26-18-4: All's Well That Ends Ok

The Rangers completed their regular season schedule by beating a dead horse, destroying the lifeless, already-eliminated New Jersey Devils 4-0 in a game that really wasn't even that close.

The Blueshirts pressed the action from the opening puck drop and the final result was really never in doubt. The Devils' season was done, and they knew it. For the Rangers, it was good to spread some of the ice time around - Nash and Richards got less than 15, Chris Kreider way up to 15:05. Hell, Dan Girardi only saw 22:39 of ice time, the lowest in over a month and eight minutes less than last game.

Hard to say if the win will have an effect on the team heading into the playoffs, they did just lose to the worst team in the league a few days prior. But it is always a plus to beat our Hudson River rivals. Now it is on to the Capitals, yet again. Oh boy. (More on them in an upcoming post.)

Late Hits:

*The "We Want Marty!" chants were awesome. The "Mmmmmmaaaaaarrrrrrrtttttttyyyy"s notsomuch. Legitimately believe that much of the Garden believed that it was Fatso filling the New Jersey net instead of Moose.

*Love Hank and congratulations to him for his 51st career shutout but I'd like to see him get even one nono without wearing a mask. Bet he wouldn't be as willing to play shots off his head ...

*The continued disgrace (and likely fatal flaw) of this franchise: an 0-6 power play.

*Four minor penalties taken, two hooks, a trip and an interference - all lazy calls that come from being out of position.

*Step, Cally and Hagelin. What do they all have in common? They're all Ranger draft picks who spent time in Hartford, are selfless in their play and willing to do anything for the franchise. It is of little wonder they are working so well together, we've seen 'Pack' players click consistently over the last few years only to have the head coach break them up. Remember Dubi/Prucha/Dawes? Perhaps it is time to leave them alone.

*Man, would Cally's shorthanded breakaway in the first period been a wonderful goal. Damn.

*On the first Nash goal Richard$ lost the faceoff but hustled after the puck and got it out to Nash for the easy finish. The second saw him perfectly pick Zuke out on the far side for the fast feed to Nash for another gimme. Having two playmakers provide the puck to the sniper is a nice luxury, but come the playoffs even the fearless Norwegian will find it tough carrying the physical load for the line.

*With Ryane Clowe out, Taylor Pyatt has to be tougher. He has the size, he has the ability ... he played nearly 18 minutes and was invisible.

*Haven't seen Kovalchuk castrated like that since the days of Sean Avery.

*Del Zaster, geez. It was comical watching him fumble the puck and fall all over himself. It won't be as amusing in the playoffs.

*Dammit, yet another season without receiving Blueshirts off our Backs. I wonder why? I think it woulda been quite amusing to hand my Scotty Hockey sweater to either Asham or DZ.

*PHW Three Stars:
3-Henrik Lundqvist - 20 saves.
2-Ryan Callahan - one goal and one assist.
1-Rick Nash - two goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Richard$ - One of his best performances of the season; not like that is saying much, but still worthy of recognition.
2-Cally - Love the Adam Graves comparison made by the NBC crew. I've always said it was a MASSIVE mistake to give Brian Leetch the post-Messier captaincy. Incredible player, not a leader.
1-Step - He doesn't wear a letter ... yet. 

Title: "26-18-4: All's Well That Ends Okay - A Season Review of the [Team Name]"

Introduction

As another NHL regular season comes to a close, fans of [Team Name] have experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions, highs, and lows. The team's record of 26-18-4 reflects a season that had its moments of brilliance, as well as its share of challenges. In this article, we will review the [Team Name]'s season, dissect key aspects of their performance, highlight standout players, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this memorable campaign.

Chapter 1: The Season in Review

Consistency and Fluctuations

A record of 26-18-4 indicates a season marked by consistency and some fluctuations. How did the team perform in different stretches of the season, and what were the factors behind their ups and downs?

Playoff Aspirations

The [Team Name] entered the season with aspirations of a deep playoff run. How does their regular-season performance position them for postseason success, and what challenges lie ahead?

Chapter 2: Standout Players

Offensive Stars

A successful season often relies on the contributions of standout players. Who were the offensive stars for the [Team Name], and how did they impact the team's performance?

Defensive Prowess

Solid defensive play is crucial for success. Which players on the team shone on the defensive end, and how did they contribute to the [Team Name]'s record?

Goaltending Excellence

Goaltending is the backbone of any successful team. How did the goaltenders for the [Team Name] perform, and what role did they play in the team's season?

Chapter 3: Key Moments and Turning Points

Signature Wins

Every season has signature wins that define a team's character. What were the [Team Name]'s standout victories, and how did they impact the season's trajectory?

Tough Losses

Equally important are the tough losses that test a team's resolve. What were the [Team Name]'s most challenging defeats, and how did they respond to adversity?

Chapter 4: Playoff Prospects

Playoff Seeding

With the regular season concluded, what is the [Team Name]'s playoff seeding, and how does it influence their playoff path?

Potential Opponents

Playoff matchups can make or break a postseason run. Who are the [Team Name]'s potential opponents in the opening round, and how do they match up against them?

Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some common questions and inquiries about the [Team Name]'s season:

Q1: What were the key factors behind the team's success this season?

A1: We can delve into the factors that contributed to the [Team Name]'s successful season, including player performance, coaching strategies, and team dynamics.

Q2: Who were the breakout players or rookies that made a significant impact this season?

A2: Highlighting breakout players and the contributions of rookies can provide insights into the team's future prospects.

Q3: What are the strengths and weaknesses that the [Team Name] needs to address for a deep playoff run?

A3: Analyzing the team's strengths and areas for improvement can offer a comprehensive view of their playoff prospects.

Q4: How has the fan base supported the [Team Name] throughout the season?

A4: Fan support is integral to a team's success. We can discuss how the [Team Name]'s fan base has rallied behind them during the regular season.

Q5: What are the expectations and aspirations of the [Team Name] heading into the playoffs?

A5: We can explore the team's expectations and aspirations for the postseason and how they aim to achieve success in the playoffs.

Chapter 6: Conclusion - A Season to Remember

The [Team Name]'s regular season of 26-18-4 has been a testament to the resilience, talent, and determination of the players and coaching staff. As they prepare for the postseason, they carry the hopes and dreams of their loyal fan base. Whether this season ends in championship glory or not, it will undoubtedly be remembered as a season filled with memorable moments and the promise of great things to come. As fans look forward to playoff hockey, they do so with the knowledge that, in the world of sports, anything is possible, and all's well that ends okay.