Rangers and Avery Sinking Fast!

It was only three days ago when Rangers' fans were on all-time high. The Rangers had just disposed of the New Jersey Devils a long time a rival in just five games, and looked extremely poised going into the second round. It was no different for the drop of the puck on Friday night; the Rangers faced a sea of white in Pittsburgh. They came out strong and with a few bounces and a snipe by Sean Avery and Brandon Dubinsky, they saw themselves off to a 3-0 lead against an Eastern Conference powerhouse. A powerhouse which they proved to be, before New York even knew what was going on the game was 3-2 and they were back on their heels. The Rangers held on however and carried a 3-2 lead into the third period, but the superstars for Pittsburgh would not stop showcasing their skills, and the Rangers defense just had no answer. Two more goals back-to-back early in third put the Rangers from watching the Pens in their rear-view to trying and draft them as though in a drag race. Undisciplined play from both sides gave the game a pond hockey feel with odd-man rushes going both ways and goalies a non-factor for the most part. Gomez scored for the Rangers to make it 4-4, but a questionable call on Martin Straka, eluded to a power play goal game winning goal for the Penguins. The Rangers were a post away with 20 seconds left of forcing an overtime period. However, they did blow a 3-0 lead, in a game which could have stolen home ice advantage. Game two was no different with only a line and a half of Rangers actually coming to play and play hard, along with a stellar performance by Vezina Trophy finalist Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist faced 31 shots in which he only let in one power play goal, in which his defense was out worked. His defense left him hung out to dry numerous times in which he came up big. It's not every day when your goalie has a performance in the play offs such as that and the Rangers did not capitalize getting shut-out 2-0 and going down in the series 2-0 as well. The series will head to New York on Tuesday night, where the Rangers will get a chance in front of their fans to prove that this year's hype was not put to waste like last year's.




I would also like to mention at this time that league has made a turn for the worse. The governing body of the NHL and its referees are just not what they used to be. Calls that are being made are extremely questionable at times, and it seems they are only right after being reviewed for 20 minutes in Toronto. Players are embellishing calls, and doing whatever it takes to get the referees attention. Even perennial all-stars and NHL poster child Sidney Crosby is joining in on the fun. I have never seen such a talented player in my life since I have started watching hockey, but the antics must stop. He has his goons to protect him, he does not have to flop around and open his mouth every time he his touched. Play through it all, that's what hockey is all about and let your hired body guards protect you. For as much grief as a player like Sean Avery gets, no one is out there protecting him, he goes and plays hard every game, and just loves to compete. Yes, he may step over the line from time to time, but every great player steps over the line in one way or another, you can't get on a guys case for competing 110% even if it is a little unorthodox from time to time.