Post-Game Talk: Rangers 2 - Canadiens 3

[capnk]

Tokarski played great - gotta tip your hat to him.

If the Rangers keep playing like they're playing, they will win this series.

Montreal looks like a tired team that got a few bounces.

This is exactly what happened. This Habs team is not the same team that beat boston (lack of capital B is intended).
They are definitely gassed and the Rangers' d corps is extremely tight, snuffing out most chances down low. Kudos to your team, impressive to watch.
Makes me dislike Gainey even more and more.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

If the Rangers keep playing like they're playing, they will win this series.

I don't know. They were outplayed in Game 2 and I don't think they were the better team last night. Not enough sustained pressure. I think they let Montreal dictate the tone and let Montreal decide how the game was going to play with their antics in the first. Sure, they out shot them, but I'm not sure they were the better team last night.

They need to challenge their goalie more.

 

[clmetsfan]

Tough luck game, though to be fair it went both ways. Hank has still only gotten beaten cleanly on 2 out his 6 goals allowed in the series.

 

[Fletch]

did the inability to roll four lines really hurt the Rangers last night? They got the chances on net, but couldn't score the third goal and fell behind and had to scramble late. Would rolling four lines have helped Nash or Richards score a goal early in the game which could've changed the complexion of the game? Can't these forwards get upwards of near 20 minutes in a night any longer? Over the course of a season, or a series, being able to roll four lines helps a lot because it keeps people fresh. The Rangers had an extra day off and thus should've been fresh in any event.

 

[Maximus]

I don't know. They were outplayed in Game 2 and I don't think they were the better team last night. Not enough sustained pressure. I think they let Montreal dictate the tone and let Montreal decide how the game was going to play with their antics in the first. Sure, they out shot them, but I'm not sure they were the better team last night.

They need to challenge their goalie more.

No offense but not sure we are watching the same games. I thought we dominated 75% of Game 1. Other than first 12-15 minutes of Game 2 and final 5 minutes maybe, I felt it was us who carried the play to them. And last night? Just like Game 1, I thought we carried the play to them 75% of the time. We clearly were better team in Games 1 and 3 and it was close in Game 2 with slight edge to us. Humorous how two people can watch same exact game and see things so completely differently. Beauty of sports and being a fan I guess.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I don't know. They were outplayed in Game 2 and I don't think they were the better team last night. Not enough sustained pressure. I think they let Montreal dictate the tone and let Montreal decide how the game was going to play with their antics in the first. Sure, they out shot them, but I'm not sure they were the better team last night.

They need to challenge their goalie more.

I dont think they were outplayed in Game 2. Maybe for a period but not the game as a whole. The Rangers were beating the Canadiens all over the ice and winning battles in the 2nd and 3rd. That continued last night. It was a sloppy game all around, wasnt too crisp. I dont know if it was the ice or not but the Rangers had some poor performances last night from players that have been better. You are right about challenging their goalie a little more but he made some very good saves, quietly. St. Louis could have had 1 or 2. I think the Rangers are the better team, top the bottom, but they have to be better in Game 4.

 

[Miamipuck]

did the inability to roll four lines really hurt the Rangers last night? They got the chances on net, but couldn't score the third goal and fell behind and had to scramble late. Would rolling four lines have helped Nash or Richards score a goal early in the game which could've changed the complexion of the game? Can't these forwards get upwards of near 20 minutes in a night any longer? Over the course of a season, or a series, being able to roll four lines helps a lot because it keeps people fresh. The Rangers had an extra day off and thus should've been fresh in any event.

It's not that at all. The team runs as a well oiled machine when there are 4 complete lines. Carcillo ruined that cohesion, it made the Rangers feel a bit disjointed, the game disjointed. The lines were mixed and matched. The Rangers outplayed Montreal to be sure but the 4th line wasn't good last night when normally they're a lot better. It created a little bit of a crack for Montreal to win the game.

I guess the whining crying baby Prust was smart like a fox. I don't think the baby will be so lucky next game. His hit and subsequent non call set the tone for game and the domino's fell where they did. It is what it is.

That said, the lack of discipline exhibited by Carcillo had set the series of events in motion. It was just one of those nights.

 

[Fletch]

Agreed, Singn'

Montreal had a chance to regroup with an extra day and put the loss of their goalie, and two losses at home, further behind them. Now the Rangers need to rebound and have a strong home game before this really becomes a series. I don't see this as a cake walk. Game one got out of hand. Game two was a bit more evenly matched but Henrik stood on his head and MTL was a bit undisciplined. Need to regain that focus. OT wins on the road are boosters.

 

[bubba5]

Heard Mckenzie on TSN this morning. Does not think Prust will get suspended because Stepan came back in game, he may but is lean towards nothing. Carillo will get a big suspension. Refs invoked rule 40 rule which basically takes it out of the NHL office hands. He can get 5, 10, or 20 and even 30 I think, but thinks because of his history, it will not be 5.

 

[corduroyg]

I dont think they were outplayed in Game 2. Maybe for a period but not the game as a whole. The Rangers were beating the Canadiens all over the ice and winning battles in the 2nd and 3rd. That continued last night. It was a sloppy game all around, wasnt too crisp. I dont know if it was the ice or not but the Rangers had some poor performances last night from players that have been better. You are right about challenging their goalie a little more but he made some very good saves, quietly. St. Louis could have had 1 or 2. I think the Rangers are the better team, top the bottom, but they have to be better in Game 4.

spot on with game 2. we were not outplayed in that game. the 1st period? yes. but we controlled the 2nd and 3rd, the shots on goal is misleading. canadians had a ton of shots on that 6 on 4 power play late in the game. once st louis scored to make it 3-1 i never felt that game was in jeopardy. rangers controlled game 3 more than montreal controlled game 2.

 

[OverTheCap]

The execution wasn't there. The inability to finish is a problem that has cropped up time and time again for this team so it's not entirely surprising that it reared it's ugly head again. They shoot wide and whiff on wide open nets. Not sure if it's a killer instinct thing or if they are just wildly inconsistent at hitting the net, but it's something that this team/organization needs to focus on addressing in the offseason.

 

[Miamipuck]

spot on with game 2. we were not outplayed in that game. the 1st period? yes. but we controlled the 2nd and 3rd, the shots on goal is misleading. canadians had a ton of shots on that 6 on 4 power play late in the game. once st louis scored to make it 3-1 i never felt that game was in jeopardy. rangers controlled game 3 more than montreal controlled game 2.

I missed most of the first period that game because of school. That said:

I ask honestly, did you ever feel the Rangers were in danger during Game # 2?

My honest answer is: No way in hell.

 

[offdacrossbar]

i think we need to be careful not to fall in love with our supposed speed advantage. we did seem faster than montreal last night- they look gassed, but speed in and of itself isnt going to win this series.

tokarski played very well last night but our inability to finish continues to be our achiles. he made some key stops no doubt, but also left so juicy rebounds that we didnt cash on. we continue to miss the net high and wide. its gotten sickening actually.

vet guys like st louis, rick "cannot score" nash and beever all need to be more productive with the puck on their blades. those are the guys that needed to step up last night and didnt.

defensively i like our play. 5on5 rock solid. our pp and our shooting continue to cost us.

if we continue to exploit the montreal dmen for what they are, plodding, mechanical and flat footed, we can dominate for long stretches. if we continue to shoot it like little girls, we will give montreal a chance to steal games like they did last night.

 

[poeman]

Im just beyond pissed because the refs were not looking to give the Habs any penalties for their stupid ****. What the **** is the league doing?

They need to look at the mess from last night...Too many men, slewfoot, Prust attack...What is this nonsense?

Also, as annoying and bad that loss was the Rangers played well. They need to elevate the puck on Tokarski and fire away near the net. He was making saves and had no clue where the puck was...Rangers need to be aggressive there.

Really upset with the outcome but thats not because I expected to go 4-0 its because they played so well in the first two games on the road and now we are home and we HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS. We need to win the next game

 

[Krams]

**** puck luck, atrocious officiating, and a great job by Tokarski. Get 'em Sunday.

 

[chosen]

I have to say that I thought the Montreal fans were slightly more knowledgeable than they appear here on HF Boards.

They sound ignorant, arrogant and simply unable to see anything without 100% complete bias in favor of their Habs.

It is disappointing and annoying.

I can't even read the main boards at this point.

Who would have thought the Pens and Philly fans were more reasonable...

We have the same types here. It's a universal sports fan thing.

 

[NikC]

Im just beyond pissed because the refs were not looking to give the Habs any penalties for their stupid ****. What the **** is the league doing?

They need to look at the mess from last night...Too many men, slewfoot, Prust attack...What is this nonsense?

Also, as annoying and bad that loss was the Rangers played well. They need to elevate the puck on Tokarski and fire away near the net. He was making saves and had no clue where the puck was...Rangers need to be aggressive there.

Really upset with the outcome but thats not because I expected to go 4-0 its because they played so well in the first two games on the road and now we are home and we HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS. We need to win the next game

Suburban was hacking, slashing, hanging on every ranger on nearly every shift...

Was he called once? Why have officials? Kreider payback?

Rangers can't get calls because a mtl player was stupid enough to hook a player on a breakaway in route to their net? Bs

 

[Miamipuck]

Suburban was hacking, slashing, hanging on every ranger on nearly every shift...

Was he called once? Why have officials? Kreider payback?

Rangers can't get calls because a mtl player was stupid enough to hook a player on a breakaway in route to their net? Bs

The refs were terrible last night but your post belongs in Montreal.

 

[OverTheCap]

i think we need to be careful not to fall in love with our supposed speed advantage. we did seem faster than montreal last night- they look gassed, but speed in and of itself isnt going to win this series.

tokarski played very well last night but our inability to finish continues to be our achiles. he made some key stops no doubt, but also left so juicy rebounds that we didnt cash on. we continue to miss the net high and wide. its gotten sickening actually.

vet guys like st louis, rick "cannot score" nash and beever all need to be more productive with the puck on their blades. those are the guys that needed to step up last night and didnt.

defensively i like our play. 5on5 rock solid. our pp and our shooting continue to cost us.

if we continue to exploit the montreal dmen for what they are, plodding, mechanical and flat footed, we can dominate for long stretches. if we continue to shoot it like little girls, we will give montreal a chance to steal games like they did last night.

Agree with just about everything. Nash and St. Louis had the games on their sticks a few times last night but couldn't get the job done. I have no clue what Richards was trying to do on the PP.

The team has to find a way to to pounce on rebounds, they let Mason and Fleury off the hook earlier in the playoffs and now they are doing the same with Tokarski.

The lack of finish and inconsistent PP are perhaps the biggest reasons why our playoff series always seem to go to the distance.

 

[NikC]

The refs were terrible last night but your post belongs in Montreal.

Yea ok. You can say the refs were terrible, but my posts belong in Mtl because i call out Stubban?

 

[TheTakedown]

Originally Posted by silverfish View Post
Maybe this is sour grapes, but it's how I actually feel.

That game was lost when the refs missed the call on Prust, it completely changed the complexion of the game. The Rangers saw the replay and got angry, and took matters into their own hands. That "charging" call on Carcillo was absolute bull****, and then things were exacerbated when he got into it with the linesman. Which I also have some views on, but don't want to come off as the biggest homer of all time.

Instead of the Rangers having a 5 minute PP, and Prust ejected from the game which is what should have happened, and Montreal playing with 11 forwards; Montreal gets the first PP of the game on the softest of soft calls, and Carcillo gets ejected while Prust roams the ice as a free man.

And who knows, maybe it's a butterfly effect thing. Maybe Prust gets ejected, and by double shifting Patcioretty, he scores 7000 goals and the Rangers lose 7000-0, who knows?

I just really think it changed everything about how the Rangers wanted to play that game. I'm still furious over that hit. Prust should be done for at least three games, and hopefully they give him 4 so he's out for at least this series.

Tough game from Hank. You know he wants goal #1 back. Goal #3 is far from his fault, he was trying to put the puck into the corner, and it would have gone there, I have no problem with that. On this same token, I think this was Staal's worse game in a while. I thought for the most part aside from a few plays, the D as a whole was just very poor.

Tokarski was lights out. The Rangers made him look good on a couple of saves, but on a few more... wow. He left some juicy rebounds at points during the game, too. Need to do a better job of crashing the net and stopping there for rebounds, textbook by Hagelin on his goal. I just think it's so funny how some posters who are so quick to get on Hank, are also the ones who are so quick to praise the opposition netminder at the same time. The way they talk, you'd think Hank is the worst goalie in the world.

Unfortunate because now game four isn't really a *must* win, but really is a *must* win. Puts all the pressure back on us. Maybe that's a good thing for this team.

THIS...

Not that the refs blew the game for us, but there was definitely intend to ensure this series would go 5 games, I am absolutely convinced that Bettman played a hand in this (would make sense considering he went out of his way to say what a "wonderful organization" NYR is just hours before the game.. nice way to cover his ass)...

Prust was absolutely head-hunting on that Stepan hit, and the fact that he wasn't penalized proved that the refs were going to try and give this game to Montreal... I will say though, NYR was very resilient, and they didn't allow the refs to give them the game... MTL's power play was awful all game, and the rangers despite the horrific and biased beginning, STILL Controlled most of the play....

Lets put on top of that the 5 slash calls missed on Subban, and whining of Terrien all game because of "lucky breaks".

Don't get me started on NBC's ranting about the 2 missed penalties committed by the rangers, they would not let off that. Bottom line is that the Rangers were the better team, had about 7-9 seriously nice chances that were either robbed by Tokarski, or shanked on by the rangers... hell, I'd even go as far as saying that Tokarski stole this game for them... it should have been 4-1 Rangers if it wasn't for him -- MSL had 3 wide open net shots he missed, Zucc missed about 3 serious chances, Richards flubbed his wide open chance by waiting too long on his shot, hell even Dorsett was making room and setting up his line mates

Hopefully Brass comes back for game 4... Lines 3 and 4 are suffering without their normal players (Boyle is a terrible centerman, and Moore does not have the chemistry with Zucc on that line).

 

[nevesis]

“@NHLPlayerSafety: Montreal forward Brandon Prust will have a hearing today for interference for his hit on New York forward Derek Stepan.”

 

[Megustaelhockey]

“@NHLPlayerSafety: Montreal forward Brandon Prust will have a hearing today for interference for his hit on New York forward Derek Stepan.â€

Out of convenience because he's in town. I think they could have done this one on the phone, too.

 

[TheTakedown]

Out of convenience because he's in town. I think they could have done this one on the phone, too.

I really hope he gets 1 game at the least. That was a blatent, intent-to-injure, dirty hit.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

This ****ing game is haunting my dreams. I woke up and that was all I could think about.