Game 4 - Post Game Thoughts

The Rangers will live to see another day. It wasn't an amazing game by the Rangers, but they did what they have to do to win the game. They needed Henrik to step up and he did. When the Rangers needed a goal, Jagr stepped up and put one home. When the Rangers needed a little padding on their lead, the powerplay stepped up and put one home. When the Rangers needed to hold onto the lead, the defense stepped up and shut them down. This was not the best game by the Rangers in the series by far but they did everything they needed to to win the game. Now we wait 2 days to play again for our season in what is going to be a difficult game in Pittsburgh.

One thing I saw that I want to mention is the Crosby and Malkin retaliation efforts. I am talking about the play where Girardi had a great, clean hit on Hossa and Crosby and Malkin decided to attack Girardi for no reason. That is not their game. They are goal scorers and play makers, not enforcers. That shows me that they are getting a little out of their game. They seemed to be getting frustrated towards the end of the game. Especially after the third goal where another scrum started and it was Malkin again. It could either be the Pens trying to be physical and show toughness or it could be the Pens getting frustrated and out of their game. I am hoping its the second option because that would be great for the Rangers. We will have to wait till Game 5 to see if the physical play is really getting to Pittsburgh. Now for some stars:

1) King Henrik - He was shaky during Game 3 and the talk before this game was Henrik had to step up if the Rangers wanted to not be eliminated. He did exactly that and more in this game. He played like a true King and is the reason we won this game. The Pens had their chances but Henrik would have none of it. He has to continue this play if we want to continue because you know the Pens are going to come out firing at home and trying to advance.

2) Jagr - He is our captain and in this series he has shown why he is graced with that title. He has played like a man possessed and on a mission to make sure his season and his teams season doesn't end just yet. He played strong tonight, attacking the net and giving up his body for a goal. There is not much more you can ask from your star and captain. He has to keep it up if we want to survive to another day.

3) Dubinsky - When the Rangers needed a larger lead, Brandon stepped up and put one home. That goal was huge for the Rangers. A one goal lead against a team like Pittsburgh is not comfortable. I said the Rangers needed to score early in the third to win this game and that’s what Dubinsky did and they won.

Now we move on to Game 5 in Pittsburgh. The Rangers need to step it up again. They will be in a tough environment against a team that is fired up and wants to end this series. Fleury was great tonight and the offense had their chances and we got some luck. Like I said before the Rangers didn't play a great game. They had bad penalties, dumb turnovers and missed opportunities. But they stepped up when it was most important and that’s what got us this win. The Rangers are going to have play smart hockey in Game 5 and limit the turnovers and penalties. Henrik is going to have to play exactly like he did tonight and the offense is going to have to capitalize on their chances. It's a damn shame we have to wait 2 days for the next game but we should be thankful there is another game. I still have hope and so should you. Anything can happen and we just have to keep on praying and hope the Rangers can step it up and bring it back to MSG for Game 6.