NYR/WSH 4/2 Review: The Rangers Wire-to-Wire The Caps; Back on Winning Track, Third Line Carries Team; Fat Cats Pad Lead, Gallant Makes Franchise History (Again); Message Somewhat Received, Five Games Left, TNT & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. “WHEW!”

I use the word “whew” to open today’s manifesto for one reason only – had the Rangers lost on Sunday, thus extending their losing streak to three-games – then there would’ve been a lot of hellfire and brimstone hailing down on the mean streets of Rangerstown, USA.

Rather than letting the losing continue; instead, the Rangers rectified their ways and in turn, picked up a satisfying 5-2 victory over one of their most-heated rivals, the Washington Capitals.

While we all know about my overwhelming optimism for this team (and the head coach especially – but more on that to come); I also thought this game was a mixed-bag.

However, I only use the phrase “mixed-bag” because my expectations for these 2022-23 Rangers are so high – and where as noted before – I truly believe that they will win the Stanley Cup in June.

Going into this game (and as noted on Friday night on this site), the top headline was in regards to Gerard Gallant, and how the bench boss called out his team following their disgusting loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

During TNT’s pregame show on Sunday, the national broadcaster also focused on what Gallant had said – and where they, along with yours truly, thought that the Rangers would respond to “THE TURK’s” message.

Despite the big win – I don’t know if that was ever really the case – and as TNT suggested.

While TNT and others rightfully praised the Rangers’ third line for their performance; at the same time – Gallant’s message was never intended for them, nor was his call-out directed towards them either.

After all, when “THE TURK” went off on his club, he made sure to say that only his third line was playing well.

I know it sounds of character for me to sound a little bit negative following a game where the Rangers won by three goals; but I just can’t ignore that the top-six really didn’t do much of anything today – that is – until the winner had already been determined.

And had the top-six been thriving for some time – then I would’ve said what I always say – any line can carry this team on any night.

However, and lately, that hasn’t been the case – as it’s been the bottom-six who has been shining.

While we’ll get into all of this during the GAME REVIEW; Gallant started his third line and when it comes to even-strength TOI, this trio, Alexis Lafreniere (16:04), Filip Chytil (15:06) and Kaapo Kakko (15:34), led all Blueshirt forwards in this department. Vincent Trocheck (13:04), who I thought was the best of the FAT CATS today, led the top-six in 5 x 5 play.

More impressive than that?

The third line was matched up against Washington’s top line of Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson; while the Rangers’ top-six were routinely matched up against the likes of Sonny Milano, Aliaksei Protas, Conor Sheary and Craig Smith – not exactly the most formidable opponents for a Blueshirts’ top-six who all earn the biggest of bucks around the league.

Following the first puck drop of the game, and the sixty minutes that ensued after it – it was the third line that just dominated – and where it felt like they could score on any shift.

The same can’t be said about Gallant’s top-six.

Most of this game saw the third line create offense on every shift. And during their brief time spent in the defensive zone – they quickly got the puck out.

Conversely, the top-six had major headaches when creating chances and spent a lot of their shifts in their own zone.

Worse than that, during a large portion of this game, it felt that every top-six shift was like the one that had preceded it – get stuck in the zone, fail to clear, finally get the puck out, turn the puck over in the o-zone and then wait for CZAR IGOR to bail them out.

To be fair, it was the new second line that produced the first goal of the game, as a backhanded Trocheck shot was followed up by a Miller backhanded rebound that Caps’ goalie, Darcy Kuemper, was absolutely fooled on.

However, and without a shadow of a doubt, it was the third line that did all of the heavy lifting.

Lafreniere would score the second goal of the game, following another one of his highlight reel drives to the net.

Kaako would make it 3-0 by crashing the net, and perhaps getting some luck along the way too (but they all count).

The Rangers, who were comfortably up by three goals when past the half-way mark of the game; saw the Caps reduce the lead to two, following a gaffe from CZAR IGOR, thus affording a goal to Ryan Strome’s little brother, Dylan.

However, come the third period and still leading 3-1 – the Rangers’ lead was really never in doubt.

Trocheck would soon pick up his second assist of the game, as Vladimir Tarasenko, with precision, sniped a puck past Kuemper on a breakaway. 4-1, GOOD GUYS.

Later on, Protas, during one of those mad 50-50 scrambles in front of a net, and on the Capitals’ fifth hack-and-whack try, scored the final goal for the home team. 4-2, good guys.

Following Protas cutting the Rangers’ lead in half, the Blueshirts, previously 0-2 on their power-play, saw Mika Zibanejad score with just one second remaining on their third man-advantage. 5-2, GOOD GUYS – and today’s final.

So while the top-six did eventually enter the box score – you could also make the case that their goals were of the “A-Rod” variety.

What you can’t debate is that the third line carried the team and was the only line to give a full sixty minutes.

While that’s good for them – that’s not good for the Rangers – as they will need their top-six to impose their will against their opponents – especially whenever matched-up against weaker lines.

But at the end of the day, a win is a win – and in another certainty – the Rangers needed this one – a win that gives them over 100 points in the standings (101) – and where as a result – Gerard Gallant becomes the first coach of franchise history to post back-to-back seasons of 100+ points.

And yep – despite “THE TURK” having the best winning and points percentages of franchise history – there are still a few basement schmucks and miscreants out there that will proudly (and ignorantly) proclaim – “GALLANT DOZN’T NOSE WUT HE’Z DOIN!” HE FAILED KRAVTSOV!”

And before you say it to me – yes – this factoid does deserve an asterisk too – as Ranger teams from bygone eras didn’t play 82-game seasons, nor had the luxury of the overtime loser’s point either. That said, that doesn’t take away from what Gallant has accomplished (you can only do whatever you can in your own era), as he nears completing his second full season behind the Rangers’ bench. Photo Credit: TNT/Steve S.

At this time, let’s jump right into the pregame news & notes – and then get into the GAME REVIEW.

And yep, there wasn’t much noise to be made following Gallant’s call-out from Friday night.

As mentioned on Friday night, since the Rangers were coming off a back-to-back set; a day later, Saturday, the team had the day off, as stipulated by the league’s CBA.

And because Sunday’s game had a puck drop of 1PM, the Rangers didn’t have a morning skate prior to today’s game either.

In other words, the Rangers, who entered today’s game on a two-game losing steak, didn’t have a chance to hit the ice and practice.

Come 11AM Sunday, Gerard Gallant met with the media for his pregame “TURK TALK,” where the head coach did announce that he’d be shaking up his lines.

Here it is:

Gallant, while bringing up that every head coach shakes up their lines when things aren’t going well, said that he’d be using the lines that ended Friday night’s game in Buffalo, which meant that his top two centers, Zibanejad and Tarasenko, would remain 1-2, while the flanks would be flip-flopped. The bench boss also announced that CZAR IGOR, as everyone expected, would get the nod in net.

And as you’d imagine, “THE TURK” stressed the importance of having a good start, following all of these bad first periods as of late – not necessarily the easiest task, considering that the team didn’t have any practice time, were playing their third game in a time-span of less than 96 hours, and that historically, the Rangers usually aren’t at their best during 1PM starts.

Of note: For a schedule that has been bizarre and poorly put together by the NHL schedule makers all season – following this latest three games in four nights – the Rangers will have Monday and Tuesday off – and will then play one final three in four (and four games in six nights too) – prior to April 13th’s finale against the Leafs at M$G.

While Gallant and his players will never use the schedule as an excuse (although it has been brought up), it’s just baffling that the Rangers have had a ton of games bunched in together, followed by lengthy breaks of three or four nights, during the majority of the season.

But as previously mentioned on this site – M$G is a busy venue, the busiest in the league, and that also factors into all of the craziness.

Here was the Rangers’ line-up from Sunday’s matinee:

FIRST LINE: Kreider/Mika/Kane

SECOND LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Tarasenko

THIRD LINE: Lafreniere/Chytil/Kakko

FOURTH LINE: Vesey/Goodrow/Motte

FIRST PAIR: Miller/Trouba

SECOND PAIR: Mikkola/Fox

THIRD PAIR: Harpur/Schneider

STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR

BACK-UP GOALIE: THE HALAKNESS MONSTER

DAY-TO-DAY: Ryan Lindgren

PRESS BOX: The soul of Libor Hajek

BOX SCORE time.

The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:

SCORING:

PENALTIES:

TEAM STATS:

GOALIES:

WSH

D. Kuemper G

SA	GA	SV	SV%	ESSV	PPSV	SHSV	SOSA	SOS	TOI	PIM
34	5	29	.853	23	6	0	0	0	60:00	0

NYR

I. Shesterkin G

SA	GA	SV	SV%	ESSV	PPSV	SHSV	SOSA	SOS	TOI	PIM
28	2	26	.929	23	2	1	0	0	60:00	0

Thankfully, today’s game was a TNT broadcast – and once again – they did a hell of a job.

I know I’ve said it many times before, but what’s one more time – TNT has the best show in town.

Between the production, the panel, the banter, the presentation, the announcers and everything else you can conjure up – nobody presents a hockey game better than TNT.

Despite this game featuring the only two NHL teams that Henrik Lundqvist had ever signed contracts with; “THE KING OF COMMENTARY” was not in-studio today – but that was expected.

After all, he had a busy night at M$G the night before, when he saw “THE BOSS,” Bruce Springsteen, in concert:

Video sent to me me of @PaulMcCartney @HLundqvist @MichaelJFoxOrg @nflcommish rocking @TheGarden at the @springsteen #estreetband show tonight! #Springsteen #Springnuts pic.twitter.com/WeXMI9Ws2Z

— Spring-Nuts (@SpringNuts_) April 2, 2023

And yes – when you think of Paul McCartney, Henrik Lundqvist, Michael J. Fox and Roger Goodell together – one thing doesn’t go with the others – and I’m talking about the egotistical and maniacal commissioner of the National Felony League.

With Lundqvist recovering in his humble NYC abode; Wayne Gretzky, who sounded like he was hungover himself, joined Paul Bissonnette and Anson Carter in the TNT studios in Atlanta.

And to be clear – I have no clue if “THE GREAT ONE” had a busy Saturday night or not. His voice was hoarse and he said that he wasn’t feeling good, but his co-workers did joke about his condition.

Most of this pregame show was centered around Alex Ovechkin – which I’m sure set-off a certain member of the Rangers’ beat!

Ovi’s chase for Gretzky’s 894 goals was the main talking point and where you could see that Gretzky has developed a friendship with Ovechkin – one that’s similar, but not exactly the same, as the one Gretzky once had with the man who he surpassed, his idol – Gordie Howe.

Prior to today’s game, I tweeted the following:

Maybe it’s blind faith and optimism, but I see a big #NYR response today, led by Trouba.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 2, 2023

When it was time for the TNT panel to talk about the Rangers and what Gallant had said – all three analysts said the same – even if I got the Trouba part wrong! (Again, it was the third line who responded the most, a line that Gallant didn’t bestow his venom upon.)

Biz said he thought that the Rangers would come out swinging, while both Carter and Gretzky felt that Gallant’s call-out tactic took place at the right time – as it was better to say something now, rather than waiting for the post-season to begin.

The TNT crew then brought up Sam Rosen’s favorite player – Devon Levi – and the only time where I almost dry-heaved when watching the broadcast!

Of course, TNT has to talk about the rest of the league – but at the same time – the lead announcer of the Rangers’ home network doesn’t need to spend three hours raving about the Sabres’ goaltender.

And this too – this broadcast was a breath of fresh air from the usual shit and garbage we get from the M$GN.

Not once was any analytic mentioned, nor did you ever hear the phrase “east-west” repeated 1,000 times.

And while the announcers, Kenny Albert and Keith Jones, had to appeal to a national audience – I thought they were fair-and-balanced throughout.

This broadcast was another reminder that M$GN is wasting Kenny Albert’s prime by allowing Sam Rosen to remain as a parody of himself.

No joke – I wish the TNT crew covered every Rangers game.

Nobody, and I mean nobody, does it better.

GAME REVIEW time!

Ever since the NHL Trade Deadline, it feels like the Rangers’ third line have found their mojo. Gallant apparently thinks as much too. Photo Credit: ESPN

FIRST PERIOD:

I know it’s already redundant and boring already – but how can you ignore it – THE THIRD LINE, THE THIRD LINE and THE THIRD LINE!

(And if you’re new here, refer to the archives of this site, as I refuse to call this line “The Kids Line,” and for reasons as already explained in-detail.)

As previously mentioned at the top of this – the third line began today’s game – and Gallant would rely heavily on them throughout.

And while you can’t overreact to just one game – I think this line now has to be at least considered to not only start when the Rangers play next on Wednesday night (Tampa) – but maybe open a playoff game too.

That’s why you can’t call them “THE KIDS” either – they’re grown men, all with 200+ games of NHL experience – and are a threat against any opponent – and as the Capitals found out today!

Following Chytil’s faceoff loss (he finished today six of thirteen – 46.2% – but he fared much better during big zone draws – a major improvement); by the thirty-second mark, the Czech went wide on a two-vs-one odd-man rush.

While this shot did go wide – it was a start – and was just one of the many examples of this line creating havoc on the Caps.

Today’s crowd featured a heavy Rangers’ contingent, and right away, the “LET’S GO RANGERS” chants were belted out – which fans of the home team tried to drown out with some timid booing.

Also of note, Gallant rolled out all four lines today, and in this order – 3-1-2-4 – but as we’ll get into – he just kept going back to the third line whenever he could.

At just the 2:10 mark, Tarasenko had a pass intercepted in the Caps’ d-zone. This turnover led to CZAR IGOR making his first save some twenty seconds later. This trend of a top-six turnover, followed by a save for #31, would repeat – and repeat often.

In a start that perhaps was cautious – the Rangers really never looked hot – but they didn’t look bad either.

In other words, following Gallant’s message – they didn’t come out like gangbusters – at least not right away.

At the five-minute mark, and following Kreider going wide; Kane tried to set-up Mika, but the pass hit traffic and became a turnover.

A minute later, Fox tried a backhander from about twenty feet away – and this puck hit traffic too.

And as we’ll soon get into – I do wonder if backhanders were stressed by the coaching staff today – especially since you don’t see Fox launching long distance backhanded shots on a daily basis.

Now down to 13:35 remaining, Trocheck, who again, was the best of the top-six today (especially since he finished fourteen of eighteen at the dot – a game-high and whopping 77.8% faceoff percentage), almost had Tarasenko set-up for a bang-bang one-timer, but the puck took a bad hop at the last second.

The fourth line, which was okay today, had their first of several bouts of clearing the puck out of the zone with under thirteen minutes remaining. As the fourth line got lost a bit, CZAR IGOR stopped Smith to end the Caps’ attack.

As we hit 10:40 remaining, TNT highlighted two defensive plays from Braden Schneider that we didn’t see in real-time (off-camera) – two plays where #4 stunted “The Great 8.”

It was also around this time when Keith Jones suggested that Caps’ coach, Peter Laviolette, may no longer have his job in 2-3 weeks.

Yikes.

By the half-way mark of the period, and following CZAR IGOR’s fifth save of the game – the Rangers only had two shots on goal.

This is why I said “mixed-bag” earlier – because again – while the Rangers weren’t bad or anything – this felt like another first period where Gallant’s Gang would finish with only three shots on goal – something we’ve seen three times during these past ten days.

Now under ten-minutes, Vesey broke up a Caps’ threat. Come 8:45 remaining, Kuemper stopped a Lafeniere-to-Chytil one-timer – the first real Rangers’ scoring chance of the game.

Now down to 7:15 remaining – another Kane turnover (and that pains me to say that, especially since I wanted him here more than anyone) – where following it – Jones said, “The Rangers’ top-six are quiet.”

They must’ve heard him.

Here’s what happened with 6:43 to go:

K’Andre opens the scoring!

(sorry guys)

(via @NYRangers) pic.twitter.com/CN80n6rUih

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 2, 2023

1-0, GOOD GUYS!

While it was K’Andre Miller (who following the win, Gallant said was under the weather and gutted-through this game) who had scored the goal; both Panarin and Trocheck assisted on it – and where Breadman’s secondary apple may be a bit fugazi.

But again – they all count!

In a game where the first goal scored was crucial for either side; Trocheck went to the net and backhanded the puck. Kuemper, who looked shaky here, gave up a rebound that went straight to Miller. Miller then backhanded the puck himself for his career-high ninth goal of the season.

This was a heck of goal – and some keen offensive-awareness displayed by MILLER TIME.

It was also another example of the Rangers trying to beat Kuemper with backhanders.

And the best was yet to come – as in just 2:02 later, this happened:

LAFFY!

(via @NYRangers) pic.twitter.com/7Sh0c9KZ9i

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 2, 2023

2-0, GOOD GUYS.

Alexis Lafreniere did it again.

This goal felt exactly like the one that I had friend of the site, the host of the “BLUE TRUTH” podcast, Brian Attard, make up a funny video of last season:

Acknowledge Lafreniere. pic.twitter.com/oahwJBRZ7k

— Captain9NYR (@captain9nyr) April 16, 2022

Apparently, the official Twitter account of the New York Rangers felt the same way as I did – as they too – shared Lafreniere’s goal against Detroit from April 2022.

While I believe that the goal against Detroit was better (and maybe because it was the first), this is about the fourth or fifth time we’ve seen Lafreniere score in this fashion.

Whether you want to say “sweet mitts,” “Harlem Globetrotter,” “silky hands,” or whatever other phrase you can come up with – all of them apply.

Once again, Lafreniere jived-and-thrived, as once blowing away everyone – he finished off the goalie with backhander.

WHAT. A. GOAL.

And for a team that has had some issues with first period scoring – this insurance goal was greatly appreciated and welcomed!

Just sixty-six seconds following Lafreniere’s goal, and with 3:33 remaining – the Rangers had a chance to go up by three – as Trocheck drew Nicolas Aube-Kubel for interference – a boneheaded o-zone penalty committed by the Capital.

This was another bad power-play, where it all starts with the face-off.

The Capitals won the draw and then stunted the Rangers as they entered the zone, where by the end of these two plays – 45-seconds had been burnt off the clock.

You know it’s bad when the best Rangers’ play during these two-minutes is when Adam Fox broke up a Capitals’ three-vs-two shorthanded odd-man rush – and as he did with twenty seconds remaining on the Rangers’ power-play.

We need to be talking about goals here – not preventing them.

Now back to full-strength and with 1:33 to go; Miller broke up another Caps’ attack, which soon forced Kuemper into stopping Trocheck in the other end.

With 41 seconds remaining, Kuemper made his second-best save of the game, as Trocheck and Tarasenko had “tic-tac’d;” but Kuemper wouldn’t allow Panarin’s “toe” – as the goaltender stubbed “The Breadman” from one foot away and dead center.

We remained 2-0, GOOD GUYS, after the first period – one that was nerve-wracking at times – but one that all ended well.

Here’s what I said at the time:

2-0, GOOD GUYS, after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— Started slow, but they got their much needed goals – and erased the bad 1P juju
— Igor kept them in it early
— Thought #NYR would respond after GG’s remarks – keep it going
— SOG 9-6, FOs 12-7 NYR; Hits 9-8
— PP needs work
LGR!

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 2, 2023

It was so relaxing listening to Kenny Albert today, especially when compared to Sam Rosen these days. I’m so glad that TNT will cover the next game that the Rangers will play too – as I really needed a break from these M$GN nitwits.

SECOND PERIOD:

Gallant went right back to his third line to start this period – and was soon rewarded.

Following Chytil winning the opening draw; at the fifty-second mark, a Chytil and Lafreniere give-and-go play was snuffed out. However, they remained determined.

Just ten seconds later, Kakko scored:

GOAL: Kappo Kakko scores his 16th Goal of the Season Vs. The Washington Capitals. Assisted by Filip Chytil & K’andre Miller. pic.twitter.com/qj0pfts6zp

— x – New York Rangers Goals & Info (@NYRangersGoals) April 2, 2023

3-0, GOOD GUYS, where for whatever reason, the secondary assist was taken away from Chytil and credited to Trouba.

This play had a little luck behind it – but as they say – you create your own luck too.

With Miller in Gretzky’s Office (behind the net), he found Kakko awaiting near Kuemper’s paint.

Kakko shot the puck immediately – and while he didn’t find his intended target – he did find the skate of a Caps’ d-man – a defender who then booted the puck right past his goalie.

And while on Gretzky, what’s that old quote – “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!”

Another quote? “GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU SHOOT THE PUCK!”

So at just the 21:00 mark of the game – the Rangers were up by three – and it was the third line that opened the biggest can of whoop-ass.

Now down to 17:57 remaining, Tarasenko tried another backhander – one that Kuemper actually stopped.

Following two more turnovers from the top-six; with 15:25 remaining, Kakko almost had his second goal, but the puck hit the crossbar – and the rebound almost found Chytil – but no dice. Still, another good attempt and another example of this line generating offense.

After another top-six turnover, CZAR IGOR made a big stop on Sheary with 14:33 to go – and a save that was met with the familiar sounds of “IGOR! IGOR! IGOR!”

As we hit 14:02 remaining, the Rangers were back on the power-play, following Evgeny Kuznetsov hooking DJ Mika.

This power-play was worse than the one that had preceded it, as not only did the Capitals have the best scoring chance following another odd-man rush afforded; but Fox was nailed for hooking Tom Wilson too.

Wilson would draw another penalty, this time on the foreplay, when Vesey was boxed for interfering with one of the biggest Rangers’ agitators around.

With 12:00 remaining, the Capitals had a 51-second 5 x 3 power-play.

By the time the half-way mark of the game/period hit – the Rangers had killed both the 5 x 3 and the traditional 5 x 4 Washington power-plays.

IMPRESSIVE.

Gallant relied on Mikkola, Goodrow and Schneider to kill the 5 x 3, where following one save made on Wilson – #43 tried to get cute with Igor – but who else than Mikkola himself – to get right into Wilson’s face.

As mentioned for the fourth time in two weeks on this site – no one is faster to defend CZAR IGOR than #77.

Following these two kills, where it was an entire team effort from both CZAR IGOR and his PKers – the PK was 2-2, while the power-play was 0-2.

In a way, I guess that balances out – but yep – the power-play must improve.

Now down to 8:35 remaining – again, the third line – where on this occasion – Kuemper stopped Chytil and was lucky that Lafreniere was a foot shy of the rebound that was afforded.

As we hit 8:00 left to play, the Capitals had a 2 x 1 odd-man rush (Trouba was the lone defender) – and despite having CZAR IGOR beat – somehow – the home team missed the net.

TNT didn’t get a chance to replay this sequence because there were no stoppages for the next four-minutes or so, which in turn, this play then became largely forgotten.

However, from what I saw in real-time, as this play happened so fast – it looked like Kakko got back at the last second and was able to get the puck out before it crossed the goal line.

WOW.

A minute later, Panarin tried to set-up both Mikkola and Fox, but Mikkola’s try was blocked while Fox’s attempt was shutdown by Kuemper.

Following Kuemper’s denial; Dylan Strome rushed up the ice and scored.

3-1, good guys, and with 6:37 remaining.

It’s hard to get on CZAR IGOR because of how well he played – but yeah – he probably should’ve stopped this.

With #31 not really squared to the puck, nor hugging his post; Strome flew to the right of CZAR IGOR and bounced the puck off of the goalie’s skates.

There was some luck here – but this is what Strome intended.

Of note: No one from the TNT broadcast mentioned that CZAR IGOR had a shutout prior to this goal.

If this were M$GN, then you would’ve heard about this potential shutout no less than 789676767896 times, as Sam “The Mush” Rosen and Sieve Vagistat never have a problem jinxing the home team.

Come 4:27 remaining, Chytil (game-high four SOG, tied with Tarasenko & Trocheck), was stopped.

This Kuemper save led to a TV timeout.

Once returned, the third line, which had just completed a long shift – were right back out here – and something that Kenny Albert noticed too.

Again – another example of how much faith Gallant had in this line today.

Following Miller missing the net from the slot with 2:55 to go; fifty seconds later, and following another top-six turnover – another monster save from CZAR IGOR.

Down to 1:05 remaining (and keep this in mind for later) – Ovechkin floored Goodrow near the penalty box boards – a clean hit – but one that Goodrow wouldn’t forget.

Forty seconds later, and with both fourth lines a bit testy – Matt Irwin and Jimmy Vesey dropped the gloves.

While this wasn’t much of a fight; Irwin won this one, as he wrestled down the Harvard Alum after some weak punches.

The Rangers maintained their two-goal lead through two periods.

Here’s what I said at the time:

3-1, GOOD GUYS, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— I think the Top Six will figure it out in the playoffs, but these last three games have been alarming
— Kudos to 13/72/24 – leaps & bounds better than any other line
— SOG 16-14, FOs 21-17 #NYR; Hits 15-13
— That 1GA, ugh!
FINISH!

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 2, 2023

While he’s not in the box score every game; it’s not for a lack of trying either. Once again, Vladimir Tarasenko’s presence was felt – and he wound up scoring today’s insurance goal too. And as I’ve been saying for a while – I think it’s time to return VT91 to the Rangers’ first power-play unit.

THIRD PERIOD:

Chytil won the opening draw of the final frame – and in a response at the 43-second mark – the Caps’ iced the puck.

After that? Two more turnovers from the Rangers’ top-six – where I’m beating this drum not to diminish them – but to showcase how the third line wasn’t doing the same.

As we hit 17:00 remaining, Kubel, from the slot and while wide-open – missed the net.

While CZAR IGOR had a strong game – this is true too – the Caps missed a lot of nets and failed on some easy scoring chances on their own accord.

Now down to 15:35 left to go – CZAR IGOR survived – and I mean survived – another Caps’ attack – where yep – you guessed it – was created by another top-six turnover. It also looked like Fox had cleared a rebound before Strome could bang home a gimmie goal.

This latest display of Caps’ futility allowed the Rangers to regain their “dreaded three-goal lead.”

With 14:07 remaining, I present to you the following:

What a snipe by Tarasenko 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cUQbtACoUf

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 2, 2023

4-1, GOOD GUYS, as Tarasenko was perfectly set-up by Trocheck – and better than that – perfectly finished off Kuemper too!

Yawn, and stop me if you’ve heard this before – FOLLOWING ANOTHER TOP SIX TURNOVER – and approaching twelve minutes remaining – CZAR IGOR came up with another pair of saves – where his save on a Kubel rebound was his best, as the goaltender’s keister was on the ice at the time.

Funny enough, whoever plays the music in Washington then played “JUDAS” by Chris Jericho. This was comical to me because the crowd was chanting “IGOR! IGOR! IGOR!” at the time, as the fans of the home team were betrayed.

With the final result, but not the final score, already determined; with 8:09 to go, the Rangers’ fourth line couldn’t get to the puck – much less clear it.

This then set-up four hacks-and-whacks at Igor, where on the fifth-and-final one, Protas scored.

4-2, good guys.

However, just a few seconds later, Chytil was interfered with by Sheary, which gave the Rangers their third power-play of the game.

While I understand Gallant’s reasoning (he wants to get them going); I thought the third line, Fox and whatever other forward “THE TURK” may have desired, should’ve started this power-play.

Instead, it was the same first power-play unit who began – and ended – this man-advantage – and with just one second remaining on it:

Mika Zibanejad cranks home Kane’s backhand feed on the power play, putting the Rangers back up by 3!#NYR pic.twitter.com/e2DKTDAl7h

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) April 2, 2023

5-2, GOOD GUYS.

This was the best Rangers’ power-play of the game – and not just because they scored.

The Blueshirts challenged Kuemper a lot during this stretch of 1:59, including Kane hitting the post.

With the Caps’ PK in a state of frantic panic; Mika finally found twine – his 39th goal of the season – as he’s now one strike shy of a 40-goal campaign.

It was also at this point of the game where the game got ugly, as the frustration had set in for the Capitals.

Down to 3:31 remaining, Goodrow and Ovechkin were going at it, as #21 hadn’t forgot what happened earlier.

While maybe Goodrow got away with an elbow; it’s not like Ovi was innocent either.

As a result, we saw the following:

— Ovechkin receiving a two-minute minor for cross-checking.

— Martin Fehervary and Niko Mikkola fighting, where the Ranger won this fight.

— Goodrow and Wilson being boxed for fighting – but this wasn’t really a fight – as while both dropped their gloves – the refs wouldn’t let them go. I’ll never understand this. If two players want to fight, then why are the refs breaking it up – especially if they are going to give them five-minute majors anyway?

— Ovechkin being done for the rest of the day, as he was given a game misconduct – as he was screaming at the officials and mocking them for what he determined to be bullshit calls.

Once the dust had settled, the Rangers received a two-minute power-play.

Up by three, and where you have to believe that Gallant’s Gang didn’t want to risk any further injury by scoring, which in theory, could’ve been met by the Capitals responding with dirty tactics; the Rangers didn’t look to press the issue.

That’s why the EYE TEST, and not ANALytics and stats, tells the story.

Officially, the Rangers’ power-play finished at 25% – but they didn’t really try to score here.

Once returned to even-strength, the Rangers skated out the game devoid of any further physical antics, and in turn, as the final horn went off, 5-2, GOOD GUYS, your final!

Here’s the history maker, Gerard Gallant himself, following the win:

Obviously, Gallant was thrilled with the win – and also raved about his third line too.

On making franchise history, Gallant said:

“It’s awesome, it means you had a good season, but it doesn’t mean nothing in two weeks time. You start all over again to try and win, but it’s good, we’ve had two good years in a row and you just want to keep getting better.”

While there was no reason for the head coach to question his top-six, even if I was skeptical about them; I don’t think “THE TURK” will sit back at all. He knows the deal, and as he said, while this regular season has been good – it means nothing come the playoffs.

Aside from some practice time, the Rangers will have Monday and Tuesday off.

They return with their final back-to-back of the season on Wednesday, when they host the Lightning, and will then travel to St. Louis right afterwards for a game on Thursday night.

Come Easter Weekend, the Rangers will be in Columbus on Saturday, and following the holiday, will finish the season with a pair of home games – as they’ll look to seek revenge on the Sabres on Monday and then close the 2022-23 campaign on April 13th against Toronto.

As repeated many times before on this site – this team, the players and the head coach, will only be judged by what they do in the playoffs.

Before getting there, here are some things I’d like to see:

— Ryan Lindgren returning and at least getting two games of action, in an attempt to knock off the rust.

— The top-six just taking over.

— Limiting the turnovers.

— Mika’s 40th.

— A more successful power-play. The power-play doesn’t have to bat 1.000 – but they do need to challenge opposing goalies/PK’s a bit more.

Tampa, on paper, will be the Rangers last final true test of the season, because as mentioned before – after that, it’s three games against non-playoff teams and a finale against a team that will most likely rest their starters.

The Rangers have already made their statement (and several of them at that), but a big win over Tampa would be a huge “get-right.”

I’ll probably return on this site prior to Wednesday night, but until then, enjoy Wrestlemania should you care about it – and YES – I never thought I’d see the day where a McMahon didn’t own the WWE either!

Times are a changin’!

Enjoy the rest of the week.

PLUGS TIME!

The hardcover version of my first book, available now at Amazon.com

My first plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”

As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD

For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:

Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today

My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.

My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.

To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/

To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”

The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.

All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.

To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com

To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/

Here are my last few blogs, in case you missed them: