Postgame: Rangers Win Three Straight, Top 'Canes 3-1

I know I keep putting out these pleasant facts to begin my postgame analysis, but they are worth recognizing. Tonight’s 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes has the Blueshirts victorious in three straight for the first time since the middle of October during their 7-game winning stretch, and also returns them to the top eight in the Eastern Conference, meaning they are in playoff position. However, it is only December, but at least they are there. This game had a tremendous pace to it and was very entertaining despite it containing two clubs that have struggled to score goals.

The first period started off fairly slow, but things picked up as the stanza progressed and saw both teams with some great opportunities. Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Ward, though, were very sharp and were making saves left and right. To be exact, Lundqvist made eight while Ward made nine in that first period. Both teams had a strong forecheck in effect.

The Hurricanes ended up striking first when Lundqvist lost sight of a Sutter shot 46 seconds into the second, and Sergei Samsonov capitalized with a wraparound goal to put Carolina up 1-0. This play was obviously misplayed by Hank, but at the same time the defenseman, which I believe was Michal Rozsival, has to either take the body or lift the stick. One of those two would have prevented the tally. Just 28 seconds later, Marian Gaborik answered with a goal of his own when he deposited a loose puck into the back of the empty cage. It was sort of a broken play with the puck bouncing off of the defenseman’s stick and to Gaborik, but nonetheless, the Rangers had this tied at one, and it would stay that way until early in the third period.

After killing a penalty which was leftover from the second, Vinny Prospal, Marian Gaborik, and Brandon Dubinsky connected for one of the prettiest plays of the season that resulted in a goal, the game-winner at that. Prospal skated in, fed Gaborik at the side of the net, and Gabs one-timed a pass to Dubinsky who deked his way to the front and shoveled a backhander over Ward for the 2-1 lead. It was an all around beautiful combination by the three first-line forwards.

I will start with the yet again great effort of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in net for New York. Lundqvist made 31 saves in the game, but the time in which he made the saves was crucial. Henrik is such a fun goalie to watch when the big saves need to be made, and that sure was the case on this night. I could think of at least three big saves Hank came up with while on the penalty-kill, which were game determining at the end of the day.

I thought Marc Staal was fantastic on defense, as was Dan Girardi and once again, Michal Rozsival. Staal was the clear standout, using his body to ward off the opposition, getting to loose pucks, and making some great defensive plays. Staal is finally coming around and has been solid in the process. There is no individual on the team that I would have liked to see get the empty-netter more than Staal. He deserved it, coming up with a great effort against the Hurricanes led by his brother, Eric.

Matt Gilroy was quiet in his return to the lineup, but his battle level was definitely better. The MSG broadcast pointed out several instances when Gilroy used the body to gain control. I cannot say I noticed Redden much besides a few turnovers, other than that, he was pretty much silent.

Marian Gaborik, Vinny Prospal, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Sean Avery were all making a difference on the offensive end of things. Gaborik registered six, count ‘em, six shots on goal in the game, two which were on semi-breakaways. Vinny Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky had their own chances and seemed to be all over the place. For the first time since being reunited, this first line for the Rangers looks really good out there and is developing chemistry as displayed on the artistic tally.

Artem Anisimov is playing the best hockey of his three-month NHL career. Now playing on the second line with Higgins and Callahan, Anisimov is skating extremely well and is showing extraordinary strength with the puck. Anisimov received 14:25 of ice time. Avery, who is more of a grinder, was hitting and battling like usual. This guy is relentless and does everything in his power to create chances on offense.

So the Blueshirts are looking sharp for the first time since October. While the goal scoring has been relatively low, goaltending has been there, the forecheck has been excellent, and the defense is tightening up. I know it may be early, but it actually looks like things are being turned around here. This has been the case ever since the “no entitlement” policy has been promoted within the locker room, starting back with the sending down of Gilroy. The Blueshirts, who are now a game over .500, will back at it on Wednesday as they look to make it four straight against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden.

(Images courtesy of AP Photo and Reuters)