Like Lav, I thought the first two periods were pretty closely played, maybe small edge to the Panthers. The 3rd period it was like the Rangers only had Igor on the ice, and they were lucky to get to OT. Then in OT the Rangers did what this Rangers team does and found a way to get a win. My opinion, I think the comments of how the Rangers stole one are a little bit much. Again, no doubt the 3rd was dominant for the Panthers, but the Rangers also had a 2-goal lead going into the period. And once again, last I checked Igor is on the Rangers, and them relying on him big-time in game 3 shouldn't be some terrible thing. Overall, Panthers had a big edge due to the 3rd period, but the Rangers still did what they needed to do, took advantage of their opportunities, and scored 5 goals to win. And that's without Mika and Panarin and Kreider and Fox doing anything, and special teams being a big edge for Florida. Game 4 will be the toughest game for the Rangers to win so far in the playoffs I believe. The Panthers know if they lose, they are on life support. I am looking forward to seeing how that game plays out, hopefully not like the 3rd period in game 3. To strud's point, I also wonder what Lav does with Rempe. To be clear I am not advocating this, but only playing 4 minutes in an OT game, and I think one shift for 22 seconds in the 3rd, makes me wonder if on the road Lav will put Wheeler in for game 4. This was Rempe's first road playoff game, and he played 8 shifts while no other forward played less than 16. To me, even having Rempe's presence on the bench as a little check for Florida is worth dressing him, but not sure how Lav feels about it. I will say, if Wheeler isn't game ready, he better not play Brod over Rempe, that would anger me.
I prefer the underdog role but since some of you have talked about it the the Rangers are now the betting favorites to win the cup.
I agree, I like when we are underdogs, which we have been for two rounds, and can use that a little bit. Looking on FanDuel, here are the updated odds: Panthers +136, Rangers -164 to win the series. Makes sense the Rangers are favored up 2-1, but if they lose game 4 the Panthers will be right back to being favorites. For game 4, the Rangers are +146, Panthers are -176, so big underdogs. Oilers and Stars are both -110 to win the WCF. Makes sense as I see that as almost a tossup, maybe a slight edge Stars. SC winner the Rangers, Stars, and Oilers are all +250, the Panthers are +360. That one will changes greatly as well if the Panthers win game 4. And the winner tonight will move past the Rangers. What is funny though is the Rangers are +108 against the Oilers, and +116 against the Stars. So, underdogs to both the West teams in hypothetical SCF's. The Panthers are -126 favorites against the Oilers, and very slight -105 underdogs against the Stars. Add it all up, and the Rangers still have some things they can get some juice out of....
I don't think I've ever seen a player with such a gentle grip as Mika's but it exemplifies his effort going after loose pucks, always a step late to avoid the contact. Hopefully the self imposed double minor will wake him up.
