We are back in Newark for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Tonight the Rangers will look to continue to take advantage of mistakes, nut must forecheck the puck into the Devils zone more. New Jersey will try to take advantage of the young New York defense, while keeping with the gameplan that worked in Game 1, but couldn’t score against Henrik Lundqvist.

The Devils may play more desperate tonight because a 2-0 Ranger lead going into the Garden probably spells certain doom for the merry band from New Jersey.  

And a mea culpa: It was Brendan Shanahan who assisted on Nigel Dawes empty netter rather then Chris Drury. That’s what happens when you see it on the way to the elevator. Thanks to my friend in life and hockey, Patrick Hoffman, for pointing that out.

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The 1-0 score held up. It just doesn’t seem like the Rangers are able to set up the offense. Let’s see what changes they will make into the second.

Also their one power play looked bad. If the Devils power play is sponsored by PSE&G then the Rangers is brought to you by the ‘77 blackout.

BTW Willie O’Ree, the first black player in the NHL dropped the first puck. A real nice man, you can read more about him here.

More later… 

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Dainius Zubrus scored on the Power Play with Michal Rozsival in the box for a 1-0 Devil lead.

It’s interesting because all season, I don’t remember the Devils taking an early lead like that.

I will have more as it comes in…. 

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Giveaways. Giveaways.

That’s the story of the first period as the Rangers gave away the puck a little too much for anyone’s taste. And the 2-0 Flyer lead, on goals by Sami Kapanen and Mike Knuble is the result. Some neat things: Colton Orr took on David Laliberte and the Flyers rookie got a 10 minutes misconduct and an instigator penalty. When will the Flyers learn?

And Henrik Lundqvist made a penalty shot save off Kapanen to the glove side.

But giveaways. If the Rangers cut that down, they should be fine.

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Blair Betts and Marty Straka scored for the Blueshirts while Dainius Zubrus and Zack Parise scored for Jersey as the Rangers lead 4-2 after 2.

Both netminders look good and the youngsters, like Marc Staal, High Jessiman, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi all are skating strong.

The key though are the netminders. Tom Renney is looking to keep one, which Valiquette leading the younger Montoya just because they don’t want the former first round pick to waste on the bench. It will be interesting to see what the coach has to say.

Let’s talk after the game.

 

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Like so many times before the Ranger formula is working. As Jagr goes, so do the Rangers. A 1-0 lead let’s see it holds up.

Funny thing, this team looks great since Game 2 and needs this game, so will the final 20 hold up?

Remember Buffalo was not shut out all season, so it’s tough to see them just sitting back.

Let’s see what happens….

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