Rangers at Flyers - Post Game

Special Teams + Goaltending + Toughness = Recipe For Success.

Special Teams: The two key cogs to the powerplay seem to be Scotty Gomez and Dan Girardi. Girardi always seems to find the scoresheet. It's not that he makes dazzling plays or has a rocket shot. Its that he is very smart, always makes the simple pass to the open man and lets the guys who can dazzle and shoot do their thing. Scott Gomez -> see second period thoughts. This guy has just been unreal. The team penalty killing is a product of the total team defense the Rangers seem to play with Vally in net. Collapse around the net and limit opportunities from the slot.

Goaltending: There is no doubt in my mind that Valiquette needs to play tomorrow. Henrik has been iffy against Washington thus far with a horrid showing in the most recent 5-4 OT loss. If Vally plays tomorrow Henrik will have had a 10 day rest to prepare for the stretch run at the end of the season. Let Henrik get his personal life sorted out during the Rangers mini All-Star break this week. The Rangers can beat Washington with Vally in the net. He has the toughness in goal to beat Ovechk...i mean the capitals.

Toughness: Colton Orr, Ryan Hollweg, Sean Avery did what they needed to do today. Tough guys and fights help establish a team's presence on the road and the Rangers did just that today. Good to see Tyuts and Dubie getting scrappy as well.

Three Stars Of The Game:
1. Stephen Valiquette
2. Scott Gomez
3. Dan Girardi

Rangers fans tend to look for games that will mark the beginning of a hot streak. I think what you will continue to see this season is the extensive parity that exists in the NHL. Neither the Rangers nor most other teams have the ability to put together multi-week winning streaks. I think the Rangers will make the playoffs but I think they will do so without the use of an extended winning streak. They will continue to win 3 lose 2, win 3 lose 2. Its the state of the NHL that they play in. Take wins when you can get em. Great 4 point win today.