Haha it is funny I am defending how great Henrik is to Rangers fans, but I understand because you guys are used to seeing great performances from your goalie. I am not, so Lundqvist impresses me immensely on a nightly basis. You guys are right though: he can play better than he did last night. That is just a testament to how great of a player he is though.
Rangers lost last night because they missed two wide open nets in regulation. That's just the puck bouncing badly for them. It happens. Hagelin is an amazing player. They need to find a way to get him more opportunities.
I don't know how you guys are putting any blame on Hank. He made 20 saves in the third period. 20!!! We looked like utter dog shit in the third period and if Hagelin buries that breakaway we'd be saying how Hank "stole the game." Giveaways killed us and that goal by Doughty was a beauty.
I'm really amazed at the lack of criticism being directed at Dan Girardi on this board. Really baffling to me.
i haven't read the responses on the last few pages but here's my take- The Kings are now getting two days rest, they got stronger as the game went on. the third period was the kings I have been watching closely this postseason, and they will be like that in the first period of the next game with the aforementioned rest. this is gonna be a daunting task for the cupcakes. They get pushed off the puck quite easily, they were passing too much last night, "No buryitis" reinstalled itself, they really scored one breakaway goal by pouliot, hagelins was a lucky bounce of the skates and in, he was great last night. Henrik was fine. what else could he do? the Doughty goal hurt, it went in under and off his arm, but he was fine. He's not the problem by any means. The Rangers cant score. it's still a problem. it's not over by any stretch but when you can steal a game, (last night's was certainly stealable) and you don't, it just makes things that much harder. They're all must wins. too much passing, outmatched in the corners, and they also went to sleep in the third. that is not gonna get it done.
He was horrible but he had plenty of company...Diaz sucked so bad they went with 5 dmen for the 3rd period and OT
Tom Gulitti@TGfireandice · 12h Justin Williams: "We certainly weren’t ready for the speed of their wingers."
The problem I am reading from many Rangers fans today is they keep pointing to one or two things they could have done to win. They are correct, but they are using it as a "hey, we fix that, we win Game 2." The problem is the Kings did not play that great at all, definitely not up to their standards, and still won. They will likely be better in Game 2. That would be my worry.
SportsCenter@SportsCenter · 13h Silver lining for Rangers fans: When Blueshirts won the Stanley Cup in 1994, they also lost Game 1 in OT, 3-2.
Don't buy that argument at all, Rangers also did not play to their standards at all. They will also likely be better in game 2. Kings can expect more of the same speed wise
The speed and forechecking of the Rangers were very good early on. showed me they can definitely hang with this team. third period and OT they stopped skating and seemed to play a bit scared (or tired). that won't get it done. I'm not worried about Girardi, even tho he had a poor game. Not at all concerned about Hank. Need to see more from our forwards, specifically that first line of Nash, Stepan, and Kreider. Our forwards have to forecheck, control the puck in the offensive zone, create traffic in front of the net, and generate more quality scoring opportunities in order to keep up with what the Kings forwards will do. can't let Quick see all the shots coming, or solely depend on speed/fast breaks for our scoring opportunities. I'm a little down today, as they blew a great chance to steal a game. pressure back on us..
