That is pretty much what the Rangers are trying to fool themselves into believing after they played lousy hockey for 50 minutes of the game against the Penguins on Tuesday night. Just two Rangers can look at themselves in the mirror and honestly say they left everything on the ice in this one: Jaromir Jagr and Ryan Callahan. And the thing that bothers me is that I wrote the same thing after Game 2 as well. Nothing changed in this 5-3 loss; the Pens took control early and had it the whole game.
People want to pin Ryan Hollweg up as the reason that the Rangers lost, but it wasn't entirely his fault. The Ranger goaltending was awful, the defense porous, the fitness lacking, the coaching poor, the shot selection dubious, the passing was off the mark, the power play ... ugh. They put up nearly 40 shots on net but more than 20 went right into the logo on Fleury's chest. The Pens defense forced the issue and shut the Blueshirts down. What can you say? They were awful, even when they had climbed back to tie the game. You could feel it was a matter of time before Pittsburgh would score again. 
*If this truly is the last series of Jaromir Jagr's career, then at least he is going out strong. I rode this guy for months for playing disinterested, halfhearted hockey and I was asked why I was so upset, because he was still picking up some points. Well, this is why - he can play at this level but chose not to for so very long. Jagr showed the passion and skill that earned him the reputation of best European to every play in the NHL. He skates, he shot, he stood up for his teammates, he made good passes, he cared. *We have said that Tom Renney's loyalty has been his downfall and tonight it was. He promised Christian Backman a shot and has stayed with him, and Backman hasn't repaid his faith. He was his usual bad self and one has to wonder how the steady, veteran, calm, strong presence of Jason Strudwick would have effected the other defenders. Renney might have worried about the speed of the Pens and how slow Studs is, but it doesn't matter how fast the blueline is when they are making mistakes, turning over the puck and letting forwards set up camp in front of the goaltender.
*Renney's loyalty extends, of course, to his coaching staff and the continued employment of Perry Pearn is baffling. Pearn is in charge of the power play and - just like during the regular season - it was predictable, inefficient and cost the Rangers the game.
*How can these guys be professional athletes if they can't play for two straight minutes? Watching the penalty kill literally stand still and watch the Penguins set up what would be the game winning goal was horrifying.
*We can't complain about the officiating in this one. It was pretty fair, with calls both good and bad going both ways. The only exception is seeing all of the roughing calls given for the scrum after the Rangers first goal - Kris Letang outright throws punches and slams Dubinsky to the ice and gets a roughing call, along with everyone else. *Of course, it also was infuriating to see Cindy Crosby not get an unsportsmanlike for running right after the refs time after time and complaining for minutes on end, but that is to be expected. Gretzky did the same thing so the superstar rule gets called there.
*Did Sean Avery play? I couldn't tell.
*Rozy say nearly 27 minutes of ice time and really wasn't all that good. When he asks for a raise in the offseason, it wouldn't be bad decision to let him walk. He has incredible gaps in his defensive play and all of that offense he showed in the regular season seems to have disappeared now that the other team steps up its pressure.
*Even though Drury came back from his second period injury, if its the least bit serious it might not be a bad idea to shut him down for Thursday. I don't think he would allow it, being the warrior that he is, but if there is any kind of risk then the Rangers need to keep the next six years of his contract in mind.
*Speaking of the future: Callahan had a really good game aside from his high sticking penalty, Dubinsky had some good moments and Dawes did alright with his increased ice time. Toots and Girardi weren't very good, but they weren't very bad either.
*Seeing Scott Gomez grin while being interviewed in the post game interviews is making me sick. I know its his nature but seriously man, I know you have a long contract here but this will very likely be your best chance to win (at least for three, four years) so watching it get flushed down the toilet has to effect you. Oh look, MSG, NY just switched to an interview with Slash from Guns N Roses. So, I feel better; let's talk to an old rock star instead dwelling on the demise of the cornerstone of your network. Oy.
*PHW Three Stars3-Jaromir Jagr - goal and an assist.
2-Marc-Andre Fleury - 36 saves.
1-Evgeni Malkin - two goals and one assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Rob Scuderi/Brooks Orpik - These two were great keeping the Rangers to the outside, blocking shots, banging bodies ... they made the Blueshirts blueliners look terrible by comparison.
2-Malkin - What a combination of size and skill. For a while people were saying he was Messier to Cindy's Gretzky, but he might be the Mario, just with a willingness to hit.
1-Jagr - He was the best player on the ice, what can you say? Too bad his intensity wasn't infectious.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: The Thrills and Agony of Defeat in Game 3
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a rollercoaster of emotions. In Game 3 of the second round (R2, G3), the intensity, the passion, and the heartbreak all came together in a thrilling contest. In this article, we'll delve into the drama of Game 3, the highs, the lows, and the enduring hope that defines playoff hockey.
FAQ 1: What Is the Importance of Game 3 in the Playoffs?
Game 3 in a playoff series often holds tremendous significance. It's the pivotal moment when one team can take the lead and assert control, or the other can even the score and regain momentum. In the case of R2, G3, it was a chance for the trailing team to get back in the series.
The Thrilling Contest
R2, G3 was a hard-fought battle between two talented teams, each hungry for victory. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans from both sides creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The intensity of playoff hockey was on full display.
FAQ 2: What Makes Playoff Hockey So Special?
Playoff hockey is special for several reasons:
Higher Stakes: The Stanley Cup is on the line, which elevates the stakes and the pressure on players.
Passion and Intensity: The passion and intensity of playoff hockey are unmatched. Players give it their all, and fans are emotionally invested.
Unpredictability: Anything can happen in the playoffs. Underdogs can upset favorites, and games can swing on a single play.
The Highs: Moments of Brilliance
Throughout the game, there were moments of brilliance from both teams. Spectacular saves by goaltenders, pinpoint passes, and incredible goals had fans on the edge of their seats. These moments are what make playoff hockey so captivating.
FAQ 3: Who Were the Standout Players in Game 3?
In Game 3, standout players emerged on both sides. From clutch goal scorers to unyielding goaltenders, these individuals played crucial roles in shaping the outcome of the game.
The Lows: Heartbreak and Disappointment
In playoff hockey, there are always moments of heartbreak. In Game 3, it came in the form of a late-game goal that turned the tide. The team that had fought valiantly for most of the game found themselves on the losing side.
FAQ 4: How Do Players Cope with Playoff Heartbreak?
Coping with playoff heartbreak is a challenge for players. The disappointment of a loss in a crucial game can be crushing, but it's also part of the game. Players must find the resilience to bounce back and refocus on the next game.
Enduring Hope: Tomorrow Is a New Day
One of the enduring qualities of playoff hockey is hope. No matter how devastating a loss, there's always another game, another opportunity to turn the series around. In Game 3, as the final horn sounded and fans left the arena with heavy hearts, they clung to the hope that the next game would bring redemption.
FAQ 5: What Is the Mindset After a Game 3 Loss?
After a Game 3 loss, teams often adopt a "one game at a time" mentality. They know that the series is far from over, and they can't dwell on the past. Instead, they focus on making the necessary adjustments and preparing for the next battle.
Stanley Cup Playoff Game 3 of the second round was a microcosm of everything that makes playoff hockey unforgettable. The thrilling highs, the heartbreaking lows, and the enduring hope all converged in a single contest. It was a reminder that in the world of hockey, there is always tomorrow, another chance to chase the ultimate dream of lifting the Stanley Cup. No matter the outcome of Game 3, the journey continues, and the passion of the playoffs burns brighter than ever.
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