Penguins at Rangers - Post Game Thoughts

Final Score: Rangers 5 Penguins 2

The name of the game is balance. Balance is what the Rangers have and it is what I believe makes them a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference. Outside of Montreal the Rangers have the best balance in the conference in that they don't rely on one single player or even one single line. 2 years ago that player was Jaromir Jagr. Last year it was the Jagr-Straka-Nylander line. At the beginning of this season it was Henrik Lundqvist. Now...it's everybody. It's more than just getting balanced scoring. It's different defensive pairs stepping up on different nights, it's the offense stepping up when Henrik struggles and vice versa, and most importantly it's every single forward line getting sustained pressure on a consistent basis. And yes...this includes the 4th line. As I've written many times, Freddy Sjostrom has single handedly added an entire line to this Rangers team. These goals are not fluke goals (he has 12!)...fantastic pickup.

Balance is so important because it alleviates pressure across the board. Would I go as far to say that Jagr has become just a cog in the wheel on this team...yes he has. It makes this Rangers team very difficult to defend. The reason why Nigel Dawes, Ryan Callahan, and Brandon Dubinsky have been so productive is because each one of these young players has an accomplished feared player or 2 out on the ice with them. Opposing defenders flock to Jagr and Shanny and Drury...and their linemates are capitalizing. Balance can take you a long way in the playoffs. As we saw 2 seasons ago, the Rangers had no balance and when Jagr and Henrik went down in the playoffs the series was over before it started.

I hope players are beginning to realize that it's very hard to lose a game when you give the opposition one powerplay. Excellent job tonight staying out of the box and keeping a potent powerplay off the ice.

3 Stars Of The Night:

1. Sean Avery - RESIGN AVERY!!!! RESIGN AVERY!!!! Just do it Glen. Sign this guy. He is more than an emotional leader and scrappy player. He is a true offensive threat. Give him what he wants. Keep him here for the next 4 years.

2. Marty Straka - Why does Straka always score the insurance goal? He always makes it 4-1, 5-2...not sure why. Even before his tip in goal, an excellent game from Straks. Joe Michiletti addressed Renney's comments concerning Straka during the game...and they certainly ring true. Look at what he does as far as work ethic and two way hockey. He's definitely older and has certainly lost an offensive step but he remains an important cog in the Rangers wheel.

3. Chris Drury - I mentioned that Drury might need to put up some points tonight...2 assists. Here's another guy that has flown under the radar due to the recent balance of this team. He keeps plugging along picking up points and maintaining solid 2 way play.

I feel like I write this after every game. Marek Malik has been superb in the past 15 games. He is a good solid NHL defender and it looks like he has almost fully regained his confidence in this lineup.

In regards to tomorrow night...I'd be very surprised if the Rangers won. 2nd game of a back to back in New Jersey...that's always tough. Devil's are hot but we'll see what happens. I expect Henrik in net and Vally to play one of the two games against Philly (most likely Friday in Philly)