Need to stay healthy. All the teams are brutal to play against. They need to win one more game and the Canes sure as fuck won't make it easy.
If you watch a replay of the Kreider SH goal. He made Burns look like a scrub who couldn't skate. He left his dumbass in the dust.
First time since 2008 a team started the playoffs 7-0, the Pens did it that year, they lost in the SCF to the Wings. Panarin has the GWG in 4 of our 7 wins, very impressive.
This team continues to get it done...it's amazing and fun to watch! Getting that 4th win in the series is always the most difficult, go out Saturday night and put the screws to them then get some rest while everybody else beats the hell out of each other.
Panarin is not forgiven for last year, because he was a complete moron, never shooting the puck when has one of the best shots in all hockey. I respect the hell out of him for changing his game at his age. Strome was an excellent Ranger. Trochek got that idiotic no movement clause but I’m gonna tell you he sure as hell is earning it which is hard to do. As bad as Drury was last year he’s been that good this year.
Trocheck is better than I thought. At the time we signed him I thought he was better than Strome or Copp but was in the same ballpark (better but not crazy better), and he is obviously better than that, and clearly above Strome or Copp by a good margin. Happy Drury was proven right on that one. As for Panarin, I agree with Dump, I don't think forgiven is the right word. It still happened, and he refused to shoot and be aggressive. What I would say is huge kudos to Panarin to change his game like he did, and understand he needed to be more aggressive and shoot more. It is not easy for a player of his caliber to realize that, and own it, and make the change. He deserves amazing credit for having the self-awareness and dedication to do it.
Panarin is now the player he was born to be. He has carried this team all season. Zibanejad with Wennberg no longer has to be the checking center for the other teams best line. Something he was last year. So Wennberg bashers need to realize you're fucking stupid and don't understand hockey. Wennberg can now free Zibanejad up offensively. If they can ever sweep the Canes it would be huge because Boston and Florida are going to beat the shit out of each other. As we have seen in the Hank years, when you play long series, it hurts you as you get into the later rounds.
I think Wennberg is a good fit right where he is. I wish the guy could win some FO's, he is really bad there, but he is a good fit as a 3rd line C who can take the top defensive assignment (freeing up Zibanejad) and kill penalties. He doesn't really score at all, one goal as a Ranger, but for this team and what we need, that is okay, and we don't need him to be a scorer. Be a smart player who plays D and is strong on the PK that is what we need from him, and he does it well. If you ask him to be a top 6 player, I think that is trouble. I am curious to see with wingers like Chytil and Kakko, can that line score some though. That would be a very big plus for us if they can chip in a few goals. In theory on paper that should be a line that can score well for a 3rd line, in addition to having good metrics of puck control like they have had thus far in the playoffs with Cuylle. Maybe with Chytil they can score some now as well. As for this series, I think we'd all love the sweep, but I say just win in 5 or less. You go past 5 and then you are getting a little nervous, both with wear and tear going 6 or 7, and that you may actually lose the series. The key to me is no more games in Carolina this season after tomorrow's game. You win in 5 and you cannot be upset or bothered by that, while of course you would love to end it tomorrow. Teams that go up 3-0 in a series, win that series 98% of the time. You have to figure the Bruins/Panthers series should go at least 6, hard to see the Panthers winning the next 3, and 4 straight overall. Most likely will be the Panthers, but I am rooting for the Bruins, I think that would be a better matchup for us. Truth be told, if we get through Carolina in good shape, I favor the Rangers against either the Bruins or Panthers.
Another great game made better seeing Chytil back, needs to keep his head up around the net though, Igor was outstanding again and it all starts with him> The Canes remain a small, dirty team, watching tiny Tony mouth off down 3-0 reminded me of how happy I was to see him go. Laf has matured into a great player and dare I say Kakko is playing with an edge too. Take care of business and watch for the cheap shots. Let's Go Rangers!
