41-30-5: Beatin' Bahston Rahks Wicked Hahd

On March 21st, 2010 the Rangers lost 2-1 to Boston in one of their worst efforts of the season. They bounced back by beating the Islanders 5-0 three days later. On March 24th, 2011 the Rangers lost 2-1 to Ottawa in one of their worst efforts of the season. They bounced back Saturday with a 1-0 win over the Bruins.

Seeing as five goals against the Islanders pretty much equates to one against Boston, I would say that is an interesting co-inky-dink. The fact is being bandied about is the Rangers having scored just three goals over the last three games and yet came away with five out of six points. The numbers themselves are quite surprising and it is outright shocking when you consider how poorly they played against Florida and Ottawa. But those two games in the Garden simply can't compare to this one in the Gahden.

There have been a few times this season that the opponent has upped their effort and threw everything - including the kitchen sink - at the Ranger crease. And the Rangers, well, the Rangers were outstanding. Pressure builds diamonds and the Blueshirts shone as Boston upped the ante. It was periods like the third that give faith that this team has what it takes to win somewhere down the line. They can survive the siege, just wait until they go on the offensive.

Notes:

*As the saying goes, "if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'" so the talk about Prospal sliding into the circle before the puck drop is ridiculous. It happens on many faceoffs; Prospal tried to stop, the linesman wasn't paying attention, so be it, it happens. Both Boston defensemen were standing still and Rich Peverley - who lost the draw in the first place - watched the puck and let Step skate by to get into position for the redirection. Whoops, his bad. THe linesman screwed up but this whole thing would be moot if three Bs did their jobs.

*Patrice Bergeron is not the kind of player out to injure another guy. He just isn't. But, that being said, he made no attempt to avoid Lundqvist and slammed hard into Hank. And for that he should have been destroyed by the Blueshirts but, yet again, they decided to err on the side of caution and not take an extra penalty. How many hits does it take to knock Lundqvist out? We are slowly finding out because no one has the nerve to send the message, damn the consequences.

*Would really love if the Rangers could get a Milan Lucic-type player.

*Hate Boston but damned if Shippin' Up To Boston by the Dropkick Murphys isn't one heckuva catchy tune. Far better than that Jay Z New York crap.

*Nice of Sean Avery to come back to the lineup. He instantly made an impact by breaking up a Boston breakaway. Granted, it was by fighting Greg Campbell and surely getting back into the league's ill graces. Let's hope Sean doesn't sneeze on anyone next game because he is sure to get the book thrown at him. Perhaps Torts realized that so he limited him to less than six minutes.

*As a coworker called them - Avery-Christensen-Wolski: the "I Don't Know What To Do With You" line.

*Wolski, Christy, Dubi, Staal and McCabe all had more than five minutes of power play time and the unit went 0-4. They had a few good moments when they actually did the unthinkable and go to the net but they just couldn't beat Rask. Given the way they have played this year it really needs to be renamed a man disadvantage.

*Love the older lady with the hardhat and flashing glasses. They showed her during the second intermission and she sits near me in the Garden. There just aren't enough Ranger fan personalities left anymore. And no, Larry doesn't count. His schtick is old and annoying and he simply can't dance. The fat guy in Philly is so much better, and that is simply sad.

*Anyone else - aside from the Bruins - miss seeing Marc Savard out there?

*PHW Three Stars
3-Tuukka Rask - 22 saves.
2-Dan Girardi - no points.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 26 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - While the defense was stellar, someone still had to stop the puck and the King did just that. Lundqvist was strong - as he often is - and he hung in there after the crash to survive the trainwreck of a third period.
2-Girardi - Danny G was one of those who helped Hank get by. He played his position, he covered for Staal, he was physical ... good stuff.
1-Ryan McDonagh - Do you recall the "Thank You Kessel" chants in Boston earlier this season after Tyler Seguin scored on Toronto? The Rangers should bust out a "Thank You Gomez" for McD. This kid is proving to be a gift and one much needed and well received.

 41-30-5: Beatin' Bahston Rahks Wicked Hahd

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In the world of professional sports, rivalries often define a team's season. For the team in focus, the 41-30-5 season was marked by intense matchups against their arch-nemesis, the Boston Bruins. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into this season, exploring the thrilling victories, bitter defeats, and the passion that fuels one of the fiercest rivalries in the NHL.

I. The Birth of a Rivalry

The rivalry between these two teams didn't develop overnight. It had its roots in a long history of hard-fought battles, memorable clashes, and passionate fan bases. Each game was more than just a contest; it was a matter of pride.

II. The Early Encounters

The season kicked off with the first matchup against the Bruins, and tensions were running high. The fans packed the arena, ready to witness their team take on the archrivals. The early games set the tone for what would be a season filled with dramatic showdowns.

III. Thrilling Victories

Amidst the rivalry's intensity, the team managed to secure some thrilling victories over the Bruins. These wins were celebrated by fans as moments of triumph over their most hated adversary. The energy in the arena during these games was electric.

IV. Heartbreaking Defeats

Of course, a rivalry as fierce as this one wouldn't be complete without its share of heartbreaking defeats. Some games went down to the wire, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The losses were tough to swallow, but they only fueled the fire for future encounters.

V. The Players Who Defined the Rivalry

Every rivalry has its heroes, players who step up when it matters most. This season was no different. We'll take a closer look at the standout performers and how they impacted the outcome of these high-stakes games.

VI. The Fan Experience

The rivalry extended beyond the ice, with fans from both sides adding their own layer of intensity to the games. Chants, banners, and passionate displays of support made every matchup a spectacle. The fan experience was an essential part of the rivalry's allure.

VII. Playoff Implications

As the regular season drew to a close, playoff implications hung in the balance. The team's performance against the Bruins would play a significant role in their postseason fate. These games became even more crucial as the stakes were raised.

VIII. Legacy of the Rivalry

The 41-30-5 season added another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two teams. It left fans with memories to cherish and moments to relive. The legacy of the rivalry continues to shape the NHL landscape, reminding us all that sports are about more than just winning and losing.

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The 41-30-5 season was one for the history books, defined by a rivalry that transcended the sport itself. It showcased the passion of the players, the dedication of the fans, and the enduring spirit of competition. While the outcome of each game may have varied, one thing remained constant: the thrill of seeing these two teams face off, "beatin' Bahston Rahks wicked hahd."

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