34-29-4: Slump Bustin' Senators

There is nothing like facing off against the worst team in the league on the road to reignite the competitive fires. The Rangers bounced back from their (many) recent home failures with a 4-1 win over Ottawa on Friday night.

Of course, the Blueshirts didn't play all that different of a game than they did against Minnesota or Buffalo but it was enough to beat the woeful O's. The Senators screen door defense was just astounding when you remember the days that Chara and in-prime Redden and Philips ate up the minutes. Now their blueline is led by the past-his-prime Phillips, some soft Europeans and few kids who can't carry Sauer/McDonagh's jock.

But enough badmouthing them, let's just celebrate the two points. It would have been all-too-easy to let Craig Anderson steal this game and the Rangers didn't. They forechecked well, set screens, went hard to the crease and shot from good areas of the ice to throw off Anderson's angles. You have to hope that this one was a big confidence booster because the Blueshirt will go from facing the worst defensive corps in the league to the best on Sunday.

Some random notes:

*Sean Avery makes a great play on the Prospal goal and yet he sees the least amount of ice time on the team. Sure he saw 11:32 - more minutes than he did in his last six games - but that just isn't right. It is especially surprising when you consider that the team had a commanding 3-0 lead by the seven minute mark of the second period. Despite setting up Prospal's goal, Avery still doesn't have the trust of Tortorella. One has to wonder if he will ever get it. Perhaps Avery's declining of Neil's third period offer to dance will go a ways towards that but, at this point, it is doubtful.

*Henrik Lundqvist was extremely shakey early in the evening but settled down as the game went on. After railing for years that Hank needed to have more of a backbone when guys crash his crease, his attacking Chris Neil was nearly heart-stopping. If he gets hurt chasing down a clown like Neil, we are screwed.

*When that scrum broke out Brandon Prust stayed on the outside, grabbing Derek Smith - probably the least-physical player on the ice at the time. If that isn't telling that Prust isn't 100% I don't know what is.

*The days where the Sens had Havlat, Heatley or Hossa out on their power play are long gone. Hell, they didn't even have old Daniel Alfredsson. And yet they broke Hank's shutout with a seeing-eye shot through traffic five minutes into the third. They moved the puck back and forth laterally while stacking the slot and Gonchar remembered that he used to be good at hockey and scored. That's depressing.

*Arty Anisimov is so good when there is no one within three feet of him that is infuriating to see how much he sucks once the going gets tough. Beautiful goal though.

*How much longer are we going to let McCabe off the hook for the power play's woes? He saw more than three minutes of man advantage time and yet the unit went 0-4. His +3 rating for this game was very Malik-esque (just having the good luck to be on the ice at the right times).

*Brian Boyle 0 shots, one goal in his last nine games. Maybe he needs to head back to Barb for a refresher?

*Managed to get through this without bashing Tortorella so let me get a little in - if he lets Gaborik play on Sunday he should be fired on the spot. For 1- you don't rush a concussion back. 2- you don't bring an injured player back against the Flyers because they eat the weak. and 3-Gabby has just two goals in 17 career games against Philly. It just isn't worth it.

*What are the odds that - with no practice Saturday - the guys will stay in and make it a movie night and not go out drinking? Nevermind, lemme pull a Han Solo and say 'never tell me the odds.'

*PHW Three Stars
3-Derek Stepan - one goal and one assist.
2-Dan Girardi - one assist.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 28 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Anisimov - What the hell, give the kid some credit. He was involved all game and scored that sweet goal.
2-Steve Eminger - How exactly was this guy scratched in favour of Michael Del Zotto? Good, decisive puck movement and a smidge of physical play combine to add that stabilizing veteran sense that the Blueshirts blueline needs. Honestly did not see this happening when he was acquired for the People's Champ.
1-Derek Stepan - An impressive all-around game by the rookie, one that should build his confidence and re-energize him.

 34-29-4: Slump Bustin' Senators - The New York Rangers' Road to Redemption

:

The 2021-2022 NHL season was a rollercoaster of emotions for the New York Rangers and their devoted fan base. With a regular-season record of 34-29-4, the team experienced its fair share of challenges and triumphs. In this article, we'll explore the Rangers' journey, focusing on the pivotal moments, standout performances, and the determination that led to their resurgence in the latter part of the season.

Chapter 1: The Rocky Start

The season began with high expectations, but the Rangers faced early challenges. We'll delve into the struggles they encountered, including injuries, inconsistent play, and tough losses that tested their resolve.

Chapter 2: Standout Performances

Despite the difficulties, several Rangers players shone brightly. We'll highlight the standout performances, clutch goals, and remarkable saves that kept fans excited and hopeful throughout the season.

Chapter 3: The Turning Point

As the regular season progressed, the Rangers found themselves in a challenging position. We'll explore the pivotal moment or series of events that marked the turning point in their season and set them on a path to redemption.

Chapter 4: The Resurgence

With determination and a renewed sense of purpose, the Rangers embarked on a resurgence. We'll discuss the strategies, teamwork, and individual efforts that fueled their climb up the standings and captured the hearts of fans.

Chapter 5: The Playoff Push

As the season neared its conclusion, the Rangers were in a tight playoff race. We'll analyze the key matchups, crucial victories, and the intense competition that defined their push for a postseason berth.

Chapter 6: The "Slump Bustin' Senators" Game

One game, in particular, became emblematic of the Rangers' resurgence. We'll provide an in-depth look at this memorable contest, from the anticipation leading up to the final buzzer and the electrifying moments on the ice that cemented the team's redemption.

Chapter 7: Fan Reactions

Throughout the ups and downs of the season, Rangers fans remained loyal and passionate. We'll explore how fans reacted to the team's turnaround, their thoughts on the "Slump Bustin' Senators" game, and the enduring bond between the Blueshirts and their supporters.

Chapter 8: Lessons Learned

Every NHL season offers valuable lessons. We'll examine the insights gained from the Rangers' 34-29-4 season, including the development of young talent, the importance of resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the team and its fan base.

Chapter 9: The Future

As the season concluded, the Rangers faced questions about what lies ahead. We'll discuss the team's outlook for the future, potential roster changes, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming season.

Conclusion:

The 2021-2022 NHL season was a testament to the New York Rangers' resilience and determination. From the challenges of the early season to the unforgettable "Slump Bustin' Senators" game and the playoff push, it was a journey that captured the essence of the team and its dedicated fan base. As the Rangers and their supporters reflect on the season, they do so with pride, knowing that they have the strength to overcome adversity and the resolve to continue chasing their hockey dreams.