R1, G5: Gutless At The Garden

It is an odd thing that the 2011-12 New York Rangers, a team that clawed its way to the top not on skill but on hard work, would piss away their season so softly.

On Saturday night the Rangers were outworked for the fourth straight game of their playoff series against the Senators and lost 2-0. They moved one game away from elimination, trailing Ottawa 3-2 in the best of seven. I've overused T. S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men" in this blog but rarely has it been more true than now. The Blueshirts are ending their season "not with a bang but a whimper."

The team that led the NHL with 65 fights this season (0.79 per game) has just one bout in the series. And that is not for lack of provocation from the Senators, to be sure. That is because John Tortorella has tied the hands (or gloves to the hands) of the Ranger tough guys. Torts has taken the team away from a crash-bang, hard hitting, hard punching, forechecking team to one that sits back and reacts to their opponent. And Ottawa has used their team speed to take advantage of the time and space to dominate play. It's pathetic.

And, almost thankfully, it's almost over. All we have left to hope for is Carl Hagelin's youthful reckless abandon ignites the offence when he returns to action on Monday. That's right, a team with Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Marian Gaborik and Brad Richard$ (among others) needs a rookie to return its identity. Pathetic.

Late Hits

*As the Rangers have done all too often since the lockout, they inflated the opposing goaltender's numbers. Craig Anderson skated away with a 41 save shutout, but if he had to take a shower afterwards I'd be shocked. The Rangers shooters just fired the puck on net and rarely followed it. They didn't get into the slot, they didn't get into the crease. They aimed for the logo on Anderson's chest and skated away at the whistle.

*If Tortorella was indeed upset over the Neil hit on Boyle, why didn't he have anyone do anything about it? At this point he appears to be dressing Stu Bickel and Mike Rupp for no reason other than to meet the roster minimum, which is unfortunate.

*That hit, by the way, was totally clean. It was a great hit on a player not paying attention. So quit your crying. This is hockey.

*Neil has been one of the most valuable players in the series, to be sure. He has been throwing his body around, he has been contributing to the offense and has been capable backchecking. Doing exactly what Dubi should be doing for the Rangers.

*Yet another game where Erik Karlsson skated free. The Swede was hit once. Once. That makes for a total of five over the last four games. The linchpin to the Senator offense. Not that Del Zaster is in the same stratosphere of Karlsson (NOT EVEN CLOSE), but the Sens made sure to hit the Rangers lone "offensive defenseman" three times.

*Eight minutes of power play time, seven shots, no goals. Del Zastrous. New York typical.

*The one real goal against was abominable. John Mitchell abandoned his man Jason Spezza for a foolhardy poke check on Mark Stone and Stone smartly took advantage of it with a perfect pass. How Spezza's shot beat Hank five hole, well, that is beyond me. A terrible mistake by Hank. But you would think a goaltender should be allowed to survive one mistake while playing behind a first place team, wouldn't you?

*Chris Kreider just one shot in seven and a half minutes of play. If he was any more invisible his name would be Artem Anisimov.

*Perhaps Anisimov will show up in Game 6 if Torts deigns to pair him with Prust - the tough guy sparked Arty before (along with Jody Shelley), perhaps having the bruiser's heart will get him going again.

*Zenon Konopka played nearly 11 minutes (four of which were shorthanded), had an assist and won 10 of 12 faceoffs. Rupp played for five and a half and took a minor for charging. Ugh.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Jason Spezza - two goals.
2-Henrik Lundqvist - 28 saves.
1-Craig Anderson - 41 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Anderson - Allowed one less softie than Hank.
2-Hank - One terrible goal aside, this game could easily have been four or five to zip.
1-Spezza - Spezza's first two goals of the series were more than enough to win on this night.

 R1, G5: Gutless At The Garden - A Tale of Playoff Heartbreak

Playoff hockey can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with games that leave fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we delve into the unforgettable Game 5 of the first round (R1, G5), a contest that ended in heartbreak for one team. We'll analyze the pivotal moments, standout performances, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this gut-wrenching playoff clash.

Section 1: The Playoff Atmosphere

Playoff Fever: An introduction to the heightened emotions and fervor that surround postseason hockey.

Series Context: Setting the stage by discussing the series leading up to this fateful Game 5.

Section 2: The Game Unfolds

A detailed examination of the key elements that defined this heart-wrenching Game 5:

Early Drama: A recounting of the early moments of the game and the intensity that set the tone.

Momentum Swings: Highlighting the shifts in momentum and the crucial plays that turned the tide.

Section 3: Standout Performances

Recognizing the players who shone in this high-stakes contest:

Offensive Heroes: Analyzing the players who made clutch offensive contributions, including goals and assists.

Goaltending Brilliance: Singling out the goaltenders who made sensational saves to keep their teams in the game.

Section 4: The Turning Point

Examining the moment or moments that proved to be the turning point of the game:

Game-Winning Goal: A deep dive into the goal or play that sealed the victory for one team and shattered the hopes of the other.

Late Drama: Discussing the frenetic final moments of the game and the desperation that ensued.

Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Playoff Heartbreak

Addressing common questions and discussions related to heart-wrenching playoff losses:

How do players cope with the emotional toll of a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs?

Insights into the mental and emotional resilience required to bounce back from disappointment.

What role does fan support play in consoling a team after a gut-wrenching loss?

Examining the comfort and encouragement that fans provide to lift their team's spirits.

Are there any memorable fan reactions or rituals associated with heartbreaking playoff losses?

Discussing the passionate and sometimes cathartic responses of fans who invest their emotions in the game.

Section 6: Conclusion

Game 5 of the playoff series was a testament to the emotional rollercoaster that is postseason hockey. The elation of victory and the agony of defeat are deeply intertwined in the fabric of the sport. While one team celebrated their triumph, the other grappled with heartbreak and disappointment. It is in these moments that the true character of athletes and fans alike is revealed. As we look ahead to future playoff battles, we remember that the pain of defeat makes the joy of victory all the sweeter. Playoff hockey remains an arena where legends are born, and unforgettable moments are etched into the annals of the sport's history. In the face of gut-wrenching losses, resilience, hope, and the promise of redemption are always on the horizon for those who dare to dream of playoff glory.