Flyers At Rangers - Second Period Thoughts - Unsung Hero

In a period that I expected to be disciplined and low scoring you have to be happy with the Rangers getting the only goal. Backman has been iffy in this game thus far but came through big with the tie-breaking goal early. 

Stephen Valiquette is an unsung hero of this team. Henrik's long string of starts early in the season has made people think that this guy hasn't contributed. Including this game he has made 10 starts this season. In those starts he has better numbers than Hank including 2 shutouts. Listen...he's not better than Hank but he has been a significant contributor to his team. He has proven not only a serviceable backup but also a goalie who can come up big in the big game, something the Rangers haven't had in a long time. I have no problem giving Vally some starts down the stretch.

The Flyers played better that period and the Rangers responded nicely. Vally made some big saves and they were much more sound defensively. The powerplay to start the 3rd is important for 2 reason. First, it is a chance to open up a two goal lead. Second, it's a chance to build momentum for the period. Big period, big 2 points up for grabs.