36-24-9: Attack Of The Killer G's

For all of those kids out there who want to play goaltender, watching a tape of today's Rangers Bruins game could prove pretty education. True, most of the big saves were a tad unorthodox, but both goaltenders kept their composure and kept their teams in a game neither really had a right to be in. Alex Auld, a career backup, played just as good as Hank, New York's anointed royalty. One guy will be living on per diem in the minor leagues in a few weeks, and the other recently made sure his future children will never have to work a day in their lives. But on this day both were equally spectacular and a 0-0 tie would have been well earned. Unfortunately in "My NHL" a skills competition decides the game, but at least Nigel Dawes won it and we skated away with two points. Before you skate away, some more thoughts:

*Chris Drury, 2008-09 New York Rangers Captain. The ultimate team guy, the ultimate clutch performer ... I think it is a given when Jagr leaves. Dru's tussle with former Islanders first round draft pick Petteri Nokelainen won't rank high on hockeyfights.com but it did send a message: you stand up for your teammate, whoever you are.

*Jaromir Jagr didn't do that and had a chance later in the game. But in this game he had tons of chances and blew them. I mean scoring chances, rather than opportunities to actually live up to the C on his jersey. Yes Auld played well and made some good stops, but for the first time in weeks Jagr didn't have to go up against a shutdown defenseman and he did nothing. With Chara out the Bruins had no one - there was no Brendan Witt, Mike Komisarek, Hal Gill, whomever. Jagr finally had some freedom and did not take advantage of it. He blew a sure goal on a breakaway by slowing down and he didn't participate in the shootout. I know he still has his proponents out there but y'all are wrong; I think that ship has sailed.

*The Bruins were almost as bad as the Sound Tigers were this week but I won't regulate them to Providence (the AHL); they are too well coached. Claude Julien has really instilled Devils hockey in them and they execute it well. They just don't have the talent that Jersey does.

*After two horrible periods (actually more if you include every game this season), Rozy remembered how to play defence in the third. He showed the skill he had last season when he stepped into the role of our number one defenseman. Now if he can only keep it going ...

*And going forward the Christian "Wally" Backman experiment needs to end. Wally did have two decent defensive plays, but he also took a dumb penalty and was flighty. Worse than all, his mere presence has led to Marc Staal playing his worse hockey of the season so he needs to sit. Staal has been all over the place, taking more chances and playing like a rookie for the first time all year. Bringing back the slower but steadier Jason Strudwick should calm him down in time for the playoffs. Wally doesn't add anything to the team that will be missed when he rides the pine.

*People were screaming around me when the fourth line took the ice with less than two minutes left in regulation but I wasn't one of them. Renney wanted the guaranteed point on home ice than to take the risk of losing. If the game is on the road - and earlier in the season - then he should go for the goal but every point is needed at this point.

*Speaking of the fourth line, and I know I will run into some opposition here, but I think that Renney should try a game with Colton sitting and Ryan Hollweg back in his place. Hollweg has the speed to keep up with Sjostrom and Bettsy and can throw down if need be. Granted, Hollweg gets the same penalties as Sean Avery: two minutes for a bad reputation. But it might be something interesting to try ...

*Avery really needs a foil to be at his best. He needs someone to antagonize to be at his best and Julien's squad is pretty faceless; the same thing happened in Buffalo during the playoffs and he was just as ineffective. He needs to overcome that and just be a pain in the ass to everyone, while avoiding the aforementioned two minutes for a bad reputation penalties.

*Marty Straka, where have you gone? Back in November he had one of my moments of the year against the B's (blocking back-to-back shots with a broken hand) but in this game he was going all over the place and yet not in the right direction. If he could bring some discipline back, and any scoring touch at all, then that line will be unstoppable.

*Our power play on the other hand ... 0-3. That has to change, but I think it was as much a symptom of Jagr and Straka's play as anything else in this game. If they get it going again ... man ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Nigel Dawes - shootout-winning goal.
2-Alex Auld - 35 saves.
1-Hank - 29 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Drury - he fought. Wow. Aside from a preseason bout with Derian Hatcher, he hasn't thrown down the gloves since before the lockout. Just goes to show the lengths he will go to defend the red, white and blue.
2-Dennis Wideman - he played 34:34 and did a good enough job that Chara's presence was not missed in the Boston zone. He played smart, aside from a dubious hooking call and was always involved for the B's.
1-The goaltenders: Hank and Alex Auld - I can get away with putting both of them. They were good, both were beaten several times but both played with poise and walked away with shutouts.

 36-24-9: Attack of the Killer G's - The New York Rangers' Dynamic Duo

In the world of hockey, dynamic duos are often celebrated for their ability to dominate games and capture the imagination of fans. The New York Rangers, with their 36-24-9 record in the 2021-22 NHL season, have found their own dynamic duo in the form of forwards Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. Together, they have propelled the Rangers into playoff contention and reignited the excitement at Madison Square Garden. In this article, we'll delve into the remarkable chemistry and impact of these two players on the Rangers' success.

FAQ 1: Who Are Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad?

Artemi Panarin: Artemi "Breadman" Panarin, a Russian winger, joined the Rangers in the 2019-20 season as a highly sought-after free agent. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier forwards with his exceptional playmaking skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Panarin is known for his creativity on the ice and his ability to elevate the play of his teammates.

Mika Zibanejad: Mika Zibanejad, a Swedish center, has been a vital part of the Rangers' core since his arrival in 2016. He possesses a lethal shot and has consistently been among the team's top goal-scorers. Zibanejad's two-way play and leadership qualities make him an integral part of the Rangers' success.

FAQ 2: What Makes Their Partnership Special?

The Panarin-Zibanejad partnership is special for several reasons:

Chemistry: Their on-ice chemistry is exceptional, as they seem to instinctively know where each other will be. Their ability to find open space and create scoring opportunities is second to none.

Versatility: Both players are versatile and can adapt to various situations. Panarin is equally adept at setting up goals as he is at scoring them, while Zibanejad's faceoff prowess and defensive responsibility add depth to their partnership.

Leadership: Panarin and Zibanejad lead by example, both on and off the ice. Their work ethic, determination, and commitment to the team's success inspire their teammates.

Power Play Dominance: The duo's effectiveness on the power play is a key part of the Rangers' success. They move the puck with precision and create high-quality scoring chances.

FAQ 3: What Impact Have They Had on the Rangers' Season?

Panarin and Zibanejad's impact on the Rangers' 2021-22 season has been profound:

Scoring Prowess: They are among the league leaders in points, with Panarin often ranked at or near the top. Their ability to generate offense has been crucial to the Rangers' success.

Team Success: The Rangers have been competitive in the Eastern Conference, thanks in large part to the offensive contributions of Panarin and Zibanejad. They've helped the team secure crucial wins against tough opponents.

Fan Excitement: Their electrifying style of play and highlight-reel goals have brought excitement back to Madison Square Garden. Fans eagerly anticipate their performances night in and night out.

Leadership: Beyond their offensive contributions, Panarin and Zibanejad's leadership in the locker room has been invaluable in nurturing a winning culture.

: The Dynamic Duo's Impact

Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, the "Killer G's," have been the driving force behind the New York Rangers' resurgence in the 2021-22 NHL season. Their remarkable chemistry, scoring ability, and leadership qualities have not only made the Rangers playoff contenders but have also reinvigorated the franchise and its passionate fan base.

As the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach, the Rangers will look to Panarin and Zibanejad to continue their stellar play and lead the team to a deep postseason run. For Rangers fans, there is no doubt that the Killer G's are a force to be reckoned with, and they hold the keys to the team's success in the quest for the Stanley Cup.