GDT: ECF #1 - 05/17/14 | New York Rangers @ Montreal Canadiens | 1:00 - NBC, CBC

[AHB*]

I gotta say, whatever happens... I have absolutely fallen in love with this group of guys that we have this year. Love the way they play together, love AV's system, love all of it.

Except Rick Nash. He can get ****ed.

This. It took me much longer to fall in love with this squad then the 2011-12 one. They are such different teams and not as blue collar, which I think makes it seem like when they have bad games, they just aren't trying. I think that's untrue, but it took me a while to get that. Realistically, I think this is one of the hardest working teams in the NHL. They have a lot of young-ish guys with tons of experience (Staal, McD, Hags, etc). It makes them seem like veterans but realistically, they've been here. Kreider as a rookie, even, has a ton of experience. He's going on like 30 playoff games or something now.

Also, I'm EXTREMELY disappointed in Rick Nash. As much as anyone on this planet, but the Kreider interview helped me feel a little better about him. He's working hard, we can see that on the ice. He's leaving it all out there, but isn't getting the bounces and is clearly playing with a massive monkey on his back (hence that wide open net he flubbed on Fleury in Game 5). He has a good series and a good SCF and he will be a New York legend. No one will remember these first two series.

This is from Kreider's NYP interview on Wednesday:

And last but definitely not least, is Rick [Nash], who is probably the most skilled player I’ve ever played with. I think he’s worked for every single skill set he has, which is awesome to see because he does work so so hard, and I think people need to appreciate that more. He’s a tireless worker. He’s so easy to talk to, and he’s so easy to play with. He’s kind of introverted, but so humble and down-to-earth for as talented and as skilled and as successful as he’s been.

 

[Matt4776]

Will NBCSPORTS be streaming the game on their website again?

 

[Rangerfan4life90]

I almost think that even if we had beaten the Devils that year, we wouldn't have even come close to beating the Kings in the SCF. They were simply on fire that year, and no team was beating them.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

so here is my rant of good luck - every time some big life event happens in my life...one of my teams win a championship...

Graduated elementary school - Rangers Stanley Cup - 1994
Graduated middle school - Yankees WS - 1996
Graduated High School - Yankees WS - 2000
Wedding - Yankees WS - 2009
First Child - Giants Super Bowl - 2011

well - here we are - with another baby due in October - no other of my teams can win before he's born...hoping to see the trend continue

Just knock up a woman every year. I don't care if it's the same woman

 

[Infinitum Vitae*]

We have to score on the hawks first if we want to control this game... Oh wait

 

[nevesis]

Lets go boys…Game ONE.

 

[Ola]

I almost think that even if we had beaten the Devils that year, we wouldn't have even come close to beating the Kings in the SCF. They were simply on fire that year, and no team was beating them.

I mean, in all honesty, we weren't very good that year. We also basically rolled three lines and 2 pairings. We were bound to run out of gas.

 

[Ola]

Lgr!!!

 

[Calad]

Let's go boys! Gotta come out hard. If they can take the first game then they might fain a lot of confidence in the Bell Centre for the rest of the series so this game is really important

 

[KingP]

Forget about everything and just play our game

Lets Go!

 

[Raspewtin]

So friggin pumped lets gooooo.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

This. We we're the favorite to win the east in 2012. This time we;re the underdog. I prefer being the underdog...even if it means we dont get home ice.

Not having home ice couldn't have come at a better time. We won 25 road games, most ever for this franchise. This team knows how to perform on the road, which shows the maturity of the team as a whole.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Lgr!!!!!

 

[Desdichado93]

Lgr!!!

 

[MGF0723]

I have Molson Canadian and Brooklyn Pennant Ale in the fridge. I am gonna assume I should NOT be drinking the Canadians this series.

 

[Wolfy*]

I gotta say, whatever happens... I have absolutely fallen in love with this group of guys that we have this year. Love the way they play together, love AV's system, love all of it.

Looks like they all like each other as well, to quote Kreider...

"I think how everyone gets along so well. I love every single guy on this team — it’s unbelievable how close-knit this group is, and just incredibly cohesive."

Isn't it sweet

 

[Riverdale]

Man I hate nbc

 

[Machinehead]

Hank needs to shut them out the first 10 minutes. He needs to set the tone.

 

[94wasagoodyear]

Its here!!!! A trip to the SCF is on the line if we can win this series!!!!!

 

[RiceCooker]

Let's Do This !!

 

[KingP]

Get that first one

 

[sark76]

Not having home ice couldn't have come at a better time. We won 25 road games, most ever for this franchise. This team knows how to perform on the road, which shows the maturity of the team as a whole.

3rd best road team and that unbelievable considering the first 10 or so games were on the road and we flunked big time.

 

[Killem Dafoe]

This is going to be nuts. Let's Go Rangers

 

[ponzu4u]

I can't believe how excited I am for this series!


Let's Go Rangers!!!!!!

 

[JCrusher*]

Nash just needs to relax and get some confidence. Its obvious the playoffs makes him nervous but his skillset should allow him to do well regardless. Hopefully he breaks out