver. Only the stakes were much higher. Oh. They had chances, forcing Anderson to come up big. But never could get away from the pesky Sens, who hung around for a frantic finish.

You knew at some point the Sens would pin us in and get dangerously close to tying it. If you’d seen overtime in this series, you wanted no part of it if you were a Ranger fan. Ottawa’s best chances in the third came from Milan Michalek, who finally was visible. Predictably, one came shorthanded when our power play took a nap allowing Alfredsson to find Michalek all alone but Lundqvist would have none of it shouldering away the opportunity. Fortunately, our team continued to go forward. Shots were even at 9-9, meaning they didn’t just sit back. Had they, I don’t think we’d have survived. The Senators had two dominant shifts in which they had the Rangers right where they wanted them for over a minute. It felt like an eternity before Spezza fed Michalek for what looked like the tying marker only for Lundqvist again to come up big. A money save from a guy hungry to silence doubters.

Thankfully, it was the last big chance Ottawa got with our team defense breaking up shots and forcing the Sens to overpass, including a close call with Zach Smith unable to handle a hard pass with three and a half remaining. His frustration showed at the bench. The Rangers again tightened up down the stretch, keeping the Sens away from the net. It was fitting that Kreider, Stepan and Callahan were out in the final minute when Captain Cally forced Gonchar to take a penalty with less than 40 seconds left. From there, the same trio kept the puck in the Ottawa zone and ran out the clock.

At the conclusion, Anderson bolted for the locker room before returning. He had to be devastated. He’d never won a series but was outstanding. Ironically, the total goals were 27 with the Rangers edging the Senators 14-13. And the hits were almost identical along with the shots. The only area Ottawa had an edge in was hits with their guys matching ours. Neil and Zenon Konopka were terrific in the series and nearly helped spring the upset. I’m just glad our team was able to maintain poise throughout the chaos with my brother yelling at the TV. I said a few things but held it together. There was an awful lot of pressure on Lundqvist, who met the challenge finishing with 26 saves.

It was a hard fought series. Our team did it the hard way rallying from 3-2 down showing true character. That’s why they’re still in while other favorites are long gone. The Rangers are one of eight left vying for Lord Stanley along with the Devils, who had their own unbelievable win which lasted double overtime before Adam Henrique scored his second of the night to push them through.

Watching the first sudden death at Applebee’s with Justin and our friend, I was just relieved it wasn’t our team who blew a two-goal lead and were playing for their lives. I don’t know how Hasan felt or close buddy Rob Davis. But if that were my team, I would’ve freaked out at the thought of being taken to overtime after leading throughout. However, the Panthers proved a much better opponent than previously thought. A credit to the coaching of Kevin Dineen and fast, determined skaters led by Stephen Weiss, Kris Versteeg and Mikael Samuelsson.

Even harder to fathom it was John Madden who Martin Brodeur stoned twice in the first OT to keep his team alive. The same Mad Dog who contributed to two Devils’ championships and was battered in an accidental collision by teammate Tomas Kopecky in the first yesterday before returning. What a warrior. As usual, the Cats caught the Devils with two power play goals to take it to sudden death. There were close calls in the first extra session with Zach Parise narrowly missing a wrap around while Scottie Upshall nearly sent everyone home but didn’t get all of a rebound. Eventually in the second overtime, a bounce came to Henrique thanks to hard work from David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky, allowing him to beat Jose Theodore five-hole. It was that quick.

While the Rangers play host to the Capitals starting tomorrow at 3 ET, the Devils will renew acquaintances with the rival Flyers. It should be fun. An old rivalry heats up again with a spot in the Conference Finals up for grabs. The Blueshirts are also familiar with the Caps, who are playing tougher under Dale Hunter and shouldn’t be easy by any stretch. Both series should are intriguing with the Rangers looking to avenge two series losses to Washington while the Devils are hoping to turn around recent history with the Flyers prevailing the last two meetings.

Both Hudson rivals are one giant step away from a Conference Final. Something we haven’t seen in 18 years. It would be a dream scenario for everyone involved. The only way to root if you bleed Rangers or Devils. Now that both have completed stirring comebacks, we can at least envision it. The fun starts this weekend.

Do or die. It really is that simple for the Rangers and Devils tonight. Both showed heart in forcing Game Seven against the Senators and Panthers. In a few hours, each will get an opportunity to complete a comeback and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

First up will be the Blueshirts, who’ll play host to Ottawa in the first seventh game since Messier, Leetch, Graves and Richter were Stanley Cup heroes. It’s a chance for new ones led by Callahan, Richards, Gaborik, Stepan, McDonagh, Staal, Girardi and Lundqvist. Who will step up? Is this the day Brandon Dubinsky scores a big goal and plays the kind of gritty game that earned him over four million? Or is it a pair of bright rookies in Carl Hagelin and Game Six hero Chris Kreider who could be the difference? Does Artem Anisimov have one of those highlight reel goals on his stick or is this the game Michael Del Zotto erupts? Or could it be one of our unsung soldiers such as Brandon Prust or Cup proven Ruslan Fedotenko?

That’s what Game Sevens are. Where an unlikely hero emerges like last night for the Capitals when Joel Ward finished off a Mike Knuble rebound to stun the Bruins, ending their reign. That it was the always well respected Knuble and Ward, who’ve been in and out of Dale Hunter’s doghouse, is what makes the theater of the deciding game so exciting. You never know who might step up. The seventh seeded Caps pulled off the upset without Hunter relying on Alex Ovechkin. And I thought the only chance they had was for Ovechkin to score nine or ten. Big kudos to Hunter for getting his team to buy in. That first round series made NHL history by becoming the first one where all seven games were decided by a goal. Unbelievable stuff. A case where the road team was undeterred in Game Seven.

That should be a warning for the Rangers, who’ve already dropped two of three at Madison Square Garden to the Senators. This evenly played match-up hasn’t played favorites with the road team prevailing in four of six. Ottawa knows it can win at The Garden. So, it’ll be up to the Blueshirts to get off to a good start and use what should be a raucous atmosphere to their advantage. All bets are off if the Sens score early. It’s a closely fought series that hasn’t seen much from each top line with Jason Spezza’s unit largely shutdown along with Norris hopeful Erik Karlsson. Meanwhile, Marian Gaborik hasn’t scored since Game One. He is playing hurt but possesses the most dangerous pair of hands on our roster. Brad Richards was instrumental in the win the other night, scoring and setting up another in the club’s come from behind 3-2 win.

While all eyes will be on Broadway at 7 ET, there’ll be another deciding game getting played between the Devils and Panthers. A series that’s been much closer despite New Jersey’s shot edge. They still needed overtime to escape Game Six thanks to Travis Zajac, who got behind the Florida defense and beat Scott Clemmensen on a great feed from Ilya Kovalchuk. The play was started by captain Zach Parise, who worked the puck out to Kovalchuk who turned a seemingly innocent two-on-three into OT heroics by drawing three Panthers, allowing Zajac to beat Devil killer Kris Versteeg for the winner.

Now, the Devils aim to complete the comeback when they visit Sunrise for a TV rated 8:30 start, allowing NBC Network to try to cash in on both deciding games. A wise play by them. Can the Devils finally break the playoff hex and win two consecutive playoff games to advance? It’s been five years since they advanced past Round One. The Hurricane stunner still in a few memory banks. Even with Jose Theodore returning to net for Florida, the Devils have the edge with championship proven Martin Brodeur. You know Marty doesn’t want this to be it and should be at his best with a chance at significant playoff time with possibly the Flyers awaiting.

The Devils are in this spot against Florida because the Panthers’ speed has made a difference. The younger skating legs of Versteeg, Stephen Weiss, Tomas Fleischmann and Brian Campbell have been noticeable. The Cats also get back Game Three hero Jason Garrison. Special teams could play a role as the Panthers power play has had the edge on New Jersey’s penalty kill. Devil worshippers are hoping for statements from Kovalchuk, Parise, Zajac, Brodeur, all-time leading scorer Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. Or is it a Calder candidate like Adam Henrique who makes a difference? Is this the game they got Marek Zidlicky for? The Devils will take it from anyone including comeback story Petr Sykora, who’s contributed a lot. Perhaps it’s a gritty guy like Dainius Zubrus or even little Stephen Gionta.

You never know who it will be. For both sides of the intense Hudson rivalry, they already know an anticipated second round dream match-up doesn’t await thanks to Washington’s victory. However, each is hoping for more hockey following tonight. There’s more pressure on the Rangers to win. But the Devils certainly are expected to advance. So, anything less than a ‘W’ for both would be depressing.

All we can do is sit back and try not to let our anxiety go overboard. Root as hard as we can for our teams. I’ll wish Hasan good luck along with close buddy Rob “Kraze” Davis. And to all my Blueshirts who are fun follows on Twitter, Let’s Go Rangers!

BELIEVE

Trailing by a goal in a hostile environment, they could’ve packed their bags and gotten ready for the summer. Instead, the Rangers had other plans. Showing the mettle that’s bound them to so many #twitterblueshirts the Rangers battled back to take Game Six 3-2 over the Senators, forcing a seventh and deciding game that’ll be played Thursday at MSG.

Brad Richards scored and set up two power play goals. Derek Stepan stepped up with his first goal of the series and two helpers, including a great feed to Chris Kreider for his first goal as a Blueshirt with under a minute left in the pivotal second. One which proved to be the winner following Jason Spezza’s controversial goal with 38.6 seconds to go in regulation. We’ll get to that later. Most importantly, the East’s No.1 seed stayed alive due to resilient play. They refused to go away quietly, sending the closely fought opening round series back to Manhattan for Game Seven. It’ll be the first one played at The Garden by our team since they won the franchise’s fourth Stanley Cup in ’94.

For a while, it seemed that they would again tease us. Unable to generate enough offense in a seesaw first, the Rangers fell behind thanks to one of many dubious calls made by Tim Peel, who sent Mike Rupp to the box for “roughing.” His incompetence during such a crucial game was felt by both sides even if Ottawa fans would have you believe it was the only reason their team lost. After Rupp shoved Zenon Konopka and was sent off, the Sens worked the puck around until vet Sergei Gonchar’s blast deflected off agitator Chris Neil for a 1-0 lead. Neil beat Marc Staal in front while Henrik Lundqvist had to contest with a double screen due to Mike Del Zotto forgetting to take Zach Smith, making it impossible for our goalie to pick up the shot. Gonchar and Nick Foligno drew the assists.

Despite taking their second lead of the series, the Sens did little else in a period that saw them take only six shots. The Rangers got the next two power plays but it was like a recurring theme from Groundhog Day with Richards unable to beat Konopka on draws and Ottawa repeatedly clearing the puck. I was already in a sore mood due to being sick for over a week. One highlight if you could call it that was Neil finally accepting Brandon Prust’s second challenge of the first after he went after Gaborik and Richards. Full credit to Neil who pummeled Prust, who took his lumps to make a point. Sometimes, you have to lose a fight to win a battle. That’s exactly what happened.

Prust really hadn’t done much in the series but the scrap provided a lift. Not surprisingly, the Rangers took control by the middle point of the game and never let go. Oddly enough, Prust was off for a crosscheck when momentum swung. With our team continuing not to challenge Craig Anderson, I had finally seen enough and went to run an errand. Outside of my suggested USA line of Stepan, Kreider and Ryan Callahan, they weren’t looking good. Carl Hagelin’s return helped on the forecheck while idol Daniel Alfredsson was unable to spark his team. As I listened to the game, Milan Michalek negated a power play by holding one of our guys. Some Sen fans complained later about Filip Kuba’s hook but it was legit unlike the goalie interference on Foligno that led directly to our 5-on-3.

By the time I returned to the car, Stepan had tied the game. Apparently, he drove the net hard and Richards found him for a redirect past Anderson. By no means was it pretty. But a lot more effective than the perimeter crap we’d been seeing. D-Step looked good in Game Five. So, he was one of the guys I was hoping would come through. The other night, Dad was ready to trade everyone. I told him Stepan was a keeper. Nice to see him prove me right.

The beginning of the controversial calls started with a Kreider goalie interference that drew the ire of MSG radio’s Dave Maloney. Maloney is a no-nonsense guy who tells it like it is. When he referred to the call as ‘bogus,’ the broadcast became doubly entertaining. Our radio guys are much better than Sam and Joe. Kenny Albert has superb chemistry with Maloney. Moments later, Foligno was called for an even worse goalie interference, which Maloney quickly chastised again with ‘bogus.’ Albert then engaged him in a conversation about how our team had more power plays. Fascinating stuff.

While the radio was heating up as I parked, I decided that I wasn’t returning to watch the game. Once Richards scored on Mike Del Zotto’s first big play of the series, I knew I couldn’t go back in. The comeback started when I left. I missed Stepan’s goal but could tell the team was playing better before Richards beat Anderson with a big shot. On the play, Del Zotto made an unbelievable keep and then worked a give and go with Stepan before taking a hit to get the puck to a wide open Richie, who did the rest. He delivered the kind of clutch goal which is why we signed him.

With Scotiabank Place still booing Peel, the Sens forgot to play the final shift of the second. It proved fatal when the Spezza line got caught puck watching. Stepan had all day to find Kreider in front who this time didn’t miss. It was a rocket that Anderson had no chance on. Just huge. Kreider’s first came with over 40 seconds remaining from Stepan and Staal, who like Del Zotto steadied throughout. Big kudos to MDZ for paying back Neil for what he did to Brian Boyle. To see him cry about it was priceless. That goal at even strength was pivotal because it gave the Blueshirts a two-goal lead into the locker room. It was also the first time either team scored three in a period.

The intermission came and went. I had time to check the baseball games with the Yanks winning and the Mets losing. Then, it was game on. As I sat in the car, hoping our team would continue to stay aggressive, I had also missed Lundqvist’s biggest save which came with the game tied when he robbed Alfredsson on the doorstep. If he doesn’t stop him, we could be writing an obituary instead of talking about Game Seven. I’m glad.

Ottawa had an early power play in the third with Prust off for tripping. Another call Maloney didn’t agree on. In any event, Lundqvist had some help from his best friend the goalpost on another Gonchar shot. A few big stops and our team killed it off. Game Four hero Kyle Turris picked up a slash but our team wasn’t able to capitalize. The Sens got 13 shots in the period but our Vezina candidate held it together long enough for Tortorella to send Kreider out in the final minute. That’s how well he played.

With Anderson off for an extra attacker, the Sens made it interesting when Spezza was credited with his third in two games. However, it was controversial with Lundqvist immediately protesting the ruling, which went to Toronto. A lengthy review didn’t overturn it. Instead, the original call stood despite Henrik’s insistence afterwards that Neil kicked it in. It sure looked like it. The puck seemed to slow down but then suddenly regained steam and went over. Neil was the only one in the vicinity and also got away with shoving Lundqvist, who ripped the league by charging, “Someone wanted them back in it.”

This was uncharacteristic for our goalie. He obviously saw what happened and the fact Neil pushed him before the play must’ve made him snap. Though I was informed by a legit source that even with all their replays they couldn’t see it, I do get why he was so upset. What if the Sens tied it? These games are so tight that one call could change things. The Rangers still did what they had to, coming away with the ‘W.’ Now it’s onto Game Seven.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (game-winner at 19:19 of 2nd-1st goal as a Ranger in 10:46)
2nd Star-Brad Richards, NYR (PPG-3rd of series, assist, 2 hits in 21:47)
1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (1st of series, 2 assists in 19:00)

Notes: The start time for Thursday still isn’t known, probably depending on what the Devils do tonight versus the Panthers. … With Phoenix blanking 4-0 to advance to the second round for the first time since relocating, the West is all set with the Coyotes hosting the Predators while the Blues battle the Kings, guaranteeing a new Conference champ for the first time since Los Angeles last made the Final with the Great One.