OT: Rangers down 3-1 to Caps

[RUaMoose]

As Flounder would say, "Oh boy is this great!"

I think the Ranger stave off elimination by winning game 5 but it ends Sunday, or whenever G6 is in DC. Can't see them coming back from 3-1 down two years in a row.

 

[mikemarc1]

As a Devils fan..I love it.

But not over yet. They did it last year with almost the same team..they can do it this year. Rangers are good..

They need Nash to start scoring goals. What a playoff bust he's been.

 

[anon_ivydyf0amkzay]

I could not care less about hockey...but sports radio will be fun today with nyr fans panicking, especially those drama queens at 98.7!

 

[RUInsanity]

I could not care less about hockey...but sports radio will be fun today with nyr fans panicking, especially those drama queens at 98.7!

I'm a fan or many sports including Hockey. From a non-stop action / excitement standpoint, it doesn't get much better than playoff hockey.

 

[superfan01]

One cup in the last 75 years for rangers. Awful.

Queen lundqvist

 

[RUInsanity]

One cup in the last 75 years for rangers. Awful.

Queen lundqvist

The great thing about having losers like you on this earth is that the rest of us can feel better about ourselves.

 

[CranfordKnight]

These games have been so hard to watch. I'm still confident in them. Each game could have gone either way.

 

[RU Cheese]

Playoff hockey

I'm a fan or many sports including Hockey. From a non-stop action / excitement standpoint, it doesn't get much better than playoff hockey.

I'm a huge hockey fan and playoff hockey is usually the best. But the league has done a terrible job this year by telling the officials to swallow the whistle. The amount of obstruction that's occurring in the games is similar to before the lockout. Scoring is way down, scoring chances are way down, and most games are being played in the neutral zone. Relatively speaking, it has not been an exciting playoffs for the league.

 

[RU Cheese]

And the Rangers are done. They've always struggled the last few years to play a complete, 60-min game in the playoffs, and they lost last night despite giving it their all, comig out strong and scoring the first goal. I think they shot their emotional load and will lose tomorrow night.

And the comparison to being down 3-1 last year is moot because aside it being a different opponent with a different style game, their comeback was largely fueled by the emotional galvanization that occurred resulting from St. Louis' mothers death.

 

[NotInRHouse]

This thread is like when Syracuse or UConn fans root against us in bowl games. Sour grapes. Fix your situation then throw stones.

 

[e5fdny]

The great thing about having losers like you on this earth is that the rest of us can feel better about ourselves.

But is he wrong?;)

 

[mikemarc1]

This thread is like when Syracuse or UConn fans root against us in bowl games. Sour grapes. Fix your situation then throw stones.

And like how Rutgers fans root against Penn State. It's not sour grapes, its a rivalry. Its all in good fun.

And I wouldn't compare Devils to Syracuse or UConn. The Devils have won MULTIPLE Championships, and have gone two 5 Champships, in 20 years. Cuse-Uconn can't touch that success. Not many pro teams can either.

I do agree, however, the past 3 years the Rangers have been the dominant team..and yes, I do wish as a Devils fan it was the Devils playing now and not the Rangers. Rangers just can't seem to take that next step and become champions.

 

[superfan01]

Ru cheeses- I disagree that this has not been an exciting playoff. I think there is adequate scoring in other series. The ranger games have been low scoring more as a result of good goaltending,'a defensive approach from both teams and the once again slumping of the Rangers star offensive players. Yes, there have been fewer penalties but the low scoring is more a result of how the teams are playing.
Ovechkin and that kid who scored both goals for wash yesterday aren't laying out to block shots in October.

 

[superfan01]

Also the low scoring to me makes the game more exciting. But that is my take.

 

[e5fdny]

Devils fan as most on here know or can figure out but IMO it's good overall for Hockey when the Rangers are really good and have a legit chance to raise Lord Stanley.

And agree with superfan01, it does make it more exciting. Super stressful but exciting at the same time.

 

[RU848789]

Playoff hockey

I'm a huge hockey fan and playoff hockey is usually the best. But the league has done a terrible job this year by telling the officials to swallow the whistle. The amount of obstruction that's occurring in the games is similar to before the lockout. Scoring is way down, scoring chances are way down, and most games are being played in the neutral zone. Relatively speaking, it has not been an exciting playoffs for the league.

I'm with you 110%. Way too much clutch and grab crap going on - it's a hockey game, not a drunken work party, lol. Power plays are exciting and lead to more goals and discourage obstruction, leading to - wait for it - more goals.

Having said that, the Rangers are quite capable of winning this series if they can just get a goal or two and wake up from their funk. Caps are good, though, so it's going to be very tough. I love playoff hockey and have no favorite team, so I always root for 7 games with OT on the 7th game.

 

[Wolv RU]

Playoff hockey

I'm a huge hockey fan and playoff hockey is usually the best. But the league has done a terrible job this year by telling the officials to swallow the whistle. The amount of obstruction that's occurring in the games is similar to before the lockout. Scoring is way down, scoring chances are way down, and most games are being played in the neutral zone. Relatively speaking, it has not been an exciting playoffs for the league.

This really is not true except for certain teams that are having trouble scoring. Teams play with more defensive effort in the playoffs. For example, their stars aren't laying out to block shots in October. The teams that win consistently in the playoffs are those that have ways to respond to that extra effort, like Chicago.

The style of play today is really not similar at all to the way it was before 2004. Almost none of these playoffs have been played in the neutral zone either, so I couldn't disagree with you more on that one.

The NHL doesn't need more scoring chances, it just needs to cut down on the size of goalie equipment so that not every goalie has a .920 S%.

 

[superfan01]

I agree wolv. Teams completely change their style of play in the playoffs. They really bear down in the defensive zone and clog the middle forcing shots and opportunities to the outside.
The effort from the forwards laying out to block shots also doesn't exist in the regular season.
As for the Rangers I think they would have been better with cam talbot in net for the playoffs. I'm not joking. There was a reason the team played its best hockey of the year with him in net. Maybe they become to relaxed with lundqvist in net or not. But for whatever reason the team clearly responds better to talbot in net. Thoughts?

 

[ClassOf02]

I agree wolv. Teams completely change their style of play in the playoffs. They really bear down in the defensive zone and clog the middle forcing shots and opportunities to the outside.
The effort from the forwards laying out to block shots also doesn't exist in the regular season.
As for the Rangers I think they would have been better with cam talbot in net for the playoffs. I'm not joking. There was a reason the team played its best hockey of the year with him in net. Maybe they become to relaxed with lundqvist in net or not. But for whatever reason the team clearly responds better to talbot in net. Thoughts?

I guess I sorta understand where you're coming from about Talbot, but there's no way I can agree with you. Lundqvist is an elite goalie. He's playing very well. You don't sit him. You just don't. I'm a huge Rangers fan, and to be honest, while I'm extremely disappointed in where we are, I'm not all that disheartened with how the team is playing. They're fighting hard, they're activating the D to try and force some offense. We're down 3-1 for a couple reasons. 1) a handful of mental lapses from Dan Boyle and Keith Yandle (ok, maybe more than a handful from Boyle -- time to hang 'em up Danny) and 2) the Caps quite frankly are playing like Tortorella's Rangers -- they're clogging everything up and blocking everything. In the 3rd period of game 4, it felt like they had four or five goalies out there. Whatever the Rangers issues are right now, it has absolutely zero to do with Lundqvist being in net.

 

[RBS05]

As for the Rangers I think they would have been better with cam talbot in net for the playoffs. I'm not joking. There was a reason the team played its best hockey of the year with him in net. Maybe they become to relaxed with lundqvist in net or not. But for whatever reason the team clearly responds better to talbot in net. Thoughts?

Yeah, my thought is that you started happy hour really really early. Lundqvist currently has a 1.64 GAA and a .939 SV%. Those are Conn Smythe-pace numbers if the Rangers could actually put the puck in the net on occasion.

 

[apgoosebumps]

Despite putting $100 on the Rangers to win the cup at 12-1 odds, as a Devils fan Ill be so happy if they are eliminated. Rangers seem to be wilting under the pressure. This can happen when you mortgage the future to win now.

 

[RBS05]

Despite putting $100 on the Rangers to win the cup at 12-1 odds, as a Devils fan Ill be so happy if they are eliminated. Rangers seem to be wilting under the pressure. This can happen when you mortgage the future to win now.

The Rangers core is young and signed long term. The window isn't close to being closed. The picks they traded in the St Louis deal have been more than made up for by the Kevin Hayes FA signing and the middle round draft success they've had (like the 3rd round alone in 2013 - Buchnevich, Tambellini, and Duclair (dealt for Yandle)).

 

[apgoosebumps]

The Rangers core is young and signed long term. The window isn't close to being closed. The picks they traded in the St Louis deal have been more than made up for by the Kevin Hayes FA signing and the middle round draft success they've had (like the 3rd round alone in 2013 - Buchnevich, Tambellini, and Duclair (dealt for Yandle)).

Fair points although I would argue Buchnevich and Tambellini are unproven. More importantly, you didn't mention Lundquist, the Rangers best player and heart and soul of the team and the player who makes up for a lot of the Rangers deficiencies. He is 33 years old and based on the history of goalies will start to rapidly decline in a few years. Its not going to help either that his cap hit is 8 million a year until he is 40!

Also the Rangers have traded away the last 4 first round picks, not just 2 in the St. Louis deal.

 

[Wolv RU]

Yeah, my thought is that you started happy hour really really early. Lundqvist currently has a 1.64 GAA and a .939 SV%. Those are Conn Smythe-pace numbers if the Rangers could actually put the puck in the net on occasion.

Those are great numbers, but Lund is being outplayed by Holtby this series. That to me is actually the difference in the series. If you look at the series the Rangers have won over the past 3 or 4 playoffs, they had superior goal tending play in each one. When it has been even or worse (i.e., Quick 2014 / Rask 2013 / Brodeur 2012) they have lost each time.

I don't think Talbot is the better goalie either. Look at Dubnyk and the Hamburglar for Ottawa. Unproven guys can have great stretches but they do run out of steam a lot too. Maybe Talbot will be an all-star some day but he has a lot to prove to get to that point.

That, and you just aren't sitting a guy that you just signed into the 2020s for 8 million a year. That just isn't going to happen.

 

[Wolv RU]

The Rangers core is young and signed long term. The window isn't close to being closed. The picks they traded in the St Louis deal have been more than made up for by the Kevin Hayes FA signing and the middle round draft success they've had (like the 3rd round alone in 2013 - Buchnevich, Tambellini, and Duclair (dealt for Yandle)).

While they have been okay, and Hayes makes up for one first round pick, I believe the Rangers are going to go 4 straight years without a first round pick. That catches up to you over time. Look at Pitt for an example.

The Rangers problem isn't that they're getting old. If anything, they are in for a cap problem. They have several defensemen signed for $5 million a year for several years, $8 million on a goaltender that is probably going to decline a bit starting in 2 or 3 years, and a lot of RFAs to lock up, many of whom are due for big raises.

Actually, the cap may be what has (or will) cost the Rangers this season. They lost their forward depth from last years team. Their major weak point comparatively this year is their 4th line. That doesn't hurt you in the regular season, but it does in the playoffs.

 

[RUJMM78]

Its very difficult to win playoff games with only 1-2 goals per game.Nash has been missing in action.

 

[RU848789]

Scintillating hockey game tonight - incredible tension and improbable comeback win by the Rangers. Both goalies were superb, again, and I really thought the Rangers were done near the end, but they somehow scored with HL heading to the bench and won it on a cracking good goal in OT. Hope it goes 7, as I love game 7's.

 

[mikemarc1]

Last night was huge. Think Rangers might pull it out now.

 

[Rutgerscc]

Absolutely no way the Rags survive game 6 in Washington.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

Absolutely no way the Rags survive game 6 in Washington.

If Vigs figures out that having someone in front of Holt actually blocks Holt's view, and that rebounds from three feet from the crease are better than rebounds from 12 feet away because you never get a rebound from 12 feet away, we can win this. The strategy has been to shoot from the wings/boards (anywhere but from the point), and it hasn't worked at all. That is until 2:00 minutes left in the 3rd when we actually jammed the net. Then McDonaugh cheated up in OT and got the game winner. It's amazing what happens when you send skaters and shooters toward the net rather than toward the boards.

 

[JMORC2003]

I agree wolv. Teams completely change their style of play in the playoffs. They really bear down in the defensive zone and clog the middle forcing shots and opportunities to the outside.
The effort from the forwards laying out to block shots also doesn't exist in the regular season.
As for the Rangers I think they would have been better with cam talbot in net for the playoffs. I'm not joking. There was a reason the team played its best hockey of the year with him in net. Maybe they become to relaxed with lundqvist in net or not. But for whatever reason the team clearly responds better to talbot in net. Thoughts?

Superfan01, sorry to hijack, but are you the member on here that worked in the TV business for a while? If it's you, I'd love to pick your brain on a few things... If you don't mind. Thanks.

 

[krup]

While they have been okay, and Hayes makes up for one first round pick, I believe the Rangers are going to go 4 straight years without a first round pick. That catches up to you over time. Look at Pitt for an example.

The Rangers problem isn't that they're getting old. If anything, they are in for a cap problem. They have several defensemen signed for $5 million a year for several years, $8 million on a goaltender that is probably going to decline a bit starting in 2 or 3 years, and a lot of RFAs to lock up, many of whom are due for big raises.

Actually, the cap may be what has (or will) cost the Rangers this season. They lost their forward depth from last years team. Their major weak point comparatively this year is their 4th line. That doesn't hurt you in the regular season, but it does in the playoffs.

You can't pay everyone, so losing players like Boyle and Stralman don't bother me as much as the fact that Sather has done a mostly poor job picking their replacements. He should be sending Hayes regular gift basket deliveries, because the publicity from that steal has seemed to coverup the fact Sather whiffed on Boyle and Glass, and just paid a huge price for Yandle who is a liability in his own end and can't even help the Rangers weak PP because his shot is so far below NHL caliber.

 

[ClassOf02]

You can't pay everyone, so losing players like Boyle and Stralman don't bother me as much as the fact that Sather has done a mostly poor job picking their replacements. He should be sending Hayes regular gift basket deliveries, because the publicity from that steal has seemed to coverup the fact Sather whiffed on Boyle and Glass, and just paid a huge price for Yandle who is a liability in his own end and can't even help the Rangers weak PP because his shot is so far below NHL caliber.

What's amazing is that the cap hit we're taking on Dan Boyle is practically the same as what Tampa Bay has for Stralman. Tell me who you'd rather have. Sather has been better in recent years but still some head scratching roster moves.

I'm hoping Yandle is either hurt or still sick because if this is what we're getting, I don't understand the hype.

All that said, RaRa is right. We've got a chance here. Throw the kitchen sink at Holtby (pucks and bodies in front) and let's see if we can get the Caps thinking their playoff curse will continue.

 

[superfan01]

think you have me confused with another poster.

 

[goru1869]

What is great about getting older and being a father now is that as a Devil fan I want the rags to lose, but I have come to relize in the long run it does not affect me one bit wether they win or lose!

 

[RUfromSoCal?]

Absolutely no way the Rags survive game 6 in Washington.

you, sir, have clearly have not watched the Capitals over the last 30 years....

 

[Jersey Boys]

Bump

 

[RutgersRaRa]

Absolutely no way the Rags survive game 6 in Washington.

 

[ClassOf02]

Here we go boys.

 

[Randal7]

Henrik is a stud in game 7. Rangers will take this series now