Still a lot of shifting in the standings to take place. Islanders can't win a game and could find themselves fourth in the Met if they aren't careful.
Based on schedules and the fact their one game is in Pitt, I expect Pitt to be 2nd and the Isles to be 3rd. I guess the Isles could fall to 4th, but I wouldn't bet on it as the Caps have a tough schedule. Still looks to me like Rangers/Caps and Pens/Isles in round 1. That Pens/Isles series will be interesting. Guess I would "root" for the Pens.
Sometimes you have to watch 60 minutes of subpar hockey for that one highlight - McQuaid decides he has to get one more dirty hit in after the game is over and Glass drops the glove/stick hammer on his face. Ironically the Rangers played similarly for Hank the way they played for Cam when he took over. The Rangers magic number was 7 going into today's game. AV needs to rest his marquis players so they're fresh for the playoffs.
If the Rangers had needed this game, as badly as the Bruins needed this game, they would have shown up. At least I'd like to think so. What bothers me about this game, is that they decided to take a game off in Hanks first game back. Don't understand how they can do that, unless the coaches wanted Hank to face as many point blank shots as possible in hopes that that would help him get back to top form ... And I doubt that.
This board is funny sometimes. The Rangers played 2 big veteran teams who have both won cups w their core and BOTH are desperate to get playoff spots in their conferencees. This is what happens 70-75 games in a season when you have a team that has already clinched and is challenging for the Prez Trophy. Relax.....It's a very long season on the players. They know what counts soon
TB has lost two straight. The Habs got whipped by the Jets. The Hawks have lost two straight. The Blues lost at home to the BJ's. We are no different than those teams. Again just because we want to say we should have emotion and passion and play all out every game, it doesn't work that way. We have clinched a playoff spot and 98% clinched the Met. We are going to have a few stinkers in these last 8-10 games. Just reality.
I wouldn't care who we played if this team possessed toughness. If the Rangers showed this attribute.........on the ice, bring on whomever. Since we do not have toughness, most want no part of Boston, Isles, LA Kings........WOW. I'd love to play the Kings because that means we are in the Finals again. I do not know if this team has what it takes. Nobody knows except all those 'know-it-all' analysts. Yeah, right.
