As the fourth goal against went in during the second period I shot over to the computer to read the boards. Just as I suspected, the natives were restless....to say the least.
Hello New York and everywhere else, I'm Bird and you're in the Birdcage at Hockeybird.com. In the end, it's the two points that counts. A win is a win no matter how it comes. Is it fair to say that the Rangers have not played as well as we've seen them a few weeks ago? Well it sure is. Is it fair to criticize a few different players.....yes. However, in my opinion this team has earned our support. I'm happy to report that the faithful at MSG did their part last night by supporting the team as it came out for the start of the third period. Kudos to those who hung in there, resisting the urge to jump off what seemed to be a sinking ship.
As Lundqvist came out replacing Weekes to begin the third, the crowd went nuts. That energy combined with Jagr's skill and determination set the stage for a hell of come back. JJ fed Sykora for the third Ranger tally getting the game within one. Jagr later tied the score, his 52nd goal and 109th point. That puts him in a tie with Graves and Ratelle respectively. If that's not enough, Lundqvist stops a wrap around that few keepers would have.
In overtime, Jagr hit the crossbar with one of his 97 shots during a power play. Like most of you, I did get the feeling that perhaps the guys tried to set up JJ a bit too much. But really, can you argue with that? Henke stops a breakaway as the OT concludes setting up yet another shoot out. You can't bite your nails....they're all gone from the weekend.
Sykora's goal was all that was needed as Henke stopped all three Sabre's for the win. He also recorded his 29th win tying a Rangers record for rookie wins. So in 25 minutes of hockey and the shoot out, the Rangers went from a team on the decline to sole possession of first place in the Atlantic division while adding milestones and records. Nice little turn around, eh?
All of the above you either already knew because you were there...or perhaps because you watched. Maybe you've read the locals and got all that. What you didn't get was that Colton Orr played and was pretty good. Renny rolled out the 4th line and late in the second, Orr laid a nice hit to help change the mood of the game. Renny also moved Sykora up to the first line resulting in the goal early in the third. Nice job by the coach.
This sets up a trip to the Island on Wednesday. How cool would it be for Jagr to break the records he's now tied in that game? A few more wins boys....just a few more wins and they'll grab that first place spot netting themselves a third seat at the big dance. Imagine that....we're going to the dance. Ain't life sweet?
----}- Bird
Posted by Bird at March 28, 2006 12:40 PMeMail this entry!
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