If ever a game should, could be one of those games that provides serious momentum then this victory should be it. The Rangers owned the Flyers today in almost every facet. Whether it was Dubinsky owning Richards in their fight, on special teams or in the duel between the goaltenders (all three of them) the Rangers simply had the Flyers number all game long. If this was the only evidence, then the Eastern conference’s powerhouse does not come from Pennsylvania.

Highlighted by Ryan Callahan’s 4 goal, 5 point night the Rangers played with energy from the start and were never in danger of losing this game. The powerplay looked much improved and the finishing of the Rangers was, like in Ottawa, much improved from recent games. Aside from Callahan there was strong performances all over the Rangers roster. Ryan McDonagh was back for the Rangers and he played an excellent game once more, highlighted by his strong stick work on defense that directly led to one of the Blueshirts goals.

Goals breed confidence and you could see the confidence grow as the game went on. Following a first period which the Rangers dominated and a second period which was equally strong for the Rangers you could especially see the confidence in the movement on the powerplay. Whether it was the narrow miss from Callahan after some nice passing (and a selfless feed from Gaborik) or the strong play by Gilroy to find an open Callahan for his fourth, the Rangers play grew in confidence. Artem Anisimov’s slick move for goal number 6 was perhaps exhibit A for that aforementioned growing confidence. After he’d missed a previous, similar attempt earlier on, there was no reluctance by Anisimov to try another skill move as he deked Bobrovsky to slide the puck in. The Rangers were rampant.

Good on the penalty kill, much improved on the power play and contributions all over the ice, all over the roster, this is the kind of game that can propel a team to a winning streak. That streak couldn’t come at a better time for the Rangers so let’s hope this win (and the confidence gained from it) ignites NYR.

  • Obvious but still needs a mention; Callahan was epic. His finish after Versteeg’s turnover was cool. His first PP goal over Boucher’s shoulder was slick.
  • Henrik was named one of the three stars but he didn’t need to be that good. He made a few great saves but he didn’t need to be heroic. He was simply very, very solid.
  • Ryan McDonagh – when all is said and done he may become the Rangers best defenseman. He is that good. He played with poise and there’s no way he’s as young as his birth certificate suggests.
  • Marian Gaborik was good tonight. He was around the puck, he didn’t play on the periphery and for a first game back it’s a good start.
  • When Brandon Dubinsky plays like he did tonight you can see a 75-80 point/season future. Just needs to eliminate some of the cold streaks. Love his ‘compete level’…

Sorry it’s a brief wrap up tonight folks. Very little time to do more. Would have loved to detail every single goal and good play against that bunch from Philly but alas, time won’t permit. It’s a good day to be a Rangers fan, fingers crossed this game carries over to the West Coast trip next week.

 

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