R1, G3: Thank You Henrik ...

The King is a mighty crutch to have in hockey, as last night's 1-0 Ranger win proved. Henrik Lundqvist made 39 saves on the Sens to help give the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead in the best o' seven series.

It was a great result, given the not so great effort from the Rangers. Ottawa, without one of their top scorers, pinned the Blueshirts in their own end for long stretches and peppered Hank with shots. The Rangers transition game was nothing short of abominable as it was a tough chore to get out of their own zone, much less through the neutral zone and in on Anderson. Their puck pressure was poor, their forecheck was sporadic and they pissed away two full power plays and 24 seconds of a third.

However, all was not awful (especially the result). The boys got in a few good counterpunches but just could not finish. No Ranger will be getting suspended for any of his actions. No Ranger cowered beneath the physicality of his opponent. And Henrik Lundqvist showed some simply outstanding form. All are things to build on for Game 4 as the team hopefully turns this tough victory into an easier one on Wednesday.

Late Hits:

*Is there anything more awesome than seeing Hank get angry? He put up with Neil in his face all night and finally snapped when Konopka came calling. Konopka, one of the toughest guys in the NHL - a guy who had 307 PIM last season, 76 fights in his last three seasons. Hank's got some big Swedish meatballs, if you know what I mean.

*It is astounding how streaky (and thus frustrating) of a player Brian Boyle is, but you simply can not complain about the timing of this latest hot streak. On a night where Gabby was frustrated and Richard$ was invisible, Boyle kept his hot hand going. People have been saying it since before he was drafted - when Boyle is willing and able to use his size, he is a solid player. The rest of the time ... notsomuch. It is of little coincidence that Boyle's goals start going in once he is willing to use his size to make space in front of the net.

*Erik Karlsson may be a disciple of the school of Nick Lidstrom but it was Dan Girardi who best used one of the lessons taught by the Swedish superstar. One of Lidstrom's top moves is to use the ricochet off the endboards to get a puck through to the slot and Dan-O did just that. The puck bounced off the boards and came back to Boyle for the one-timer past Anderson. Simple, sexy stuff.

*Karlsson, by the way, was hit just once according to the official play-by-play (I didn't notice it) - and that was with an official scorekeeper who counted an outrageous 81 hits in a relatively timid game.

*Both Carl Hagelin and Daniel Alfredsson were missed by their teams. The Rangers were clearly lacking the speed and tenacity of Young Carl's forecheck and, without Alfredson's virtual ownership of Lundqvist the Sens couldn't score. Of course, Carl was Shanabanned so he had no choice. Alfie passed all of the concussion tests and just didn't bother to show up. That's a captain right there.

*That being said, gotta admire the Scotiabank Crowd for their 11:11 countdown and chant in his honour - they are respecting one of their own, a guy who has played in Ottawa his entire career. Ranger fans that mocked it ... most of you join in on "Potvin Sucks" and have no idea the origin of that chant so shush.

*Serious attaboy to Anton Stralman for his play in the final minute. Who knew he had that in him?

*Best save of the night? Not Hank on Turris. Not Anderson on Callahan. Stu Bickel on Jim O'Brien. Outstanding arm save by the big Minnesota boy. Despite being the unnecessary butt of Tortorella's ire often this season, Stu has helped save the Blueshirt blueliners by stepping in for Sauer with strong, capable play. It isn't flashy at all but it has certainly filled part of the huge gap left by Sauer's absence.

*Del Zaster ... not sure what is left to say anymore. He prizes his offense over his defense and yet he often doesn't even do that right. He was utterly incapable of carrying the puck out, he gambled and failed in the Ottawa end several times and his work on the power play is pedantic at best.

*Really had hoped Dubi would have had a far better game than he did. After his early ejection in Game 2, you would think he would have been even more riled up and ready to go. Unfortunately he had a largely timid performance, outside of the facewash to Foligno after the Sen dumped Cally in a post-whistle scrum. He has to be more involved.

*So does Chris Kreider. Kreider looked like a kid with no NHL experience out there but he definitely displayed the skills the scouts said he had. That was clearly evident right from the outset - his initial shift saw him playing proper Ranger hockey: dump, chase, hit and keep after it. This is a trial by fire and Kreider managed not to get burned in his first game. We'll see how he does in his second and beyond ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brian Boyle - one goal.
2-Craig Anderson - 22 saves.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 39 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Anderson - Seriously considered Girardi but Anderson does deserve recognition. He was hardly tested but when he was, he came though with solid saves.
2-Boyle - Outshined Richard$, outshined Spezza, outshined everyone due to his battle level. Outstanding.
1-Hank - Considered giving him all three stars for that effort. Outstanding.

 R1, G3: Thank You, Henrik - A Tribute to a Hockey Legend

In the world of professional hockey, certain names resonate not just with fans of a particular team but with the entire hockey community. Henrik, a legend in his own right, has etched his name in the annals of the sport's history. In this article, we'll delve into the memorable Game 3 of the first round (R1, G3), celebrating Henrik's illustrious career, analyzing his standout performance, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this remarkable player's impact on the game.

Section 1: The Legacy of a Legend

Henrik's Journey: An introduction to Henrik's remarkable career, from his early days in the sport to becoming one of its most iconic figures.

The Game in Focus: Setting the stage by discussing the significance of Game 3 in Henrik's storied career.

Section 2: The Game Unfolds

A detailed examination of the key elements that defined this pivotal Game 3:

Henrik's Heroics: Reliving the moments of brilliance and clutch saves that highlighted Henrik's performance in this crucial game.

The Opposition: Analyzing the formidable opponents and the challenges Henrik faced during the game.

Section 3: Standout Performances

Celebrating the players and moments that defined this game:

Henrik's Impact: Highlighting Henrik's influence on the game, from his leadership on the ice to his mentorship off it.

Opposing Stars: Recognizing the opposing players who also left their mark on Game 3.

Section 4: The Turning Point

Examining the pivotal moment or moments that defined the game's outcome:

Henrik's Signature Saves: A close look at the breathtaking saves that became the signature of Henrik's career.

The Game-Changing Play: Discussing the game-altering play or decision that shifted the momentum in favor of Henrik's team.

Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Henrik's Impact

Addressing common questions and discussions related to Henrik's influence on the game:

What are some of Henrik's career milestones and records that stand as a testament to his greatness?

An exploration of Henrik's statistical achievements and records that solidify his legendary status.

How did Henrik's leadership extend beyond the ice, and what impact did he have on his teammates and the hockey community?

Insights into Henrik's leadership qualities, mentorship, and charitable contributions that endeared him to fans and peers alike.

What legacy does Henrik leave for the next generation of goaltenders and the sport of hockey as a whole?

Reflecting on the lasting impact Henrik's career will have on the future of goaltending and the game.

Section 6: Conclusion

Game 3 of the first round was not just a moment in Henrik's career; it was a testament to the indomitable spirit, skill, and passion that he brought to the sport. As fans, we're fortunate to have witnessed his incredible journey, from the dazzling saves to the moments of pure magic on the ice. Henrik's legacy extends far beyond the rink, serving as an inspiration for aspiring goaltenders and a symbol of excellence for the entire hockey world. In saying "Thank You, Henrik," we express our gratitude for the memories, the brilliance, and the enduring impact of a true hockey legend.