6-6-1: Hank Beats Marty 2-1

Well my nerves are shot. The Rangers barely hung on to beat the Devils in a shootout. They still didn't score much. They still relied too heavily on their goaltender. But I think they played one of their best games of the season. Onto more of my thoughts and observations:

*I have to start with the afore-mentioned goaltender. If the season ended right now, Hank would be the Vezina winner. He's played every game and has made ridiculius, gigantic, game-changing saves. If not for his play, the Rangers would have won maybe, maybe two games this season. Maybe. But I doubt it.

*If you had told me, or anyone for that matter, that the line of Hossa-Dubi-Jagr would be considered our first line, you would have been considered for a friendly, white jacket where you are always giving yourself a nice hug. But as insane as it is, that may prove to be a good combination as Jagr played his first impassioned game in a while. It sucks to have to reign in Dubi but, for now at least, it seems to work. Hopefully once the injury bug goes away, Strake can seamlessly fit in there and Dubi can go back between Pru and Cally.

*All of the lines showed good chemistry for the first time all year. They passed well, cycled well and created chances. Nice to see.

*I do want to temper my appreciation for the lines with the fact that they still insist on passing a lot when they should shoot. No shock there but on one shift they had Marty Brodeur, one of the best goaltenders in NHL history, look behind himself into the net to see if he allowed a goal. Rather than smell the blood and hammer him further, they started passing the puck around and eventually got pushed out of the Devils zone.

*Sean Avery came back and played his usual fun game. He jawed with Clarkson during warmups and throughout every shift they shared, but withheld from making a stupid play to beat on the little Devil. It sucked that he missed so many games, but he endeared himself to the Garden faithful even more than before and came back with yet another chip on his shoulder. I told you people we would be ok when he got back.

*Colton Orr fought Mike Rupp for no particular reason other than to justify each other's paycheck. It put on a nice show for the crowd but the center-ice tussle was pointless. Garbage like that gives fighting in hockey a bad name.

*The best defenseman, by far, was Marc Staal. Playing in Malik's spot alongside Rozy, Staal was calm, composed and awesome. I still think Rozy needs a game off to learn not to give up the puck.

*Also on the blueline, Tyutin was great; Girardi not as good as he has been but solid nonetheless. Mara played a really good game and even though Strudwick is slow of skate and has horrible hands, all he does is make the small, smart plays every shift. Yes, he can be beaten in the open ice by one of the junior Rangers, but if the game is spent in the Rangers zone, he is one helluva safety valve.

*The Devils definitely did not look like themselves. They looked to be caught in the middle of their traditional stifling system and Sutter's batter-them-into-submission physical, swarming style.

*Insert my usual comments about Bettsy and Hollweg here (Betts is awesome but can't see anything but the other goalie's logo and Hollweg is a great blue collar guy who is clearly targeted by the refs).

*A security guard was trying to show some fans to their seats and climbed all the way up to stand right in front of me trying to figure out where they actually belonged (and had no clue). He then turned indignant when I started giving him a hard time because he was blocking the view as play was going on. So watch out for Carlos, badge 213 or something like that ... the arrogant little weasel doesn't know how to do his job nor does he know his way around the building. Idiot.

*PHW Three Stars:
3-Gomez - scored the lone regulation goal.
2-Pruuuuuuu - scored the lone shootout goal.
1-Hank - Outplayed a guaranteed Hall-of-Famer.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Staal - A true pleasure to watch work.
2-Sean - Welcome back.
1-Hank - Dude, when you throw your stick up into the crowd next time, can you try to get it to some actual fans rather than the yuppie scum that sits down low? Thanks.

Let's Go Rangers!

 6-6-1: Hank Beats Marty 2-1 - A Goaltending Duel for the Ages

In the world of professional ice hockey, few matchups capture the imagination of fans more than a goaltending duel for the ages. The game with the record 6-6-1 pitted two legendary netminders, Henrik Lundqvist (Hank) and Martin Brodeur (Marty), against each other in a high-stakes battle. This article delves into the heart-pounding contest that unfolded on the ice, analyzing the key moments, dissecting the goaltenders' brilliance, and answering some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this thrilling clash between two icons of the game.

Part I: The Rivalry

Henrik Lundqvist

Lundqvist, often affectionately known as "Hank," was the backbone of the New York Rangers for over a decade. His remarkable reflexes, unparalleled glove saves, and unwavering composure made him a fan favorite and a formidable presence in the crease.

Martin Brodeur

Martin Brodeur, or "Marty," was a living legend in the hockey world. The longtime New Jersey Devils goaltender had rewritten the record books with his incredible career achievements, including the most wins and shutouts in NHL history.

Part II: The Game Unfolds

A Clash of Titans

The game was anticipated as a clash of goaltending titans, with both Hank and Marty having earned reputations as some of the greatest goalies in NHL history. Fans were eager to witness their exceptional skills on full display.

Defensive Battle

As the game got underway, it quickly became apparent that this would be a defensive battle. Both goaltenders made incredible saves, frustrating their opponents and drawing admiration from spectators.

Part III: Key Moments

Lundqvist's Glove Save

One of the key moments of the game came when Lundqvist made an unbelievable glove save on a blistering slap shot from the opposing team's sniper. The crowd erupted in applause, and the save became an instant highlight-reel moment.

Brodeur's Penalty Shot Stop

Marty was not to be outdone. In a tense moment, he faced a penalty shot, a one-on-one showdown against an opposing forward. Brodeur's calm and poise prevailed as he made a textbook stop, preserving the tie.

Part IV: Goaltending Brilliance

The Art of Goaltending

Goaltending is often referred to as the "art of standing on one's head" in hockey. Hank and Marty embodied this artistry, making jaw-dropping saves look routine and displaying exceptional focus and positioning.

The Mental Game

Goaltending is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Both Lundqvist and Brodeur exhibited mental toughness, staying composed under pressure and making split-second decisions.

Part V: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some frequently asked questions about this epic goaltending duel:

1. What makes Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur two of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history?

Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur are considered among the greatest because of their consistency, longevity, and ability to perform at a high level in clutch situations. They both hold numerous records and accolades.

2. How does a goaltending duel impact the outcome of a game?

A goaltending duel can have a significant impact on the outcome by keeping the score low and giving their team a chance to win. Goaltenders can frustrate opponents and swing the momentum with key saves.

3. What is a penalty shot, and why is it a crucial moment in a game?

A penalty shot is awarded to a player who is denied a scoring opportunity by an opponent's foul. It's a crucial moment because it's a one-on-one showdown between the shooter and the goaltender, often determining the game's direction.

4. What qualities make a goaltender successful in the NHL?

Successful NHL goaltenders possess exceptional reflexes, positioning, mental toughness, and a strong work ethic. They must stay calm under pressure and be leaders on the ice.

The game with the record 6-6-1 will forever be remembered as a classic goaltending duel between two of the NHL's greatest. Hank and Marty showcased their extraordinary skills and determination, providing fans with a thrilling display of what makes hockey such an exhilarating sport. As the final buzzer sounded, the 2-1 victory in favor of Hank's team was a testament to the enduring legacy of these goaltending legends. This game serves as a reminder that in the fast-paced world of professional ice hockey, it's the remarkable talents and competitive spirit of individuals like Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur that continue to captivate fans and inspire the next generation of goaltenders.