While his brother Joel was busy winning a gold medal in Stockholm with Sweden, Hank struggled with the black and gold of the Boston Bruins. Repeatedly exposed by the porous Blueshirts' blueline, Lundqvist let puck after puck get past him in Boston as the Bruins took a 2-0 lead in the series with a 5-2 win.
Shots that he sees, shots that he gets a piece of, shots from bad angles ... we've taken his Vezina form for granted for a long, long time and seeing him struggle with those shots is a shock. Even when he wasn't himself at the start of this asterisked season, Lundqvist was still better than the guy who backstopped the Rangers in Games 1 and 2.
But it's not over yet, there's time for him to reclaim his crown. The boys rebounded after failing at the Phone Booth to start the last series so perhaps a return to the real Garden will hopefully help. The only problem is that Rask and the Bruins aren't half as horrid as Holtby and the Caps...
Late Hits:
*At the start of the year Hank was helped out by the boys in front of them, and that hasn't been happening. The cornerstone of the defense, Dan Girardi, has been making mistakes over the last few weeks as all of the mileage has piled up. G was on for all five goals against, and was directly culpable for at least two of them.
*It certainly didn't help that G was constantly pulled out of position to cover for his inept partner Del Zaster. The two didn't play together too much over the regular season, so of course Torts felt it best to pair them in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Of course.
*Torey Krug, two goals and one assist in the first two games. The entire Ranger blueline, one goal and one assist in the first two games (goal by McD, assist by G).
*Nine minutes and 12 seconds of power play time. Forrest.
*Nice to see people overreacting because Nash finally scored a goal. Remember when those folks celebrated the long-awaited goals by Boyle and Gaborik? What became of them? Just because he found daylight as Rask sagged off his angle doesn't mean Nash still isn't a factor.
*So now Brad Richard$ isn't even taking faceoffs on the fourth line. Too bad there aren't any other real options for the fourth line (Newbury? No.), then Richie could be a healthy scratch.
*Speaking of someone who should be scratched, Boyle. Slow, physically outmatched with hands of cement - but he was given over six minutes of power play time. The same Boyle who has no power play goals in his last 180 games (incl. playoffs). Zero. But he doesn't stink with the man advantage, Carl Hagelin does. Right Torts?
*With him around, what's the point of having Asham? Not that having another man advantage woulda helped anything, but my tw-enemy negated a power play that woulda happened seconds before Boston scored the go-ahead goal in the second period.
*Cally had a nice bounce-back game.
*PHW Three Stars:
3-Torey Krug - one goal and one assist.
2-Patrice Bergeron - two assists.
1-Tuukka Rask - 35 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Johnny Boychuk - A goal and some good, physical defense.
2-Krug - Remember when everyone thought DZ or Hobey were going to be big point-getters from the blueline?
1-Bergeron - Must be nice to have a first line center on your team.
"R2, G2: Down in a Hole, Again - The Resilience of Sports"
In the world of sports, triumph and adversity often walk hand in hand. "R2, G2: Down in a Hole, Again" is a phrase that captures the essence of resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of athletes and teams facing seemingly insurmountable odds. In this article, we will explore this remarkable sports event, recount its dramatic details, analyze its impact, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
The Sport and Teams
To appreciate the significance of "R2, G2," it's essential to identify the sport, league, and the teams involved in this momentous event. Please specify these details.
The Importance of Game 2
In any playoff series or tournament, certain games hold more weight than others. "R2, G2" likely held tremendous significance for the participating teams, possibly determining their path to victory or defeat.
Chapter 2: The Dramatic Details
A Challenge Beyond Measure
What transpired during "R2, G2" that made it such a gripping and dramatic contest? Were there remarkable plays, unexpected twists, or standout performances that defined the game?
The Burden of Expectations
In sports, expectations often add extra pressure. Did the teams or athletes in "R2, G2" carry the weight of expectations that added to the intensity of the game?
Chapter 3: The Resilience Factor
Defying the Odds
Resilience is about pushing through challenges and defying the odds. How did the teams or athletes in "R2, G2" display resilience in the face of adversity?
Overcoming Past Setbacks
Sometimes, "again" in "Down in a Hole, Again" refers to past setbacks. Did the teams or athletes have a history of facing adversity, and did it play a role in their performance?
Chapter 4: The Impact
Team Dynamics
Events like "R2, G2" can profoundly impact team dynamics. Did this game result in changes in team morale, cohesion, or leadership that influenced the rest of the series or season?
Fan Reactions
Fan reactions are an integral part of sports history. How did fans react to "R2, G2," and did their support or disappointment play a role in the subsequent games?
Legacy Building
For athletes, moments like "R2, G2" can contribute significantly to their legacies. Did any players or coaches emerge as heroes or face challenges following this game?
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions and inquiries about "R2, G2: Down in a Hole, Again":
Q1: Which sport and league does "R2, G2" refer to?
A1: To provide accurate information, we need to specify the sport and league associated with "R2, G2."
Q2: Were there any standout individual performances during "R2, G2"?
A2: Individual performances can often define crucial moments in sports. We can explore if there were standout players in this game.
Q3: How did the opposing teams react to the outcome of "R2, G2"?
A3: The reactions of opposing teams can provide insights into the significance of the game. We can discuss their responses to the outcome.
Q4: Did "R2, G2" lead to rule changes or revisions in the sport?
A4: Controversial or historic events in sports can prompt rule changes. We can investigate whether "R2, G2" had any lasting impact on the sport's rules or regulations.
Q5: Is "R2, G2" considered one of the greatest moments in sports history?
A5: To gauge the significance of "R2, G2," we can compare it to other historic sports moments and assess its place in the annals of sports history.
Chapter 6: Conclusion - The Triumph of Resilience
"R2, G2: Down in a Hole, Again" encapsulates the heart of sports—a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of athletes and teams. Moments like these remind us that in the world of sports, it's not just about the final score but also about the journey, the challenges, and the stories that unfold along the way. As we reflect on "R2, G2," we are reminded that adversity is not an obstacle but an opportunity for athletes to showcase their resilience and inspire us all to persevere, no matter how deep the hole may seem.
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