30-24-7: Back Home We Got A Taxidermy Man ...

... He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him.

The Rangers went in the water. The Sharks were in the water. The Rangers came out with a 3-1 win. I'd say that makes for a nice weekend. Where yesterday the Rangers beat up on some chum, today the team defeated a great white. Before the game I was asked my prediction and I said 3-1, San Jose. Man am I glad I was proven wrong; not only did the Rangers beat a top team in the league, they won their first game against a Western Conference team and they even scored on the power play. What an unexpected pleasure!!

But while I do want to get wrapped up in the moment - back-to-back wins can do that - I do feel obligated to point out that the BlueShirts beat the Isles on November 29th, then the Senators on December 1st before losing five of their next six games. Just sayin', ya know? Onto the good from today:

*Just like with yesterday, the Rangers signed a defenseman and inked Toots. This time the Rangers did it before the game, rather than during the first period. Guess it allayed his fears as he played a solid game, while his partner was iffy, again.

*Also on the blueline - well, lumbering above it - was Marek Malik. He actually tried to get involved in the game and tried to shoot the puck once! Granted, he shot softer than those poor kids on the sleds in between periods, but he tried. Does that overcome his role in Cheechoo's goal? No, but he is trying so I gotta give him some credit - if only so he becomes more attractive to potential trade partners in two weeks.

*Brandon Dubinsky came out on fire but seemed to lose a step as the game went on. Much like with Girardi, maybe all of the games are catching up to him.

*On the same token, maybe the knee injury suffered by Ryan Callahan is a good thing as he is coming on right now and proving to be the perfect wingman for Chris Drury. I am admittedly still dubious as to Marty Straka on the opposite wing, but their line has done all of the right things and gotten themselves into good situations through their hard work.

*For all of their size, the Sharks didn't use it to their advantage. They looked a bit jet lagged and behind a step and the Rangers took advantage.

*As for Jaromir ... he did get off six shots, but few challenged Nabby and he took one of his trademark lazy penalties. He did take on some big defensemen, and drew a penalty, but he needs to take advantage of his size and get better looks and better, stronger shots off.

*Twice in the third period Hank got hammered in the crease. This has got to stop. The deadline is a week from Tuesday ... tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock ...

*PHR Three Stars
3-Hank - 29 saves.
2-Cally - two goals.
1-Drury - goal and an assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Colton Orr - he pressed the action, avoided rumbling with Jody Shelley and had a solid game. I am as surprised as you are.
2-Hank - he was ran several times, had his helmet knocked off and still didn't back down. Solid work by the Swede despite letting up a boarderline softie to open the game.
1-Cally/Drury - thankfully I am not limited to just one guy and these two were spectacular together. They made space for each other, did the dirty work and came through when it counted.