The Rangers had numerous chances in the first half of the game. Couple of 2 on 1's, the Goodrow sh post, so i wouldn't say they played poorly, they just couldn't get that 3rd one. They always have one of these gut punch losses in every series so hopefully that's out of the way.
The final 25-30 minutes they didn't play well/TB raised their level. The start was fine. I am hopeful the Rangers will be the "desperate" team in game 4, and reverse their fortunes.
That would have been a nice game to steal but the odds were stacked against them. I thought the game was poorly officiated and Trouba was definitely singled out but the Rangers had to expect that and they still could have won that game. The ESPN guys are awfully helpful pointing out Rangers penalties and making excuses for TB. Strome did not look good when he came out to test his leg but it may give Rooney an opportunity.
I thought an overtime would help them Regroup. This reminds me of the Game 1 loss against Washington in 2015 when Joel Ward scored with a second left in game 1
That might have been what they were playing for. I think what dump wrote rings true - there has been a tendency to crash into goalies playing well this postseason. GG talked about it postgame and the Rangers haven't been doing it though they certainly could.
I heard he took a cross check to the back. Might have had back spasms. My guess is he got an epidermal and he would be fine.
its very odd because it looked like he grabbed his quad after getting cross checked ..back spasm would make more sense and a cortisone shot could help with the swelling...
Here's a plus from the game yesterday. The Rangers are now back in the role they do well in, underdog. All I heard today was how the Rangers blew it, they choked, even though they lead it is pretty much tied, TB is going to win now, they showed the heart of a champion, R. McDonagh said it was a series changer. On and on. The Rangers should use every bit of that tomorrow night and go take a commanding 3-1 series lead. This is the game I think.
There always has to be an idiotic narrative. Like the world is over because the Rangers didn't go up 3-0.
The big theme is they had TB on the ropes, and they were there for the taking. When you let them get off the ropes and come back, you missed your opportunity to kill the champ, and you'll regret it as they have new life, now watch out...
Yeah, the importance of this game is high. Not critical but, win this game and they are going to have a great chance to make it to the finals. Time to start the game 4 thread though.
My take and opinion is the winner of tonight's game wins the series. So I think it is ultra critical. Of course in a 2-2 series either team can still win, but I believe the winner tonight will have the momentum and confidence, and that will carry them to the SCF.
