This series shows me that even though they're young the Rangers were able to overcome an absolute bs no goal call on Kakko along with other officiating discrepancies to come back from being down 3-1 now playing to move on. Need to amplify the physical play tomorrow, Pitt is showing wear from it.
Crosby participated in the optional practice and did not wear a non-contact jersey, but Sullivan would not say if his star has been cleared for contact. Crosby also skated individually on Friday with skills coach Ty Hennes. Crosby had nine points in the first five games against the Rangers. Also returning to the ice Saturday was starting goaltender Tristan Jarry, who has yet to play in this playoff series due to injury, and winger Rickard Rakell, who hasn't played since Game 1 after taking a hard hit. Sullivan did tell reporters that all players would be traveling to New York for Game 7 on Sunday.
I think they're all playing. No excuses either way. Jarry hasn't played in over a month...SHOOT THE PUCK.
Yup, even if they aren't 100% I think they'll play. For Crosby it's about passing protocol, and doubtful he practices today if he wasn't going to be cleared. That's good, all hands on deck, let the better team win.
Whether Crosby plays or not, i don't have a great feeling about this game, but hopefully they play a solid game and get it done. I actually felt more confident about them winning game 6.
Melrose basically said the Rangers have no chance if they play the canes. He looks awful. He looks like he’s 90.
I have not felt confident since game 4. I think tomorrow is a total toss-up, and I really have no feel for who wins. If we come out flat again and fall behind, highly unlikely we come back for a 3rd straight game, so the start will be important I'd think.
Those guys are under no obligation to love or pump up the Rangers. They are analysts giving their opinion. Who fucking cares what they think?
Same here but that's not an option for everyone. Hell, I like to tune into NHL Network, TNT and ESPN occasionally to hear their takes, good or bad but I couldn't care less if they shit on the Rangers constantly or think they're the second coming of the Christ. It's just opinion.
Wow, did I say I get all fired up or go crazy when they get on the Rangers and knock them often? Just stating the way it is. And sometimes there is no choice but to watch, like if we make round 2 all games go ESPN or TNT/TBS. Little over the top on the response Grey...lol.
It's great to be watching Rangers playoff hockey for a change this year. They are better than Pitt except in the area of playoff experience and that's where losing Goodrow hurt the Rangers. It's ridiculous to keep posting stop Cindy when no team in NHL history has done so. Stopping Cuentzsmel is much more realistic, his cheap shotting undersized ass needs to be punished tonight.
There is nothing in the series that shows you the Rangers are better than Pittsburgh. They could barely win a game until Crosby got hurt their best defensive defenseman got hurt and they were down to the third string goalie.
There are few areas that the Rangers are the better team in. Goaltending and special teams. That's pretty much it. Face offs - Pens D-zone coverage - Pens Puck possession - Pens Physical play - ok, you can lean Rangers MAYBE but its more likely even at best. Scoring chances - Pens Discipline - Pens Turnoves/Take aways - Pens Despite all of that, the Rangers are 60 minutes away from advancing and you have to be pretty excited for that. I think the Rangers can win tonight but with Crosby on the ice it will be significantly harder.
The D zone coverage and physical play are interesting. The Pens don't have a great D. The Pens aren't a physical team. We should be better than them in both areas. We were during the season. We have not been in this series. D zone coverage has been poor. Physical play has been whatever on both sides. Truth is our forwards suck at D zone coverage also. That gets overlooked and the dmen take all the responsibility, and that isn't fair. You need your full team engaged working as one to have good D zone coverage. Perfect example is Carolina. They have 3 dmen that we didn't want anymore, and knocked when they were here, playing in their top 6, yet their team D is one of the best in the NHL, because their forwards play D also and help in their own zone. It isn't just the dmen. We have a team D issue I think.
The Pitt dmen average 180 lbs and maybe the Rangers get the nod physically? With Reaves? OK I give the Rangers the clear advantage there but whether they choose to hit or stick check will determine tonight's outcome. Shoot and hit very simple. Hope we get game 6 Mika. Let's Go Rangers!
I agree with your last line. The very simple mantra tonight should be hit and shoot - keep it simple. The Rangers almost never do, so I am sure Fox, Pan, etc. will over pass, but that should be the simple mantra. It is even more true tonight in a game 7 against a goalie who hasn't played in a month.