GDT: ECF - Game 1 - New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning - 8pm EST, ESPN - Series (0-0)

[GENESISPuck94]

Tampa fan bringing up cheating because of a picture in the GDT . I find that pretty funny. Lol.

Fuggettaboot it

 

[GAGLine]

Watching the Oilers v. Avs game last night, one of the guys brought up a really good point: What are either of those teams going to do against really defensively sound teams like us or Tampa. Mark my words, whomever comes out of this series, provided they aren't too banged up, wins the cup imo.

I've seen this sentiment from a few people, and I think it's a bit crazy to be honest. Just because Tampa and the Rangers might be better defensively doesn't mean either team can stop Colorado or Edmonton. Calgary was one of the best defensive teams in the league and got dismantled by Edmonton. The Crosby line broke us down as well.

I'm not saying we can't beat either team (or that Tampa can't), but it's going to be really hard.

 

[McRanger92]

Blais hasn't even practiced in a contact jersey.

There' steps to this. He's coming off of a massive knee ligament injury. If it was a Broken Bone, I could see him coming back. Ligaments is not something you mess with. He'd have to slowly build up to it IMO

He's been skating with the team for over a week, and with how the Rangers operate, he was most likely skating on his own for a time before that. If he can go, he'll go. We're in the ECF, there's no doubt a former Cup winner like him is itching to get back in the lineup.

 

[duhmetreE]

With Vasi... You'd be hard pressed to beat him if he squares up and sees the puck. It's that simple in a sense.

Traffic in front and cross seam passes IF they are available.

Vally has been saying he's beatable in the area below the arms and above the pads. That's actually where a lot of our players are shooting ( that's where Panarin loves to shoot ) ....

He's been skating with the team for over a week, and with how the Rangers operate, he was most likely skating on his own for a time before that. If he can go, he'll go. We're in the ECF, there's no doubt a former Cup winner like him is itching to get back in the lineup.

Yes, but he has not taking contact yet.

 

[duhmetreE]

@ajcastigliaa at it again.

 

[Unpredictable1]

Most of you are too young to know this but it reminds me of the $6 million man...we can rebuild him. I don't know how this guy keeps coming back and playing!!! Freaking warrior!!!!

Loved that show so much as a kid.

 

[mas0764]

Cant take Kakko out with how the Kid Line has performed throughout the playoffs. And Reaves size and physicality is needed against a Tampa team that will take liberties if you don't have an answer. Vatrano to me is the clear odd man out. Hasnt done enough on that top line.

I'm not sure Blais really needs to be inserted cold back into the lineup.

4 points in 14 games, I think people are falling in love with the idea of a hard nosed middle 6er who can score like Vatrano can, and would be an all-around upgrade, but I don't think Blais is actually anywhere close to that good, especially not being in game shape most likely.

 

[Larrybiv]

Jump on them early. We are riding high off the intensity of a G7 win 2 days ago. Vasilevsky hasn’t seen pucks in a game situation in 9 days. The Garden crowd has been electric and will propel them. It’s the big leagues now. Can’t wait.

Yes, knock them for a loop early and often. Get Vaseline questioning himself a bit, maybe Garden will do a Vasey Vasey chant.
With that said, I think we take them out in 5. Losing only game 3.
Impossible most will say......it's simple.

Win first 2 at home.
Lose game 3, because it's early 3pm game and Tampa has to push back somewhat......right?
We regroup and take game 4, and heading home.
Game 5, Garden goes berserkamundo, as Goodrow pots game winner in O.T. (fitting, right?)
You see, simple. On to the finals.

 

[Rangerfan4life90]

I'm not sure Blais really needs to be inserted cold back into the lineup.

4 points in 14 games, I think people are falling in love with the idea of a hard nosed middle 6er who can score like Vatrano can, and would be an all-around upgrade, but I don't think Blais is actually anywhere close to that good, especially not being in game shape most likely.

You're definitely underrating Blais. A 4th line of Motte-Goodrow-Blais would be very solid against a Tampa team.

Maybe Reaves stays in for the first game or 2 to set the tone, especially at MSG, but Blais should be in after if he can go.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

I feel better about this series than the previous ones tbh, especially without Point. Look at the rosters. I think we are deeper. It's going to come down to special teams and goaltending as always.

 

[Lion Hound]

Lets go Boys!!!!

Such a different matchup vs the Canes series. Lots of experience on the Lightning. With that said I like the Middle 6 matchups. Love the 4th line matchup as well.

 

[McRanger92]

I'm not sure Blais really needs to be inserted cold back into the lineup.

4 points in 14 games, I think people are falling in love with the idea of a hard nosed middle 6er who can score like Vatrano can, and would be an all-around upgrade, but I don't think Blais is actually anywhere close to that good, especially not being in game shape most likely.

Blais has been through these games. He was acquired for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Vatrano is a good soldier but he's got 3 goals in the playoffs playing with Mika & Kreider and was completely neutralized at even strength in the Carolina series. I keep harping on it but anyway you can match Tampa's size, you need to do it. If Sammy cant hack it, get Vatrano back in. Its all hands on deck now.

 

[Crease]

Was there a morning skate?

 

[duhmetreE]

Was there a morning skate?

Tampa is coming on the ice now... maybe we go after them

 

[Ratelleitlikeitis]

Hey look the two time champs are rated 15th at faceoffs! We've got a chance.

 

[mas0764]

You're definitely underrating Blais.

This board is overrating him. Someone suggested pulling Kakko out for him.

A 4th line of Motte-Goodrow-Blais would be very solid against a Tampa team.

Maybe Reaves stays in for the first game or 2 to set the tone, especially at MSG, but Blais should be in after if he can go.

A fourth line of Motte-Goodrow-Blais WOULD be very solid. I endorse it, if the suggestion is taking out Reaves. Blais can actually play a little unlike Reaves.

But anyone else, I don't see the utility, especially coming off his injury, especially not having played in months.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Was there a morning skate?

Vince said there’s no morning skate. They’re only doing the 530pm interviews

 

[bl02]

These 8pm / 2am games are the absolute worst.

Early enough that there's no point trying to sleep before the game, and late enough that there's no point trying to sleep after the game.

However this series turns out, it's been a great run for the team. Oddly, I have a good feeling about this series. Rangers in four.

Mika likes these hours. DJ's prefer the later starts.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

f*** ALEX KILLORN

Also the jerky reporter’s question about their getting Tampa’s additions ready for the finals. Surprised Hedman answered.
Give him an ESL pass.

 

[Ratelleitlikeitis]

Tampa without Point can be beaten.

It would be Pointless to argue.

 

[BleedBlueNYR]

I've seen this sentiment from a few people, and I think it's a bit crazy to be honest. Just because Tampa and the Rangers might be better defensively doesn't mean either team can stop Colorado or Edmonton. Calgary was one of the best defensive teams in the league and got dismantled by Edmonton. The Crosby line broke us down as well.

I'm not saying we can't beat either team (or that Tampa can't), but it's going to be really hard.

I'm not arguing with you that Edmonton or Colorado would be tough to stop, but Calgary doesn't have Shesterkin or Vasilevsky.

 

[duhmetreE]

I'm not arguing with you that Edmonton or Colorado would be tough to stop, but Calgary doesn't have Shesterkin or Vasilevsky.

or their best defensive defensemen.

Tanev did not play or played extremely hurt. Had shoulder surgery as soon as it ended.

Zadarov had broken ribs.

They were banged up and for whatever reason, chose to play an open game with Edmonton.

Everyone is lamenting on the Rangers playing backups.. Colorado hasn't played a strong starting goalie all playoffs ... ( minus the 2 game of Binnington, it was 1-1 with STL getting the split on the road )

 

[savebyrichter94]

Keep proving everyone wrong and fire a shot across the bow tonight LGR!!!

 

[will1066]

Kumite is full contact. Blais is still no-contact. Ask Chong Li. I didn't make the rules. Therefore, Blais is not quite ready for Kumite. @Leonardo87 @Cmox @LieutenantLackluster @Kreider Beast @artoor13 @KirkAlbuquerque

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I'm not sure Blais really needs to be inserted cold back into the lineup.

4 points in 14 games, I think people are falling in love with the idea of a hard nosed middle 6er who can score like Vatrano can, and would be an all-around upgrade, but I don't think Blais is actually anywhere close to that good, especially not being in game shape most likely.

He should draw in for Reaves when hes ready to go. I don't know why this is a discussion.